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Raw snacks during labor

kandacekandace Raw Newbie
in Family

Wow, does time go by fast! With an April first due date swiftly approaching, I'm thinking of what to pack in my birth center bag. Does anyone have recommendations for foods that are good to nibble and sip on during labor? Many thanks, Kandace

Comments

  • emtpdmomemtpdmom Raw Newbie

    Fruits, fruit juices, smoothies and blended soups are frequently mentioned as acceptable snacks during labor. The important thing is to keep it light.

    "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer is supposed to be good reading, presenting information on drinking/eating during labor based on research. I've not personally read it, but thought it worth mentioning here.

    EDIT: I forgot to mention honey. Also miso type broths.

  • waterbaby12347waterbaby12347 Raw Newbie

    Kandace, wow how time does fly... Hope you are feeling wonderful and glowing from head to toe!!! Must say it is so nice to see and hear from YOU again... You guys have been missed!!!

    I gave birth 3 times and I must tell you, that at NO point during labor did I ever think about food or drink... Maybe it was just my experiences but I can't imagine wanting anything during labor... I did have extenuating circumstances with each birth that I wont bore you with at this time... No pg lady needs to hear horror stories... LOL Maybe that's what influenced me...

    I feel emtpdmom has given you great advice if you desire to ingest nutrition during YOUR labor...

    Good Luck to you and Ray with the new bundle of joy and may all your dreams be fulfilled!!!

  • Kandace, I've been off the site for quite a while and had no idea you were pregnant! I can't give you advice re: what food to pack (never had kids), but just wanted to wish you and Ray lots of luck, joy, happiness and great energy in the days ahead. All the best!!!

  • i would suggest coconut water to replenish electrolytes.... but i don't know how long that would keep or anything? blessings!

  • spiritedmamaspiritedmama Raw Newbie

    All the above is good advise...but when it comes down to it, I always tell my mamas to eat/drink whatever they want. Keeping it light is good though. Your body will tell you that in labor. Coconut water is good for electrolytes, also Recharge. Warm water with herbal tea can be calming and comforting. Fruits are good, and if you aren't worried about raw, warm veggie broth. I had a green smoothie when I was in labor.

    Sweet Kandace, I wish you the best birth blessings! I never wish luck, as our body's don't need it...they know exactly what to do on their own. I will, however, leave you with the parting words I tell all my mamas: If you promise me that you will always be strong like a river, then I promise you that you will always do whatever it is you want to.

    Much love!

    -S

  • gratefultobegratefultobe Raw Newbie

    My advice is pretty widely known, I think. Ice chips, and I'm thinking back 18 & 20 yrs. ago, was the only thing I needed. And if they weren't suggested to me I wouldn't have asked cuz like waterbaby eating or drinking was the last thing on my mind. Very cooling and hydrating. It's hard work! An empty tummy is important just in case a general is called for. Blessings!

  • My due date was March 8 and here I am still waiting 10 days later - aghhg. At least I've had plenty of time to prepare my food & drink for laboring and for afterwards. Labor snacks are important to keep up energy while the body is doing all that hard work. First & foremost - I've got several big water bottle containers ready to be filled with filtered water from the faucet. I've also got a big supply of coconut water. I planned to make my own electrolyte lemonade during the early stages of labor but probably will forego this as it seems like a bit of a pain. I also have a large supply of fresh frozen oj (esp for after birth); I keep a supply in my freezer and keep 1-1 1/2 qts in the fridge and replenish if I drink it. As for food - raisins & figs (for iron - esp for after birth), berry popsicles (my doula recommended icy poles - like pedialyte brand - but i prefer raw, homemade and bought some popsicle molds and used blackberries, agave and a little water), big supply of cut pineapple and mango (I keep eating it so I keep replenishing it constantly - esp after 10 days!), and oranges. When it comes time to labor, the cut fruit will be cut into tinier pieces. I'm not a big fan of banana but banana cut into tiny pieces is also a good one. Also, raw honey (or honeysticks) will be good for energy and easy to consume. I've also got a constant supply of tahini milk on hand (for afterwards) as tahini / sesames are reportedly good for lactation (couple of tbsp of tahini with couple cups of water, couple tsp lucuma, and pinch of salt).

    Oh - and plenty of nonraw favorite easy foods for my partner as he will no doubt be needing it as well!

    Best of luck to you!!!

