Packing your birth bag? Don't forget these foods!
It’s important to fill your birth bag with food for yourself and your loved one. Not only will it be helpful during your labor, but also for the recovery after.
Protein will ground you. It will give you endurance and energy for the long haul. It will help stabilize your blood sugars and help you and your loved one feel less anxious.
It’s important to fill your birth bag with food for you and your loved one
Not only will it be helpful for your labor, but for your recovery after. What foods should you pack? Here are some suggestions:
Protein will ground you.
It will give you endurance and energy for the long haul. It will help stabilize your blood sugars and help you and your loved one feel less anxious.
Protein suggestions:
Cheese and salami, which are good sources of sodium and calcium, important electrolytes.
Yogurt or a smoothie
Nuts, trail-mix, a bar, or sweet nut clusters from Trader Joe’s or Costco. Nuts are good sources of trace minerals.
Eggs or any kind of protein you can stomach. I’ve seen a mom munch on chik-fil-a chicken, sitting on the toilet, in between contractions
Fresh fruit for energy
Eating fresh fruit is a great way to boost energy quickly. It’s important the fruit is bite-size so a laboring mom can eat one or two pieces in between contractions. Fruit is a great source of vitamin C for immune system support and potassium for electrolyte balance.
Fresh fruit suggestions:
Grapes are easy to bring. Try freezing them for a delicious treat!
Berries such as blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries are full of antioxidants, which reduce inflammation. Plus, they already come bite-sized!
Bananas are portable and don’t require refrigeration.
Melons can be sliced up and prepared ahead of time for the big day.
Salt for electrolyte balance
Having a baby is hard work! Your body needs fuel to help your muscles work properly.
Your uterus, the strongest muscle in your body, will work best if you have been staying hydrated by drinking enough liquids and eating foods which provide electrolytes. Electrolytes are the minerals, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, and bicarbonate. They regulate muscle and nerve function. Electrolyte imbalance can occur from dehydration caused by excess vomiting or diarrhea, which sometimes occur with labor. If your electrolytes are imbalanced, you may experience a headache, fatigue, muscle cramps, or weakness. Pack a salty snack to include electrolytes sodium and chloride.
Salty suggestions:
Potato chips. These are my favorite. If I think a mom I’m supporting is really dehydrated, I will add more salt to the chips.
Crackers are easy to digest and readily available.
Popcorn is salty, buttery, and comes in small pieces.
What’s your favorite snack?
Not sure what to bring to the hospital? Schedule a free consultation! Call (513) 399-7263
5 Things You Didn’t Know You Need for Home Birth
“Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can cause uncoordinated uterine contractions and lead to a longer, more painful labor. “
Utility bill
A copy of your ID and proof of address
1. Copy of your ID and proof of address.
When midwives go to file the birth certificate, the health department needs to see a proof of residence. If you move late in pregnancy, it may be a good idea to visit the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to update your license before you have the baby.
2. Depends.
Did you know they now make them in a variety of fun colors? They used to only be available in peach or lavender. Depends are great for the first 24 to 48 hours when your lochia (that’s the word for the normal postpartum bleeding that occurs as the endometrium sheds and the placental site heals) is like a heavy period. The great thing about Depends is you don’t have to worry about extra laundry. Plus, depends have better back protection than heavy duty pads so you don’t have to worry about soiling your sheets when you are snuggling in bed with your baby.
Toilet paper…
3. Extra toilet paper.
If you’re having a home birth, chances are good you’ve hired a midwife and her team, who will be with you in your house from when you go into active labor, until a few hours after the baby is born. Your body will also be making room for a baby to come out, so trips to the bathroom are frequent. It’s important to have extra toilet paper on hand!
Epsom salts or liquid calcium magnesium.
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can cause uncoordinated uterine contractions and lead to a longer, more painful labor.
4. Epsom Salts or Liquid Calcium Magnesium.
Magnesium deficiency can cause leg cramps and lots of Braxton Hicks contractions. It’s helpful to have epsom salts on hand for a soak in the tub if you aren’t sure whether you’re really in labor. You can find epsom salts in the pharmacy section of the grocery store or in any pharmacy. It’s also helpful to have liquid calcium-magnesium around at the end of pregnancy, in case you have leg cramps or are having a lot of uncomfortable contractions which are making it difficult to sleep. My favorite brand of liquid calcium-magnesium is Integrative Therapeutics, which you can find on Amazon
5. A Sense of humor
Whether it’s because you are trying to prevent your four-year-old from drinking the birth pool water, or need to laugh as you put on the “one-size-fits-none-victoria’s-secret-special” stretchy panties, this part is crucial. Humor is also a great way to encourage labor and can help you cope when you’re past your due date and not sure if you are EVER going to have the baby.
Need an idea for some laughs? Check out Jim Gaffigan’s Mr Universe here
What items did you find unexpectedly helpful for your home birth?
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