Energy snacks for labour

[Babyd14]

Im getting myself sorted for next week, on the list of things to take during labur it says drinks and energy snacks. What kinda thing would you ladies recommend?
Thanks x

 

[Sherileigh]

Where are you giving birth? We're not allowed to eat during labour, well not past 5cm anyway. I came in and I was 5cm's already. So snacks weren't necessary.

 

[sun]

I would have died without snacks - I get really weak and woozy if I don't eat for too long so I don't think my labour/birth would have gone as well without them.
From what I hear lots of places don't allow eating on the chance that you need a section and then need a general anesthetic? My MW encourages eating and drinking though.
I brought energy drinks (like gatorade, etc) and fruit/nut bars. I really liked the drinks in a giant container of ice so I could crunch on the ice. xx

 

[Babyd14]

I am being induced next thursday in hospital. They never said anything about not eating etc. I too get light headed if i dont eat. Im at hospital for monitoring on monday so i will ask if im allowed to eat then x

 

[Finsmummy]

I think light snacks are advised. Go for nutritious foods and not these energy supplement type things. Refreshing cold drinks with straws too x

 

[jcg0506]

I am packing some energy bars, sodas (they told me surgary drinks), some energy tablets that dissolve in water, and fruit popsicles, and some frozen meals for after delivery.

 

[SECOND TIMER]

lucozade energy tablets are fab I sucked and chomped on them all the way thru my labour they really helped with the dry mouth and kept me feeling hydrated also still lucozade energy drinks xx

 

[Docility]

I'm bringing lollipops! After all, glucose is the most readily available form of energy.

 

[Finsmummy]

My midwife said real energy foods are better to give you much needed nutrients x

 

[whirlwind]

I've read somewhere that coconut water is fabulous during labor to keep up energy and rehydrate. The health food store near me has lots of different flavors, it's pretty good.

 

[TarableT]

My hospital told us we could have light snacks at home, like soup, while we are laboring. But as soon as we go to the hospital, we are on a liquid diet.

 

[bassdesire]

It depends--early on you can eat and you generally feel well... I had peanut butter and apples (high protein and long lasting nutrient dense...) I drank TONS of natural electrolyte enhanced water...bottles and bottles... honey sticks (these are sugar and keep up energy)....

In my experience, at a certain point, regardless if you can eat or not by rule, you just can't stomach any more food... I don't know anyone who eats during transition LOL...

I would say to try to eat nutrient dense meals the week of your due date and keep that up as well...you could do Odwalla drinks or protein bars...

 

[Leeze]

I was told at the antenatal class at the hospital that you can't eat during labour once you've got to the hospital (ie contractions are 3 mins apart or less). Mind you the midwife did say you might want to bring your own food/snacks for afterwards because the hospital food isn't always that great!!! And, I'm thinking bring something for your OH or birth partner too in case you're in labour for quite a few hours - so they can keep their strength up!!!

 

[xBabyGoose]

I dont know why, but when I read this I immediately thought - Jaffa Cakes

 

[AnonymousMoi]

Here - once we go into the hospital it's icechips only :/

 

[sun]

Here - once we go into the hospital it's icechips only :/

OMG! I honestly think my first labour/delivery woud have gone VERY differently if that had been the case at my hospital. I ended up with a natural birth with no meds (was my plan), but I had snacks there for when I got hungry/weak/shaky. I don't think my labour would have progressed like it did without food/drinks as I would have been too exhausted and not had the strength. Obviously when labour is advanced you don't think of eating though - I'm only talking early/mid labour! xx

Edit - Actually I shouldn't say that - I know a lady who ate a pastrami sandwich 35 minutes before she had LO! I think that's pretty uncommon though lol!

 

[bassdesire]

Oh my--I can't imagine not eating at all at the hospital... sneaks bites of food for goodness sake! How can you labor with little to no energy?

Coconut water is amazing--TONS of natural electrolytes!

 

[JZW]

I'm off to get myself some coconut water... Totally forgot about that till I read this thread

 

[knitbit]

I would personally stick to a clear food diet. Hydration is key. Anything you eat will all come back up anyway.

 

[cait]

I'll probably pack energy drinks (like lucozade sport - NOT like red bull) and some cereal bars. Plus less healthy more comforting things like jelly babies and chocolate (probably for afterwards).