Labor foods

[mathistm]

Maybe I'm thinking too far ahead or too much about this. Once I go into labor, I plan on staying home as long as possible before going to the hospital. I know I will probably eat during this time or should for strength. Any good ideas of food to eat?-something that will be good and nourishing but not too heavy?
Eta-I'm a FTM and am hoping for an uncomplicated, med-free birth. I would love to hear what other moms have had or what other FTM plan on

[Widget123]

You are overthinking IMO. Eat whatever will make you happy without worrying about being healthy. This is coming from someone who had to eat nothing but ice chips for more than 24 hours straight, when I was promoted to gaterade.

[carolyngrace]

I've been obsessively reading birth stories lately, and it seems like people eat all kinds of things while they labor at home! But I think that overall carbs are a good idea. If I'm up for it in early labor I plan on making pasta of some kind. In situations where you can eat during active birth, I've heard about people having a muffin or piece of toast.

[mathistm]

My goal is not necessarily healthy but something that is going to be filling without making me feel like crap. I'll have to look up if there are some labor power foods that help keep your energy up.

[mathistm]

Our hospital allows you to eat throughout so even once we get there I'm trying to figure out some snacks. Thanks for the advice carolyngrace. I'll maybe make some good muffins.

[Widget123]

Apr 7, 2015 7:15:15 GMT -5 mathistm said:

Our hospital allows you to eat throughout so even once we get there I'm trying to figure out some snacks. Thanks for the advice carolyngrace. I'll maybe make some good muffins.

Let me assure you it is circumstantial.  For example, if you are really drugged up they will not let you eat because they don't want you choking on your own vomit, or if there is a significant risk of a C-section they would rather you have an empty stomach for that.

[nettje]

I was only allowed broth and Popsicles as I was also induced. i was starving afterwards.

[honeybunches101]

At the L&D class I took last time they suggested eggs and toast because I guess eggs are easily digested protein. I concur with the PPs to eat something, anything, when labor starts! I was so shocked and freaked out when my water broke out of the blue that I couldn't eat anything. I was 39w5d so no idea why I was so surprised, but I made DH make me eggs but then I ran around in a daze and didn't eat. By the time DS was born, it had been over 30 hours since I ate and I was famished. Being snacks to the hospital in case you deliver after the kitchen is closed! And drink water too, they had a very hard time taking blood when I got there because I was so dehydrated.

[theBeeMama]

I labored at home for like 5 or 6 hours and I ate a bagel and cream cheese and drank some juice... Ans then promptly pooped that all out. Haha after that I didn't try to eat anything but popsicles and drink cranberry juice/water just cause pooping while contracting is just not fun.

[noeliav]

In very very very early labor, I had thanksgiving leftovers. And when I went into hard, active labor, I threw it all up. Ick. During true labor, I really didn't have any appetite, so DH just made sure I was hydrated with ice chips, water and coconut water.

This time, I'm packing honey sticks, energy/protein bars and coconut water for labor. We'll see if I want any of those.

[mathistm]

Apr 7, 2015 8:39:48 GMT -5 Widget123 said:

Apr 7, 2015 7:15:15 GMT -5 mathistm said:

Our hospital allows you to eat throughout so even once we get there I'm trying to figure out some snacks. Thanks for the advice carolyngrace. I'll maybe make some good muffins.

Let me assure you it is circumstantial.  For example, if you are really drugged up they will not let you eat because they don't want you choking on your own vomit, or if there is a significant risk of a C-section they would rather you have an empty stomach for that.

Yes I understand that. I should have been more specific in saying that I am hoping to have an uncomplicated, med-free birth (which yes I know COULD not happen).
Thank you for the suggestions.

[gilder40]

Apr 7, 2015 9:56:28 GMT -5 mathistm said:

Apr 7, 2015 8:39:48 GMT -5 Widget123 said:

Let me assure you it is circumstantial.  For example, if you are really drugged up they will not let you eat because they don't want you choking on your own vomit, or if there is a significant risk of a C-section they would rather you have an empty stomach for that.

Yes I understand that. I should have been more specific in saying that I am hoping to have an uncomplicated, med-free birth (which yes I know COULD not happen).
Thank you for the suggestions.

The lighter food options sound good. Even though you're hoping for a uncomplicated, med-free birth, the chance of a c-section is always there. I wouldn't go crazy with enchiladas and heavy food. Also, hard labor contractions with a natural birth could cause you to throw up as well. Oh, the joys of birth! I'm hoping everything goes the way you want it to.

Edit: I only say enchiladas as an example because it's one of my personal favorite foods. I've been craving that and chips and queso basically non-stop this entire pregnancy lol.

[beersandweirs]

We talk about this in our birth class occasionally, and our instructor recommends something light and refreshing during active labor. Suggestions she had were a few grapes, some watermelon, a couple of sips of smoothie, etc. Something to give you a quick boost of energy, but not fill you up.

[jcprn]

One of my coworkers said that at the very beginning of her labor her body "emptied itself out" with vomiting and diarrhea (THAT is what terrifies me). So I would definitely suggest light things if you can keep anything down. Maybe toast being the heaviest thing to have.

[mathistm]

Apr 7, 2015 12:28:25 GMT -5 jcprn said:

One of my coworkers said that at the very beginning of her labor her body "emptied itself out" with vomiting and diarrhea (THAT is what terrifies me). So I would definitely suggest light things if you can keep anything down. Maybe toast being the heaviest thing to have.

Good to know. I have heard a lot of people say that their fears are to not have enough energy or the strength to endure labor. I guess it is a fine line to walk to know now much to have to keep your strength up but not feel sick!

[gilder40]

I'm wondering how much adrenaline will be released to help you get through labor? Like, even though you're exhausted and empty of food, you get that "second wind" to get through it.

[veggiemo]

When I'm in pain, the last thing I feel like doing is eating. As soon as my water broke (at home) food was never on my mind, and believe me, it's usually at the forefront. I didn't even feel like eating for at least a day or two after I gave birth. But if you are up for eating, go with something light and plain. Whole wheat toast or yogurt are good options.

[noeliav]

Apr 7, 2015 12:28:25 GMT -5 jcprn said:

One of my coworkers said that at the very beginning of her labor her body "emptied itself out" with vomiting and diarrhea (THAT is what terrifies me). So I would definitely suggest light things if you can keep anything down. Maybe toast being the heaviest thing to have.

I definitely felt like I pooped more in the day before/day of labor. And I did vomit at the start of hard, active labor. That may be why I didn't poop during delivery.

Now, immediately after delivery, I ate all my "L&D" snacks. I was so so hungry. Then again, I had just gone through pain-med-free L&D, vomited up my last meal and just completed a pregnancy full of on-going food aversions and nausea, lol.