What Should You Eat During Labor? Food & Drinks in Birth
In our work as doulas, we are often asked what what you should pack in your labor bag to fuel your labor.
We want you to remember: Labor is hard work!
You’ll want to make sure to have foods and drinks that pack each bite with nutrition.
Often you’re not “feeling” hungry in active labor, but it’s important for your birth team to think about your intake of nutrition throughout your birth.
Labor is hard work! Make sure you’re preparing your body by fueling up.
Here are some great options to consider:
Bone Broth: Bone Broth is a great way to have ample fuel throughout your labor. It can be consumed whether or not you’re having an unmediated birth, on pitocin or have an epidural (it’s a “clear” liquid). It’s easy to digest, high in calcium, magnesium, b vitamins and minerals.
Pro tip: Think ahead! Make several batches and freeze them in the weeks leading up to your due date.
Soup: This is a great opportunity to think seasonally. Puréed Veggie Soups or Chicken/Vegetable Soup with cooked down chicken and Vegetables are great options.
Dried Fruit: Isn’t it great that these come in convenient pouches at the grocery store? Dried fruit offers an easy option for a quick and filling pick me up of sugar.
Pro tip: Grab a few packs of dried fruit and pack them ahead of time. Even if you have to move quickly out the door, you won’t have to worry because these won’t go bad in your bag!
Labor Aid: One of my favorite recipes for “Labor Aid” is in The First Forty Days. They have a great recipe on pg.73.
Pro tip: Prepare this in Early Labor as a perfect pass-the-time activity!
Coconut Water: Such a great source of electrolytes and hydration.
Honey Sticks: Honey is a natural energy booster! Buying a pack is a great snack for labor and postpartum.
Hard Boiled Egg: What’s better than a simple hard boiled egg?! We encourage our clients to prep up a batch and store them in the fridge, making them easy to grab.
Smoothies: Smoothies are an awesome way to combine so many superfoods: beets, spinach, kale, blueberries, and bananas are all great options.
Pro tip: Prep several smoothies in the last weeks of pregnancy. Make several and freeze them in mason jars. You’ll be ready for labor or postpartum.
Are you interested in additional support for meal prep for labor and postpartum? Check out our blog post on Restorative Roots, an incredible organization that offers delicious and energy-packed freezer meals to restore your body.
One last thing to keep in mind: don’t forget your birth partner! Make sure that they have solid food to sustain their important role throughout labor. Consider packing up a sandwich, some trail mix, and some high-energy snacks, and a water bottle, as well as their caffeine of choice. We’ve noticed that it never hurts to have some instant coffee or black tea as a pick me up.
Curious to learn more about childbirth education in a practical and embodied environment? Check out our childbirth education classes here in Asheville, NC, or take our online childbirth course to learn strategies for you and your partner to prepare for birth virtually!
