Diet in Labour

Eating in labour is really important to keep your body functioning effectively. Just like in a gym or marathon, the labouring body is doing an incredible amount of work and needs the optimal nutrients to keep womb muscles working in a co-ordinated and efficient way.
In the Latent Phase, see Phases of Labour blog post, try eating heavier carb foods such as pasta or rice. This provides your body with enough energy to sustain and build up the contractions or waves.
Once in established labour try switching to a lighter diet to avoid feeling nauseous, but still maintaining healthy subsistence.

Light diet means eating small bites that give you healthy nutritious energy, aren't large in portion size and with simple tastes. Birth partners should also consider eating a similar diet for the same reasons, although not in labour, emotionally supporting, often with no sleep, is taxing and I've often see birth partners neglect the importance of their nutrition when supporting - just prepare more.

The following pictures are suggestions and my reasonings are explained. What foods/drinks got you through your last labour? What is used within your culture?

Grapes are perfect as they can be frozen or chilled and provide a refreshing, burst of naturally sweet energy.

Sandwiches, pre made and cut into small bite size pieces. Bring some chilled and some frozen, that way you'll have fresh ones to eat throughout labour.

Not suggesting you bring a coconut and machete into the birth centre(!), but 100% natural coconut water contains electrolytes, potassium and magnesium which supports womb contractions and naturally sweet, giving you energy. This stuff is really good. Again bring some chilled, some frozen.

Bananas are a great source of potassium and magnesium, therefore great for your contracting womb.

Granola Balls/Bars are great for sustained energy release due to oats having a low G.I.

A spoonful of honey is a perfect shot when energy levels need picking up quickly, for both birthing person and their birth partners.

Bring bottles of frozen water to ensure there is always ice cold water, as the ice machines in hospitals always break.

Try dipping pears, apples or bananas into peanut butter for sustained energy and reducing sugar crashes

p.s don't forget to borrow/buy a compact cool bag/box with ice cooler if attending hospital.