What The Birth Experts Want You To Know: Best Snacks For Labor!
Think that you could run a marathon without the proper fuel? The process of labor is a similar physical endurance test - and improperly preparing your body with nourishment can definitely make the difference in how you recall your comfort during the ordeal!
But WHAT should you fuel your body with? And what will most hospitals let you have in labor? We asked a labor and delivery nurse and professional certified labor doula their advice on the best snacks and drinks for packing in your labor bag:
Q: When packing my bag, what should I keep in mind?
A: Plan for light, protein and sugar heavy snacks that sit well in the stomach. Active labor needs these nutrients to keep the body in the game. It’s definitely not the time you’ll feel like a full meal, but things that help keep the body fueled in small packages, like trail mix, protein bars and dried fruit are amazing to have on hand in labor.
Q: Should I pack snacks for my partner?
A: Absolutely! And let him/her eat! Partners do a lot of emotional and physical carrying in the birth process, so they need to be adequately nourished as well. And hydrated. It’s not uncommon for a concerned partner to be so attuned to Mom that he/she totally forgets to take care of themselves, and then come baby time they drop! Don’t make your partner feel bad about taking breaks to grab a meal; one of the best features of adding a labor doula to your support team is that there is no lapse in care for either parent while a partner needs to grab a meal or a nap!
Q: What about water? Should I drink something else?
A: Water is great! It’s in high supply in the hospital nourishment room, along with ice chips. If you’re relegated to a liquid diet, or just trying to keep ahead of dehydration, which can mean fluids and other complications in labor, coconut water and, actually, Gatorade are better! Both contain electrolytes necessary for an energy source, and Gatorade has the sugar rush that can keep you going when you’re running low on both energy and sleep. Remember, you’re an athlete, so anything that the top trainers recommend cross over into labor as well!
Q: What should I do if the hospital restricts me to clear liquids?
A: The good news about a clear liquids diet is that you have a lot of options for your nourishment! You don’t just have to have popsicles and jell-o anymore. Bone broth is an incredibly helpful and protein-rich clear liquid. You can either make your own and bring it in a quart container (recommended) or buy a container at the store. Avoid the powder packets of broth from the hospital - those taste awful! Kids’ applesauce pouches also have a ton of sugar and enough starch from the apples to give an instant pick me up. Honey sticks, messy as they are, can accomplish the same thing.
Q: So the bottom line is, make sure I’m eating and drinking?
A: Yes! Rule of thumb if you’re worried: after every three contractions (or more if you want it of course) take a sip of your liquid. That will help you remain hydrated and is a good way to break up the time in active labor! During early labor, obviously you’re in a different frame of comfort and true meals and small snacks are easier to get in - and you’ll still be hungry like you are in your normal, waking life!
Need a shopping list for your labor bag? Here’s the nourishment recommended:
Gatorade
Water with Electrolytes
Coconut Water
Fruit leathers or dried fruit
Honey Sticks
Protein bars
Small tea crackers
Granola bars
Trail mix
Apple Sauce Pouches
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