There are a lot of things they don’t tell you about being pregnant and giving birth until you’re actually in that situation.
Then there are some things you don’t get told even then.
One of those? That after giving birth, a frozen condom will be the ultimate “treat”.
Interesting. Image: iStock
Having never birthed a human myself, I was simultaneously astounded, curious and ever so slightly confused. But it turns out even some in the office who have children hadn't heard of the hack.
Also called 'Ice fingers' or 'Vaginal popsicles' (I know which ones I prefer) it involves filling a condom full of water, freezing it, then laying it lengthwise in your knickers to give your poor vagina some much-needed relief.
It's the hush-hush secret you don't know you need until downstairs starts to burn.
Listen: Bec Judd talks about her pregnancies. Post continues after audio.
A user on parenting site Direct Advice for Dads included the tip on his list of must-have items to bring your wife in hospital.
"Make sure you’re stocked up on condoms. Filled with water and frozen, they’re the perfect shape to rest in between new mum’s legs and ease a bit of pain and swelling," he wrote.
"Don’t believe me? This is actually a thing. Shortly after giving birth in hospital, my wife was taken to a fridge full of frozen condoms."
A WHOLE FRIDGE.
User Aundria_08 said the trick "made a huge difference after delivery" on forum Baby Center.
"After you deliver your coochie is super-sore. Especially if you tear. Buy some panty liners and cut an opening in one end," she wrote.
"Slide the frozen condom inside and wear the frozen panty liner until it melts. Repeat as necessary. Your vagina will thank you for it!"
However the trick is to not overfill them and ensure you keep them flat.
"Fill them up with water and tie the end like a balloon. When laying on a table they should look flat - don't fill them up too much. Put them in a container so they remain flat and put them in the freezer," she continued.
Did you know about the ice trick? Did you use it and did it help?
Listen: We share all the things they don't tell you about being pregnant on our pregnancy podcast Hello Bump.
