What Foods Should I Eat During Labor?
Should you eat during labor?
Many women believe that they will not be able to eat during labor. Depending on your care provider, this many or may not be true. It is important to check with your care provider and see what their stance on the subject is.
Not eating during labor was a precaution that many doctors took in the 1900’s. Doctors would give birthing mothers anesthesia and other birth drugs that would make them incoherent or even unconscious during birth. These drugs could cause aspiration and doctors deemed it unsafe to eat before giving birth.
Today, the risk of aspiration during birth is very low. Eating during labor has been proven to be helpful for mothers and baby. Yet, some doctors still take these precautions and limit their patients to clear liquids during labor.
It is extremely important to stay hydrated and eat snacks during labor so that you can preserve your energy for the long road ahead. Food provides you with energy that your body requires and that are light are an amazing help. With the right nutrition, you can maintain progressive uterine contractions and move labor progress at a steady rate.
Think of labor like a marathon. You need to prepare mentally, physically and nutritionally for both journeys. You need fuel and electrolytes to maintain the strength needed to finish the race.
Eating During Early Labor
Contractions can be so powerful that you may not be very hungry once labor progresses. When you first realize that you are in labor, it may not be your first instinct to eat. However, eating during early labor can help you gain the nourishment need to power you through the rest of labor.
When eating during labor:
Eat foods that are easy to digest
Eat foods that are light
Eat foods with substance
Eat & drink in small amounts for easier digestion
Here are a few ideas of healthy foods to eat during early labor:
Quinoa
Avocado
Brown rice
Eggs
Yogurt
Banana or apple with nut butter.
Whole grain toast with nut butter.
Smoothies (fruit smoothies, green smoothies)
Dried fruit and nut mix, (preferably without sulfur).
Granola bars
Frozen grapes or berries
Whole grain crackers
Soup
Eating During Active Labor
Once in the active stage of labor, your mind will most likely not be on eating or drinking. Try to consume small snacks during this period to keep you energized and prepared to push.
The food should be easily digestible and easy to snack on. This is a great time for your partner or doula to give you small sips or bites of food. Eating light foods is ideal during this stage.
Here are a few ideas of healthy foods to eat during active labor:
Fruits or frozen fruits (melons, grapes, berries, bananas)
Raw honey or honey sticks
100% apple sauce
Dried fruit bars with minimal ingredients
Popsicles
Diluted fruit juices
Coconut water
Banana
Drinks to Consume During Labor
Eating and drinking during labor are equally important. IV fluids help to keep you hydrated, however, drinking your own fluids can ensure hydration and add electrolytes to your system to help with muscle contractions and energy.
Drinks to Consume:
Water for hydration
Bone broth
Coconut water
Lemon-lime labor aid
Raspberry leaf tea (check with doctor before drinking)
Diluted fruit drinks
Foods to Avoid During Labor
Acidic foods (oranges, orange juice)
Heavy Meals
“Sports drinks" with artificial food dyes and high fructose corn syrup.
Snacks with little to no nutrients ex. (chips, pop, candy, etc.)
If you can eat and drink during labor, staying hydrated and fed can help you stay fueled through the entire process. Make sure you have options because you never know what tastes or smells may or may not be appealing during this time. It is also good to prepare a variety of food
If you are not allowed to eat during labor, you can still bring food healthy snacks with you to the hospital or birth center. Your body still requires nutrition once your baby has arrived. These foods can help your body with healing and breastfeeding during the recovery stage.
