Foods for during and after labour

Labour takes a huge amount of energy, so it’s a good idea to have snacks on hand to help keep you going.

Preparing food for labour and first days of motherhood

Labour is unpredictable but first labours are often long, sometimes 24 hours or more. If you’re delivering in hospital, you may have a longer stay than expected. Being well prepared with plenty of snack options means you’ll have what you need if you feel like eating during your labour or to support those first few days of breastfeeding if you have an extended stay.

Points to bear in mind when it comes to eating before, during and after labour:

• Eating little and often will help to sustain your energy.
• Bite-sized portions are ideal.
• High sugar foods provide a short-lived burst of energy. Try wholegrain carbohydrates instead for a slower release supply.
• Eating larger snacks or meals may make you feel nauseous.
• Eat when you feel hungry, rather than waiting until later.
• You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking if a caesarean birth is likely.
• Your partner is likely to need snacks too, and you may not want them to leave you to go in search of food. Pack plenty.
• There’s no right or wrong when it comes to eating in labour, so listen to your body and respond accordingly. Some research shows that there’s no difference in the length of labour or the number of complications experienced between mums who chose to eat and those who didn’t³.

Water and isotonic drinks for labour

As you might expect, labour is thirsty work. It’s important to drink regularly to replace lost fluids from sweat and avoid dehydration.

Water is a good choice to drink throughout labour. As you move into the later stages, an isotonic drink can help to provide calories if you don’t feel like eating food.

It’s best to avoid fizzy drinks, which can provide energy, but may also cause nausea and sickness.