As a mama of two I can tell you… birthing is a lot of work! It’s absolutely amazing and it’s physically exhausting. Baby simply requires us to expend a lot of energy to get them out!
One thing that can really help with keeping your energy levels up during labor is eating food. This might sound obvious, since food literally gives us caloric energy. Though it’s something we can overlook in our birth plans.
There’s also some confusion out there about whether or not it’s okay to eat during labor, especially in a hospital setting. The answer is YES! Unless you have a scheduled C-section (in this instance your doctor will give you specific instructions), hospitals must allow you to eat if you request it. And most midwives out there will 100% encourage you to eat if you’re hungry because, again, your body is expending a lot of energy so it needs to consume some to help keep you going.
Our bodies definitely do some funny things during labor though, like sometimes experiencing nausea. If you’re going through a lot physically, then food may be the last thing on your mind. I encourage you to prep some snacks ahead of time and ask your doula, midwife or birth partner to remind you to eat during the process when appropriate.
I remember my doula literally spoon feeding me yogurt at 3am. I wasn’t hungry at all, but in hindsight it totally helped me press on during my 32 hour labor!
Here are some top snack recommendations that are perfect for labor because they’re easy to eat and are relatively light on the stomach.
Fruit and yogurt or cottage cheese
Smoothies
Sliced turkey and cucumber
Hummus and cucumber
Chia seed pudding
Energy balls
Dates
Fruit popsicles
Applesauce
Bone broth
Coconut water
Something else that is also rather exciting to think about is your celebratory meal after birth! Chances are after the dust settles (and you are in the land of baby bliss), you will realize you are ravenous. Enjoy any delicious, (hopefully nutritious) food of your choice because mama, you deserve it!
After my home birth the midwife’s assistant made me scrambled eggs and sourdough toast that I got to eat in bed all snuggled up next to my baby and it was the most glorious meal I’ve ever had in my entire life. :)
Did you have a favorite snack during labor? Share below!