A hard working uterus and the muscles around it need a lot of energy from food and hydration
from drinks. Have these easily digestible foods on hand at least two weeks before your due
date. Have complex carbohydrates for early labor, and for later labor have easily digestible
foods on hand.
Early labor. During early labor, load your system with complex carbohydrates (grains and pasta)
that are stomach friendly and that will provide a slow, steady release of energy over the hours
of hard work to follow. Eat to store up energy; when labor gets hard and heavy, your stomach
may not cooperate.
Eat high-energy food for active labor. Nibble on or drink simple carbohydrates that leave the
stomach quickly and provide quick bursts of energy. Some mothers nibble on energy bars
during labor.
Eat foods that are stomach friendly. Some mothers experience nausea during labor and find
eating and drinking unappetizing. Avoid fatty and friend foods, gassy foods, and carbonated
beverages – there is enough work going on inside you without making your intestines labor, too.
Drink, drink, drink. Avoid becoming dehydrated, which depletes your energy, upsets your body’s
physiology, and slows down your labor. Muscles that are underfed or under-hydrated don’t work
efficiently. Pre-load your tank with at least 8 ounces of water/juice per hour in early labor, and
sip between contractions.
During labor you need to keep well hydrated! You need to keep these important minerals
replenished. You can find good sources in the following:
Sodium
Canned Soup: chicken noodle, chicken and rice,
cream of mushroom, broth
Crackers and/or Bread
Energy Drinks
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Potassium
Orange juice, melon, papaya, banana,
orange-pineapple-banana juice, pineapple
juice, tomato juice, vegetable juice, and
dried fruits.
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Easily Digested Foods and Juices
Yogurt or Kiefer
Jello
Saltine crackers and toast
Sherbert
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Popsicles
Soups and broth
Apple or orange juice
Lemonade
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Energy Drink Recipe:
1 qt. water
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup lemon juice (fresh lemons or lemon juice)
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½ tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Baking soda
2 crushed calcium tablets
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ALSO: Emergency Packets are available at your local co-op health food stores