Going into labor well nourished and hydrated is often critical to a smooth and uncomplicated labor and birth. Labor and birth is a GIGANTIC physiological feat and the body needs nourishment to do that! Being able to eat and drink freely any time during labor is important for keeping a mother's energy going and her body well fueled for the marathon it is running. This is especially important for a longer labor.
Run far, far away from any birth place or provider still clinging to the dangerous and ridiculous idea, one that has been disproven over and over again, that women should not eat or drink in labor. If they don't know that, they shouldn't be trusted with the rest of your pregnancy, labor, birth, or postpartum care. Denying food or hydration to women in normal labor is abusive, counterproductive, and it is a sign that a place or provider does not understand physiology or even stay up to date with all the evidence showing how important it is. (And no, just "allowing" clear liquids, ice chips, or dye-filled corn syrup popsicles is not enough.) It's common sense that nourishment and hydration are necessary for such a physiological feat.
Early Labor
If you're in early labor or are showing some signs that labor might be starting soon and can eat something substantial, always choose that option first. Whether it's your normal breakfast or dinner or a simple sandwich, plate of scrambled eggs, or a hearty soup, having a good, nourishing, protein packed meal is absolutely ideal. You don't know how long labor will be and if your body is tolerating and welcoming a meal, then take that opportunity. Once labor picks up, you will need to draw from whatever stores you had from the hours before. If you don't take advantage of that time and eat, you risk entering into labor already depleted, which low energy, and your body at a disadvantage for the work ahead.
The same goes for hydration. Hydration is critical and ideal all through labor but some women find it very difficult to drink adequately in active labor or transition. Some women also experience a lot of vomiting during later labor putting them at risk for dehydration. So storing up hydration before then through water, electrolytes, coconut water, etc., is an extremely wise move. (But also do make sure you're emptying your bladder frequently to leave as much room as possible for the baby to descend and avoid other complications. A overly full bladder can contribute to excessive bleeding after birth or delay the birth of the placenta.)
In more active labor, usually when surges are getting stronger and closer together, many women don't have much of an appetite at all. However, getting bites in here or there of what she can stomach can be extremely important for keeping energy up. Making sure your husband or doula are offering you sips of water, juice, electrolytes, or other hydration in between every few contractions is also critical. Below are the most popular and palatable snacks and drinks during active labor among clients and followers. Having a good selection of them on hand (or other snacks that sound good to you) is a REALLY smart idea to support your best possible labor and birth.
THE BEST SNACKS AND DRINKS FOR LABOR AND BIRTH:
Smoothies (if you can throw some Greek yogurt in there for the most protein possible, all the better)
Fresh Fruit (especially grapes, watermelon, melon, and other "lighter" fruits)
Cheese Sticks
Hard boiled Eggs
Yogurt
Apple sauce
Dried fruit (mango is a favorite!)
Honey Sticks
Lara Bars (also include dates which help with labor and cervical change!)
Granola/Fruit/Protein Bars
Almonds or Trail Mix
Popsicles (real fruit and no dyes please!)
Natural Beef Jerky Sticks
DRINKS:
Electrolyte Mixes
Coconut Water
Orange Juice
"Adrenal Cocktails"
"Laborade" (Generally refers to a drink with juice, electrolytes, coconut water, and salt. Recipes vary but you can search for one that sounds good to you or just make up your own.)
Switchel
Ginger Ale
Don't forget to have an easy to use big water bottle along with a few long bendy straws! (Trust me, have a few on hand. Believe it or not, they are one of the MOST used tools in my doula bag! Being able to have someone put the straw in front of you and drink in whatever position you are in is HUGE when you're in labor.)
A lot of these snacks and drinks you can, of course, find at your grocery store. But if you're shopping on Amazon, we've got a list of the non-perishable recommendations for you right here! (And we're very grateful when people use our affiliate links for any of their Amazon purchases.)
