The Importance of Eating and Drinking During Labour
For decades, birthing persons were restricted to ice chips during labour due to a now-outdated fear of aspiration under general anesthesia. However, modern obstetrics and anesthesia have made general anesthesia for childbirth exceedingly rare, and studies now show that eating and drinking in low-risk labour is not only safe but beneficial. Labour is often compared to running a marathon, and just like an athlete, a labouring person needs fuel to perform. Adequate nourishment can prevent exhaustion, support muscle function (including uterine contractions), and promote better overall vital signs for both parent and baby.
Fueling for the Stages of Labour
Your dietary needs will shift as labour progresses. Early labour is the ideal time to focus on solid food, while active labour often requires smaller, more frequent bites and sips of easily digestible energy.
Early Labour: Nourishing Meals and Snacks
In the early stages, you have more time and may feel hungrier. This is your opportunity to eat a light, but sustaining meal with a good balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This will provide steady, long-lasting energy.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Whole-grain toast with peanut butter, oatmeal with honey, or pasta with a light sauce provide slow-release energy.
- Protein: Lean protein sources like scrambled eggs or a light sandwich on whole-grain bread help stabilize blood sugar.
- Hydrating Fruits: Juicy fruits like melon, grapes, or berries are great for both hydration and a quick natural sugar boost.
Active Labour: Quick Energy and Fluids
As contractions intensify, appetite typically decreases. Focus shifts to quick, high-energy snacks and regular hydration. Opt for foods that are easily absorbed and require minimal chewing.
- Honey Sticks or Dates: These provide a fast source of glucose for a quick energy surge when you need it most.
- Electrolyte Drinks: Commercial sports drinks (check sugar content) or homemade labor-aide can replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. Coconut water is another natural electrolyte source.
- Soft Fruits: Bananas, fruit pouches, or applesauce are soft, easy to swallow, and provide quick carbs.
The Role of Hydration During Labour
Staying hydrated is just as important as eating. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and make contractions less effective, potentially slowing down labour. Regular, small sips of fluid are more effective than drinking a large amount at once.
- Water: Simple and effective. Keep a reusable bottle with a straw handy for easy access.
- Herbal Tea: Warm teas like raspberry leaf or chamomile can be soothing and hydrating.
- Broth: Clear chicken or vegetable broth provides hydration and electrolytes.
Comparison of Labour Food Options
Choosing the right foods and drinks depends on the stage of labour and personal preference. The following table compares common options based on energy release and ease of digestion.
| Food/Drink Type | Energy Release | Ease of Digestion | Best For | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-grain toast | Slow & sustained | Good | Early labour | Heavy toppings like cream cheese |
| Dates or honey | Fast & quick | Very easy | Active/transition | Consuming too much at once |
| Smoothie | Medium to fast | Easy | Early or active labour | Heavy dairy or high-fat ingredients |
| Clear broth | N/A (hydration) | Very easy | Active/transition | Rich, creamy soups |
| Bananas | Medium | Easy | Early & active labour | Unripe or hard fruits |
| Sports drinks | Fast | Easy | Active labour | High-fructose corn syrup, high sugar |
Foods and Drinks to Avoid During Labour
While most labouring people can eat lightly, some foods are best left off the hospital bag packing list.
- Heavy, Fatty, or Greasy Foods: Burgers, fried foods, and large meals can sit heavily in the stomach, cause nausea, and delay digestion.
- Highly Sugary Snacks: While some sugar is okay for a quick boost, excessive intake from sweets or cakes can cause a rapid energy spike followed by a crash, leaving you more tired.
- Dairy (for some): Dairy products can sometimes cause stomach upset during labour. Consider low-fat options like Greek yogurt if dairy works for you.
- Acidic Juices: Citrus juices like orange or grapefruit can be irritating to the stomach and are best avoided.
- Coffee or Energy Drinks: High caffeine and sugar content can cause jitters and an uncomfortable energy drop.
Conclusion
Labour food is a crucial element of a positive and empowered birth experience. By understanding the physiological demands of labour and choosing the right nourishment for each stage, birthing people can maintain their strength, energy, and hydration. The historic restrictions on eating during labour have been replaced by a modern, evidence-based approach that supports listening to your body's needs and fueling this incredible marathon. Preparing a variety of easily digestible snacks and fluids is a proactive step that can make a tangible difference in managing labour and ensuring a well-nourished journey towards meeting your baby. For further reading, Evidence Based Birth provides an excellent resource on the research behind eating and drinking in labour.
Packing Your Labour Food Kit
To prepare, pack a variety of snacks and drinks well before your due date. Consider different textures and flavors, as your cravings might change throughout the process. Think of it as a toolkit designed to support you, with quick fixes for intense moments and more substantial snacks for early labour's slower pace. Remember to pack snacks for your birth partner as well, as they will also need energy to provide continuous support.
