Packing your birth bag? Don't forget these foods!

/ Cincinnati Birth Center/
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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:

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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

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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.

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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