Food help!

[alaskanmomma]

Part of my midwives birth kit list is having healthy protein rich snacks for her and the labor party during the labor and then a healthy protein rich meal afterwards for everyone. I am at a lost on what to buy/make! I already know the after meal will be breakfast. I'm a breakfast nut and well, its been my go-to thing after my other two births...

I really need help on the snacks! I was planning on just getting a veggie tray like the ones you can get at the store and then telling people to help themselves to anything they want(even the non-healthy choices haha!) We usually always have things like apples, bananas, tangerines, bagels and cream cheese, a type of baked good whether it's cookies or a loaf of banana bread, the non-healthy fare like chips, cookies, gummies, there's usually always some sort of cereal, etc. We also always have coffee and tea.

Do you think that's fine to specifically have one thing like the veggie tray for the birth and then if that's not enough or hitting the spot just letting them help themselves?

[bird_verde]

To add protein to the snacks maybe add some cheese/cheese sticks, almonds/mixed nuts, some sliced meat and bread so that they can make their own sandwiches?  I would really keep it simple (and certainly tell them to help themselves!) but if you have that huge surge of energy the last few days before birth and feel like making something you could try making some quinoa bars or other homemade protein bars.

It is interesting that your midwife has this on her list.  I wonder if it is common?  Mine only says to make sure we have healthy food in the house (more for me postpartum than for them) and they will help themselves if necessary. They also make everyone a meal afterwards with whatever we have around and feel like eating.  I agree on breakfast after birth!!  That is what we has last time - eggs, sausage, cheese, homemade bread, lots of condiments - it was so good!

[ovmm]

The very best thing my doula did was to have something she called "laborade". It was water, lemon juice, raw honey, & calcium. It was wonderful and kept my energy up while hydrating me. After labor the only thing I wanted was an apple... & a steak a few hours later.

[nstewart]

Hummus for dip with the veggies would be a good add for protien as well.  Also, it's nice to spread on crackers or pita or whatever.

Nuts, cheese, meat slices, turkey pepperoni, yogurt with fruit...Those all seem easy to have on hand as well.

You could also do either a meat or veggie chili ahead, have it in the freezer and then just dethaw it in a pot on the stove (or nuke it) when you go into labour, then throw it in a crock pot and it would be hot whenever someone is hungry.  The leftovers would be handy to have in the days ahead as well.  Soup would serve too, just maybe not as filling.

[amlikam]

I am thinking a hearty soup/stew for those in attendance... I need to start looking into freezer crockpot ideas so I can just dump stuff in the crock when I start rocking and a rolling.... My doula is a good friend and will eat whatever she can forage in my house (which is what she usually does whenever she is over.  )  I don't want hubby to worry too much about the little person so I may make some baked mac and cheese and freeze it for a special treat. I think the one thing I will miss about the hospital is someone else cooking and cleaning....

[IdentityCrisisMama]

We did a big pot of soup as well that we left on the stove/crockpot. I suggest you make something your own family will eat and more importantly something you will eat in the days after birth. There will be left-overs (most likely) and it may as well be something you will enjoy, is easy to prepare and is healthy and appetizing during labor. 

I know that I absolutely had to eat right after the birth so it was nice to have a pot of soup on. Making a soup is also a wonderful labor activity.   My labor, MW, post labor soup was a hearty chicken vegetable soup with lots of spinach and tomato. 

If you would feel more comfortable having something specifically for your MW, I suggest you just tell them that you want to get them what they like and ask what that is.