When I was pregnant with my second child, I had a doula who introduced a rice sock to me while I laboured at home.
A rice sock is a handy accessory to have when you’d like something warm in a pinch to ease aches and pains. There are places that sell rice socks but you can easily make one at home.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Fill a sock with rice grains. Make sure the sock is closely-woven so the grains don’t stick out.
2. Secure it with a ribbon or better yet, tie a knot with the fabric of the sock itself.
3. Heat it up in your microwave oven for 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the size of your sock. Place a cup of water in the oven to provide moisture and prevent the sock from overheating.
Soothing and comforting, the heat of the individual rice grains dissipates quite slowly, so you get a nice warmth before it cools.
Mine lasts for about half an hour before it cools moderately. However, when I’m taking a nap with my little girl and have the rice sock against my back while I nurse, it retains its heat for a longer time because it’s wedged between my back and my bed. :)