  • vegan2rawvegan2raw Raw Newbie

    I think Coconut h20 blended with ice would be nice and maybe a squeeze of citrus for energy. I have had two babes all natural at a birth center and found all I wanted during labor was tea or slushies or h20. My labors were pretty easy though not over 9 hours but I cant imagine wanting food that would be nauseating for me. You will need some good music and lots of words of encouragement from a trusted source which it sounds like you have. Do not forget lip gloss or straight coconut oil though your lips will get dry from all the breathing.

    Best of luck to you soon you will be a new mom! Its the biggest change of your life but in my opinion the kind of change that lets you know why your here.

    Peace Light and Love and a light easy labor,

    Kristina

  • kandacekandace Raw Newbie

    Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm thinking I'll concentrate on lots of water and coconut water, perhaps a couple bananas. lisal, sending you happy thoughts! I've considered making an electrolite drink as well, but this sounds like a bit too much already, so I'm sure I'll likely pass on labour day!

  • rawmamarawmama Raw Newbie

    I agree on the ice chips and coconut water and the lemonade. It had been recommended to us to have tart (lemon or lime) lollipops or candies because of the mouth drying out, so instead the idea about fresh lemonade would be a great idea. Also, when you are fairly far from delivery, that is when they suggested having a light meal with some sort of protein, because labor could be a long process and the further you go, the less they want you to eat...however it happened swiftly in our case and ice chips and a tall glass of cold water was all I wanted. Have a great time, it's a wonderful experience :)

    Also make some cds of your favorite, soothing, background music and take along a cd player that can work with batteries...some hospitals do not want you to plug in anything and only allow battery operated items. And cameras, video camera, books, your own pillow, slippers, extra pjs...have you read mango mama's book?

  • spiritedmamaspiritedmama Raw Newbie

    Just want to clarify some info. here...I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't....ice chips are no longer the "prefered choice" in labor, as general anesthetic is seldom necessary. Studies have shown time and time again that light meals and/or drinks with nutrients in them will keep labor from slowing, thus preventing the cascade of other interventions that low nutrients can cause. This, in itself, will most often keep mom from labor complications that would lead to general anesthetic. In early labor, it is best to go about your normal food and drink intake as if it were a normal day, as labor progresses your body will naturally slow down food and drink consumption. So, yes, in late stage active labor, most women do not want much to eat, and lean more towards drink. In an Oregon birth center, I'm sure you are in good hands, so they will direct/not direct you as needed.

    Once again, birth blessings my friend!

  • rawmamanibblesrawmamanibbles Raw Newbie

    I had my hubby stock up on coconuts, but when contractions started i didnt want a thing and fasted for 19 hours!!!!

    however i ate like a big a couple hours later, lol!

    but i would def say coconut waater, and maybe stay away from dehydrated foods. You dont know your digestive track to work hard when other parts of your body are already working hard. and you prolly going to sweat so again you dont want anything else taking your moisture away. Make sence?

    so fresh foods whatever they might be.

    I've read that DATES are a great great great food before, during and after labor.

    they are so mineral rich i give you alot during pregnancy, alot of energy while in labor and help you uterus after labor along with giving you and abundance of milk.

    Hope this helps :)

  • kandacekandace Raw Newbie

    I do feel quite blessed to be in such good hands. We are birthing at a waterbirthing center here in Portland, which means that we are able to bring in music, candles, snacks, etc. They've definitely encouraged me to eat if possible during labor - perhaps this has to do with the fact that there aren't medical pain relievers there. I'm not sure on that one. But, knowing my body, I couldn't imagine working so hard for so long without some sort of nourishment.

    Oh wow, I love dates! I hadn't even thought of that. I'm trying to put together my bag this weekend, but we'll see...Again, really enjoying all of the advice here.

  • No advice, as I have not (yet) given birth, but just wanted to send lots of light and blessings to you Kandace! I will say that the coconut water does make sense (again, as one who hasn't had a baby) and I liked the suggestion about lip balm or coconut oil for the lips.

    Wishing you all the best,

    r4r

  • kandacekandace Raw Newbie

    Well, the birth went incredibly well. It lasted 18 hours, so I couldn't imaging going that long without eating. We ended up with a few snacks provided by the center (apples, oranges) and some coconut water. I also sipped on a smoothie here and there, which was so refreshing and helpful. I found that keeping a bit of liquid and snack around helped, especially at the end when I needed to muster up some energy to push!

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