Eating and drinking during labor is one of the most important things you can do! I feel like with my first I “heard” the advice, but I didn’t take it seriously, and I did not realize how important it was. After my water broke, I was just so excited “Today is the day! YAY!” Maybe I had a bagel? Maybe I had nothing. I don’t remember eating anything but maybe ice. Then I was puking, and didn’t have an appetite for anything. Problem was I had a super long early labor stage and the not sleeping (the other most important thing that I never took seriously), and the not eating led to total exhaustion and hospital transfer for me.
With Thatcher, I was SET on eating AND sleeping during labor to get me through. I slept in between contractions, and ate as much as possible (Even though I really didn’t want to). It made ALL the difference for me. Contractions didn’t seem so hard because I had the stamina and strength I needed to get through. I knew that however long this process was going to be, I could do it as long as I got sleep and food! I also believe that sometimes the body is asking for food to kick you into active labor (and out of early labor).
Studies show that almost 100% of women will WANT to eat and drink during labor. It is mainly important for the early stages of labor, and once active labor hits, food consumption lowers (you might want sips of drinks etc..). I’m not sure I ever really wanted to eat or had much of an appetite, but I was committed knowing it was what I needed. I think that we should respect women to know when they want things, and when they don’t, but I also think (like in my case) being reminded and encouraged to eat and drink during labor is important.
And of course, eating things like jello and cookies are not going to sustain you like other things-
these are my best tips for labor snacks!
Early labor snacks-
Eggs (have it for breakfast and keep some hard boiled ones in the fridge to grab if you labor starts quick).
Cheese cubes
Applesauce (loving those squeeze packets, and would be so convenient during labor).
Beef (try to eat some of last nights leftovers for breakfast- or make yourself a burger for lunch. This red meat protein is the foundation for all proteins).
Protein bars
Protein shakes (make it with raw milk, or whole organic milk).
Apples
Hummus platter (this was a hit for me with Thatcher, lots of veggies, lots of hummus and pita bread)
Smoothies (these were my favorite! I probably threw them up, but didn’t care! Berry smoothies, and you can add a protein scoop to it as well!)
As things start to progress into active labor and you want less food and only liquids- these are some good ideas!
-Honey sticks! Easier then taking a spoonful of honey.
-Electrolyte replacement- coconut water! Coconut water is just the best electrolyte replacement, and you can buy it flavored (I prefer a strawberry or something), and make a goal to take a sip of this and water every three contractions through the end of labor.
Here are some other great recipes for home made electrolyte replacement:
Midwife Kim Mosny recommends this “Labor Aid” recipe…
* 1 qt. water
* 1/3 c. honey
* 1/3 c. juice from a real lemon
* 1/2 t. salt
* 1/4 t. baking soda
* 2 crushed calcium tabletsHere’s another similar recipe including magnesium (I assume it’s also added to a quart of water)…
* 1/3 cup lemon juice (preferably fresh-squeezed)
* 1/3 cup honey
* 1/4 tsp. sea salt
* 1/4 tsp. baking soda
* 1-2 calcium/magnesium tablets, crushed, OR 1 Tb liquid calcium/magnesium supplement
-Beef stock (drink it with a straw). My midwife’s assistant made up a big yummy batch of this in my home after I delivered Thatcher because I was so weak- and they thought it would work much better then giving me an IV- well they were right! It was amazing! Make some homemade and add lots of veggies for you to sip during and after labor!
These tips are not just useful for homebirthers and birth center mama’s but hospital mamas can do this too!
I recommend staying at home in those early labor stages (which unfortunately, can last a looong time) and eat and drink these things while you are at home! Also, maybe it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor and negotiate maybe some “against policy” items that your doctor is comfortable with (like the beef broth, protein shakes, or coconut water).
I’m constantly researching for myself with this new baby coming, and I would love to hear any other ideas you guys had! What did you enjoy eating/drinking during labor? What do you swear by?
