Think of labor as a long, looong workout. Eating, and especially drinking, will support your body as it does the hardest work it will ever do. However, just like a runner in the middle of a marathon, there comes a certain point at which your body will not be digesting complex foods, so this is an appropriate time to ingest easily converted sugars, such as juice, gatorade or honey.
Unfortunately, what most hospitals have available is apple juice, orange juice, and cranberry juice cocktail--probably not what you like to drink. So, plan ahead and bring your own! Whatever you like in your everyday life may be a good option for labor. You probably want to avoid anything too acidic (I’m looking at you, citrus juices!), and you may want to avoid anything brightly colored, or your birth partners may be catching purple throw up (you may not care--if you don’t, that’s fine too). Some of my favorite choices are the lighter Gatorade/Powerade flavors or white grape juice.
Try to buy something in single serving bottles, and pack several in your bag. Then you’re prepared for anything, but whatever you don’t drink during labor you can have for those thirsty early breastfeeding sessions. Don’t worry about keeping it cold; hospitals always have ice you can pour your drink over, and it’s easier to drink from a bendy straw than a bottle during labor.
Unfortunately, what most hospitals have available is apple juice, orange juice, and cranberry juice cocktail--probably not what you like to drink. So, plan ahead and bring your own! Whatever you like in your everyday life may be a good option for labor. You probably want to avoid anything too acidic (I’m looking at you, citrus juices!), and you may want to avoid anything brightly colored, or your birth partners may be catching purple throw up (you may not care--if you don’t, that’s fine too). Some of my favorite choices are the lighter Gatorade/Powerade flavors or white grape juice.
Try to buy something in single serving bottles, and pack several in your bag. Then you’re prepared for anything, but whatever you don’t drink during labor you can have for those thirsty early breastfeeding sessions. Don’t worry about keeping it cold; hospitals always have ice you can pour your drink over, and it’s easier to drink from a bendy straw than a bottle during labor.
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