Food for labor?

[TaraRae82]

What foods do you recommend for during labor? I know easily digested is best but any specific foods that are better than others? I figured I'd have some Goldfish crackers around since I love those but I'm at a total loss for other ideas. What type of drinks? Do you have a preferred flavored water/replenishing drink? We're making our weekly trip to the store today and will be getting labor food while we're there. I also figured I'd go to the health food store and get some honey sticks since that's what my OB recommended.

[Baby_Cakes]

nak

Fruit, bite sized pieces like grapes or strawberries, I only wanted cold wet things nothing dry. Juice too, like apple. Something neutral. I had grapefruit juice which normally i love but i couldn't drink it then.

[TaraRae82]

I was also concerned about dry foods since that was an aversion for the entire 1st tri. Juice....thanks!! Can't believe I forgot that.

[Amber Lion]

I'm going to have recharge, my midwives say it's better than plain juice in that it won't give you a sugar rush/crash thing. Also fruit popsicles, miso soup, and protein bars (I'm thinking Cliff bars).

[mama.rye]

i had the same concern last week and got alot of good replies on this thread:

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=977019

My question is: why Miso soup? This comes up alot... is there something special about it?

[Amber Lion]

It's very high in protein and easily digested. When I've got the flu or other vomiting issues, I can usually keep some miso soup down. It's got lots of bang for it's buck, so to speak. And it's liquid so you can sip it with a straw if you can't handle "real" food anymore.

[TaraRae82]

Thanks everyone! Great ideas! We went to the store and I got single serving applesauce (to freeze...my fave way to eat it), tropical blend trail mix, vitamin water (a few to try flavors and then I'll buy what I like for the birth), natural apple juice (will dilute), strawberries, cantaloupe, and bananas. I already have pregnancy tea and protein bars though I doubt I'll want to eat them since they have too much texture. If I decide I need something else in the labor I can call my Mom and have her run to the store since she and the store are only a few blocks from me. DH also got some food for himself since the hospital can't stop him from eating (trail mix, Lunchables, string cheese, crackers....yes, he's so healthy ).

[heidirk]

Here's a few more to add,

instant oatmeal packets (they have salt)
crystallised ginger or papaya chunks (great for nausea)
chocolate

I'm taking Gatorade, the milder kinds, and the ones with exra salt and potassium.

I also thought about adding those preggie pops that have B-vitamins. . .but I'm too cheap!

Oh, I forgot, Mint gum (for DH), Kashi TLC crackers, and Buillion cubes

[TaraRae82]

^Good ideas! I actually have some instant oatmeal (Kashi) and Preggie Pop Drops.

[OrchideZ]

Originally Posted by Amber Lion

I'm going to have recharge, my midwives say it's better than plain juice in that it won't give you a sugar rush/crash thing. Also fruit popsicles, miso soup, and protein bars (I'm thinking Cliff bars).

My hypnobirth instructor recommends Recharge as well- says its better than Gatorade with its syrups and sugars.
She also said turkey sandwiches are great.

[Baby_Cakes]

Originally Posted by heidirk

Oh, I forgot, Mint gum (for DH)

What a good idea! Early on in labor, DH had such kickin' breath, but I just didn't have the heart or peace of mind to ask him to do something about it. I was so considerate of what he was doing for me that I didn't want to say anything, but a stick of extra would have done wonders.

[TaraRae82]

: I hadn't thought of it that way! Note to self....get gum DH will chew.

[ferretfan]

my doula said a meal of rice/pasta was good in early labor. not too much though. i was thinking of making some minestrone (sp?) soup and freezing it for that very occasion.

i'm gonna be drinking RRL, strong brew, mixed with apple juice, and some vitamin waters

also have dried fruits and trail mix, will also have some of my all time fav honey crisp apples on hand. hopefully, someone will bring me something yummy postpartum

[heidirk]

Early in labor with DS, I wanted cold cereal with milk. It tasted soo good!

[lee1203]

Having just finished a strawberry sundae from Dairy Queen , it dawns on me that maybe ice cream would be something easy to eat in labor? My midwives say to bring high protein nutritious snacks. Ice cream at least satisfies the first half of that, right?!

[birthdancedoula]

Recharge and miso soup have been my saving graces in several of my labors. Miso is really easily digestable so its really great for labor.

In early labor I have eaten anything from a frozen pizza to a big green salad to dh's famous scrambled tofu burritos. Later in labor I've really only wanted Recharge and my RRL popsicles.

[TaraRae82]

Where can I get this Recharge everyone is talking about and what does it taste like?

[birthdancedoula]

I get my Recharge at Whole Foods. They have it in several flavors....tropical, grape, apple, orange, and lemon-lime. Its definately not sugary sweet like Gatorade. I think it takes best really cold w/ lots of ice.