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Q&A for How to Make a Heating Pad
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QuestionIs it safe to use heating pads when pregnant?Kayla Tschumper is a DONA-trained birth doula and assistant midwife based in Rochester, Minnesota. Prior to getting into birth work, Kayla was a pediatrics nurse for nearly 10 years and now is the founder of My Birth Choices, a business providing birth education and doula services. Through My Birth Choices, she partners with families to achieve a peaceful and powerful birth. Families served by Kayla’s clients have offered 5 star reviews of her services on Google and other online testimonial sources. She is Gilligan's Guide trained and has supported births at Mayo Clinic, Olmstead Medical Center, and in homes across Southeast Minnesota. As a mom of three herself, she is passionate about providing tools to mothers-to-be that promote a peaceful and powerful birthing experience. She received a BS in Nursing from Winona State University.Yes, you can use heating pads, and most people use them and are actually safe during pregnancy, especially for pains like cramps and lower back pain. It soothes those aches in a natural way without having to resort to pain medications. But you have to be careful not to leave it on for too long or have the heat on too high to prevent scalding and raising your body temperature. Also, when you're preparing for labor, a heating pad is also very helpful. Whether you’re dealing with cramping from contractions or intense back pain, having that extra warmth can be a lifesaver. It’s an easy, effective way to get some relief without needing anything too invasive. Just keep that head moderate, and you'll be good to go!
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QuestionI don't have a microwave. Is there any substitute?Community AnswerAnother method for making a heating pad is soaking a kitchen towel in hot water, than putting it in a Ziplock bag. It works the same.
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QuestionDo I need to throw away the rice after I am done or can I re-microwave it again?Community AnswerYou don't need to throw it away, as it is reusable. But it is a good idea to replace it every year or so, or more often if used with high frequency.
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QuestionHow long does the heat last?Community AnswerOn average, these last about 20 minutes.
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QuestionCan I use this on my stomach?Community AnswerYes.
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QuestionCan I use macaroni to make a heating pad?Community AnswerNo, the noodles will burn and smell awful. Rice doesn't burn like noodles do.
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QuestionCan I make one with hot water and a water bottle?Community AnswerYou can, but you will need to reheat it more often as it will not stay warm for long.
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QuestionDoes it stay warm for as long as a store-bought heating pad?Community AnswerUsually it does last quite a while, but not as long as a store-bought heating pad.
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QuestionCould I knit a heating pad?Community AnswerYou could, though fabric is recommended; just be sure the yarn you're using is cotton, since it can withstand higher temperatures.
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QuestionCan I boil some towels and make a heating pad?Community AnswerYes, but they will be wet. The benefit of a rice bag is that it's dry. If you want to use hot towels you can put them in a Ziploc bag, but some people don't like the way it feels.
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QuestionHow do I make a heating pad that doesn't smell?Community AnswerYou can add lavender to mask the smell, or use a hot water bottle instead.
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QuestionI've used rice for a heating pack and it worked well, but it burned after using it too much. Is there another filling I could use?Community AnswerWheat or beans might work, but you may have just heated it for too long. You can always replace the rice in the preexisting bag.
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QuestionHow do I make a safe electric heating pad?Community AnswerMaking a homemade heating pad that is electric can be a safety hazard if not done correctly. The easiest and safest option would be to buy one, which will mostly likely cost the same, yet last longer.
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QuestionHow do I make a heating pad if I don't have a microwave or rice?whatsup sisCommunity AnswerYou can use an empty plastic water bottle and fill it up with hot water, but you will have to keep dumping the water out and refilling it because it doesn't last long.
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QuestionCan I use pieces of spaghetti when making a heating pad?Community AnswerNo, the noodles will burn and smell bad. Avoid using noodles. Rice or oatmeal works the best, in my experience.
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QuestionCan I pour rice into socks and put in rubber and heat over a fire if I don't have a microwave?Community AnswerRubber does not sound like a good idea for heating, as it has a lower specific heat capacity and will probably melt when you warm it over flames.
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QuestionIf I boil towels, can I put them in a bag so they are still hot but not wet?Community AnswerYes, you can. However, make sure that you cool towels down a little before putting them into bag, as a plastic bag will melt at high temperatures.
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QuestionI have a heating pad that has got a hole in it. How do I repair it?Community Answerhe most common fix to heating pads is cleaning out the control unit on the cord. Unplug the heating pad, then use a screwdriver to open up the control unit. If parts are loose, tighten them. Otherwise, you may need to invest in a new heating pad.
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