Hubby made two rice socks for me a couple of days before I delivered. They were a great help in soothing my back pain during pregnancy and in labor. They have also been helpful in softening the breast during this time of engorgement. Natural, easy, and inexpensive pain relief: It's the way to go!
How to Make a Rice Sock
1. Get a clean cotton sock and fill it with uncooked rice. You can heat white rice, brown rice, barley, flax seed, etc. Don't pack it in tightly, leave some room for the grains to move around so that it will more easily conform to the area to be treated.
2. Use a thick athletic type sock, so grain will not stick through. Tie the open end of the sock with yarn, ribbon or string.
3. Put the filled sock in a microwave oven for approximately 1-3 minutes (or to chill the sock, put it in a freezer for about 45 minutes).
4. Shake the rice/grain sock to evenly distribute the heated or chilled rice.
5. Apply the sock to the desired body part.
6. To use for physical therapy, just create a smaller rice sock and knead it slowly and gently with the affected hand. As time passes and the hand gets stronger, knead harder.
I saw some of these at a craft show. I thought they cost too much. I didn't realized they were so easy to make. I wished I would have had some while nursing.
ReplyDeleteThese are life savers! And give new life to those socks that no longer have matches.
ReplyDeleteI made one of these when I was pregnant with Jenny, although I sewed mine shut. I made it to use during labour and then never even took it out of the bag! I wonder where it went....
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this great idea....I get the worst cramps and hate to fall asleep with the heating pad on me.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea,
Kristen Self
Yay for whoever first thought up the rice sock! Those things are amazing.
ReplyDeleteFor engorgement, have you heard of cabbage leaves? Yep, whole leaves of cabbage inside your bra. Does wonders to relieve swelling and that rock hard, yet incredibly tender, feeling.