How To Make a Rice Sock

Rice Sock:


I ABSOLUTELY love my rice sock. I was given one in our Bradley Birthing class and LOVED it while I was pregnant, nursing and even more now. I use it all the time.

Uses:
-excellent source of wet heat (not literally wet--do not wet your rice sock)
-soothe lower back pain
-relieve stiff necks
-sinus headaches
-labor pains; under belly to relieve cervix pains
-heavy enough to add pressure and conform to your body
-cold feet (your spouse will thank you)
-warm your side of the bed
-warming crib sheet before laying baby down (remove it from crib)
-relaxing aroma (essential oils or dried herbs)
-eases breastfeeding pains; drape across chest
-place in freezer for a cold pack for headache or injuries

Materials : (one rice sock)
-tube sock or cotton flannel print
-1.5 - 2 lbs dry rice (do not use minute rice) (use more for a more firm sock and vice versa)
-essential oils or dried lavender (optional, but recommended); bought a rather large bag at Wal-Mart for around $7.50-8.00. You could also get a Michael's/Joanne's type coupon and get it pretty cheap.

Steps:
1.) Mix rice with some dried lavender. You could also use some essential oils (eucalyptus, lavendar..etc.)
2.) Pour rice mixture into tube sock until packed tightly. (If using flannel, sew a small "pillow" leaving an opening to pour rice.)
3.) Tie off in a knot or sew it closed for a more professional look.
4.) Heat rice-packed tube sock microwave for three minutes. Will provide 30 minutes of heat. If you find that it's a little too hot, try two and a half minutes. DO NOT get the rice or sock wet.

Options:
-Husbands love these socks as well. Just use a plain white athlete sock from their drawer.
-You can section off parts of your sock or "pillow" so a certain amount of rice stays each compartment. I haven't done this, but know you have that option.
-If you tie the sock, you can always re-open it and alter your sock as needed.
-You can use corn, buckwheat, glass beads and other grains can be used.
-When I was pregnant, I could not stand the smell of the rice, so I decided to put lavendar in mine. Another pregnant friend loved the smell of the heated rice. My how everything changes when you're pregnant.

Final Product: