First Days Maternity Reusable Hot & Cold Gel Packs (Pack of 2)

These super duper reusable hot and cold packs can be used for a whole host of ailments following childbirth or generally.

They’re made from gel, not beads, so hold their temperature really well. Supplied in a pack of two, with washable sleeves to hold it in place in your underwear, you’ve got one to use and one to chill / freeze / heat. Suitable for ALL new mums, whether you deliver your baby by a vaginal or caesarean birth.

Uses

Perineal Warm Pack

The use of heat therapy on the perineum is not regularly discussed, although there is a possibility that applying heat to the perineum in the latter stages of labour can reduce the risk of tearing by relaxing the tissues. This might be something you would like to discuss with your midwife, before labour, of course! You can also apply heat to the perineal area a few days following birth to encourage blood flow to the area, which can help speed up healing.

Perineal Cold Pack

Excellent for use after delivery, cooling therapy has been used to help relieve pain and discomforts for thousands of years, even the Ancient Egyptians used cooling therapy. Safe to use straight after birth, Use for up to 20 minutes each time. We would suggest using a ‘cool’ rather than a ‘frozen’ Gel Pack for the first time, you will be very sensitive after the birth and may find the frozen pack too cold.

Caesarean Wounds

Perfect for c-section wounds, too. Place a chilled Gel Pack over your caesarean scar to help reduce swelling and soothe those itchy stitches. Use warm to encourage blood flow and speed up healing. (Warm is surprisingly soothing, too)

Breastfeeding

Use warm to encourage let down, especially helpful if pumping, or cool to soothe blocked ducts or mastitis discomfort.

Apply to the breast for several minutes and follow with a gentle massage or stroke the breast tissue towards the nipple, not forgetting that milk ducts cover a large area, above and below the nipple.

Other uses…

Headaches, kids bruises, in your pocket for the winter school run etc.

• Directions
• To heat: Submerge Gel Pack in hot water for 2-3 minutes, longer if required. OR Microwave for 20 seconds, followed by additional five second increments if needed. Be careful for hotspots.
• To chill: Place Gel Pack in the fridge for a minimum of one hour before use.
• To freeze: Place Gel Pack in the freezer for at least an hour before use. Use underneath your sanitary towel / maternity pad if freezing. If using underneath a sanitary towel, it is worth noting that the thinner ones work best. Thicker pads will reduce the cold effect.
• Gel ingredients: 56% Water 40% Glycerin 4% CMC
• Class I Medical Device, CE Marked
• Sleeves
• Two sleeves included to hold your Gel Pack in your underwear. Each sleeve has two poppers for a more secure fit. You do not have to use the sleeves if you don’t want to. You can wash your sleeves by hand, or in the washing machine at up to 40ºC. Dry them in the tumble dryer, on the washing line or over a radiator. The sleeves are made from 100% polyester.
• Warnings:
• If you freeze your Gel Pack, you must place it underneath your maternity pad / sanitary towel. It can be dangerous to apply freezing temperatures directly to the skin.
• Please be careful if microwaving. Hot spots are common when microwaving, after the initial 20 seconds of heating, increase the heating time in five second increments only, checking the pack between each cycle.
• Safety Information:
• Do not open or puncture pack, if pack leaks, dispose of pack immediately.Do not ingest gel. If gel gets in to contact with eyes or skin, rinse thoroughly with warm water. Do not use on sensory impaired patients. Do not place frozen gel pack directly on skin. Keep out of reach of children.