Snacks for Labor | Mother Rising

Snacks for labor are an essential as the demands of labor and delivery are high. One way to stay strong is to eat and drink throughout the entire process.

Even the American Society of Anesthesiologists agree!

“Without adequate nutrition, women’s bodies will begin to use fat as an energy source, increasing acidity of the blood in the mother and infant, potentially reducing uterine contractions and leading to longer labor and lower health scores in newborns. Additionally, the studies suggest that fasting can cause emotional stress, potentially moving blood away from the uterus and placenta, lengthening labor and contributing to distress of the fetus.”

Drinks for Labor

Hydration is so important during pregnancy! When planning ahead and thinking about snacks for labor, we also need to think about staying hydrated in labor. Here are some ideas for drinks for labor.

Water
Gatorade and other Electrolyte Drinks
DIY Electrolyte Cubes
Vitamin Water
Smart Water
Juice Boxes
Almond Milk
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Busca’s Birthing Brew
Smoothies
Ice Cubes

Snacks for Labor

Snacks for Early or Prodromal Labor

As soon as signs of labor begin, on into early labor, there really doesn’t need to be a change in the diet. Hopefully you’re still at home, eating and drinking as you have been for the last few weeks. Small, nutrient dense meals are helpful. And don’t forget to…

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

You could also try high carb meals like:
Rice and Beans
Pastas – (maybe a lite pasta salad with vegetables or even spaghetti and meatballs sounds tasty)

Prodromal labor can be tricky to navigate as it’s a lengthy ordeal. Make sure to stay hydrated and nourished!

Snacks for Active Labor

During active labor, continue to Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

The following are some wonderful snack ideas for active labor:
Fruit – bananas, apples, melons, berries, oranges (fruit salad is delicious!)
Applesauce Squeeze Pouches
Vegetables – baby carrots, cucumbers, celery sticks
Nuts and Seeds – almonds, pistachios, etc.
Dried fruits – raisins, cranberries, apples
Trail-Mix
Breakfast, Granola and Protein Bars
Energy Balls
Muffins (groaning muffins)
Crackers – graham crackers, saltines, etc.
Oatmeal/Grits
Toast
Bagels
Pretzels
Pastas
Sandwiches – meat and cheese or peanut butter and jelly
Soups (plain broth, miso soup, etc.)
Jell-O
Popsicles
Yogurt
String Cheese
Eggs
Almond Butter packets or other nut butters in a convenient “to go” package
… and Frozen Grapes

Snacks for Transition

At this point we typically aren’t eating meals, ladies. Transition is the point you will go to “the dark place” and work really hard. However it’s still important to…

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Some snacks for transition could be small sugary things which will give you small boosts of energy as needed…
Fruit
Honey Sticks or Honey Packets
Candy – Lollipops, gummy bears, mints, life savers, etc.

Snacks for Pushing

Again, during pushing we typically aren’t eating meals, anything heavy or typically nothing at all!

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Some snacks for pushing would be similar to transition. Small, sugar things for quick boosts of energy as needed.

Snacks for Immediate Postpartum

Congratulations! You did it! Now let’s replenish your body by drinking…

Orange Juice or other sugar boosting beverages and a…

High protein meal such as a cheeseburger, sushi, peanut butter and jelly, deli sandwich, omelet or other breakfast sandwich.

Really, the sky is the limit! Enjoy some good food. You earned it!

Snacks for Labor on Amazon

Here are some things you could add to your next Amazon order, shipped to your home easy-peasy.

Honey Sticks
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Mini Altoids in a Cute Tin
Justin’s Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs
Haribo Gummy Bears
Kind Bars