Reply To: Food right before labor and during labor

[Ryann Kipping, MPH, RDN, LDN]

Hi! Ah, so exciting, and I’m so so happy to hear this!! Also, noted on this topic- we will add a note on this specifically, for sure.

My guidance is to eat foods that are familiar to you the day of or a few days leading up to labor. Same with restaurants, this way your body doesn’t potentially have any weird reactions to foods. Also, foods from every category are important (carbs, fats, proteins, veggies, etc.) so make well-rounded plates, and don’t skimp on the carbs or anything. (; I describe it as preparing for a marathon because well, you pretty much are!!

Energy bites, hard-boiled eggs, nut butter packs with bananas, trail mix, peanut butter/jelly sandwich, lots of fluids, if you like coconut water this is great to replenish electrolytes (or another low-sugar electrolyte beverage!).

If you can eat anything or chew anything during labor, many women like honey sticks which can also provide a quick source of energy to get you through.

Sending love and well wishes as you welcome your new family member into the world!! xo