6 cups of water
a bottle of witch hazel oil (easily found at any traditional pharmacy/ drug store)
2 oz. of comfrey leaf tea (herbal remedy store - I have not found the leaf, but I found a topical comfrey extract at Whole Foods and will be using that instead.)

Boil everything together for approx. 5 minutes, allow to cool, then soak at least a dozen maxi pads in the solution.

Freeze the maxi pads in ziploc baggies, one next to another (not on top of each other, as they will freeze together). If you can, try and shape the pad to fit your body, remember you are going to put it on frozen!

When you are heading to the hospital or wherever you are having your baby, place at least a dozen in a cooler and bring them with you. They should be able to store them for you in a freezer once you have been admitted.

As soon as you have delivered your placenta, and the doctor or midwife is finished cleaning you up, ask for a pad. Place the pad directly on you, with the diaper that will be provided on the outside, then the mesh underwear.

The pad will slowly melt releasing its healthy ointment, and as soon as you feel it is warm, and melted, ask for another one. Apparently, this can really speed up your healing process, and reduce pain, itching, and/or discomfort.

Another note, apparently (if you deliver at a hospital) you are given a spray bottle with a numbing ointment. My friend suggested you spray yourself with warm water and then the ointment after every trip to the bathroom for the first few days. It will really help with your discomfort, and speed up the healing process.

I hope this is helpful, good luck to everyone!

Andrea