Labor Partners Archives - Bare Birth https://barebirth.com/category/labor-support/labor-partners/ Bare Birth Website Mon, 12 Feb 2024 12:45:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://barebirth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-android-chrome-512x512-1-32x32.png Labor Partners Archives - Bare Birth https://barebirth.com/category/labor-support/labor-partners/ 32 32 214114973 Naked Truth: Labor Support https://barebirth.com/naked-truth-labor-support/ https://barebirth.com/naked-truth-labor-support/#respond Thu, 23 Mar 2023 00:35:42 +0000 https://barebirth.com/?p=28630 The Naked Truth about Labor Support For those Amazing Labor Support Partners Birth support is seriously hard work.  Not nearly as hard as getting the baby out, but it really calls on all of your mental, emotional & physical reserves.  After hearing 20 years of birth stories, from both sides, here are a few really …

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The Naked Truth about Labor Support

For those Amazing Labor Support Partners

Birth support is seriously hard work.  Not nearly as hard as getting the baby out, but it really calls on all of your mental, emotional & physical reserves.  After hearing 20 years of birth stories, from both sides, here are a few really helpful tips that you might not get in that birth book.

Know Your Birth Sh*t

Your partner didn’t get pregnant alone so they shouldn’t be the only ones prepping & planning for the upcoming birth.  I know the parent actually growing the fetus tends to carry most of the birth load, literally, but it is an actual team effort.

Go to birth classes together. I can’t count the number of solo students in my classes, not because they didn’t have a partner but because they chose not to attend. I know it seems like other matters, like painting the house are priority, but in the grand scheme of things, that paint chip won’t give you the preparation you need and your baby could care less what color you chose. 

Learn all about the process of labor and how you can best support it. Talk to other parents to see what worked for them.  Practice labor support techniques throughout pregnancy, in and out of class, so you can be a badass in the birth room. 

Good Vibes Only

No complaining about how long birth is taking, don’t moan about your own physical discomforts (seriously), no panicking outwardly, and don’t get your feelings hurt if they communicate curtly in labor – they are doing the best they can to even get words out. Period.

Check Your Testosterone at the Birth Door

Protecting your person, including the new little person on their way, is a huge responsibility.  Your job is literally to protect the birthing space.  Attempt to keep your calm when dealing with staff, even if you are annoyed or angry.  Aggression could get you removed from the room entirely, and that makes it really hard to advocate. Deep breaths!

A Clitoral History of Time

Get Cliterate

You’re not alone if the clitoris has elluded you so far, almost the whole of humanity is just discovering the true anatomy and nature of the clitoris. Thank you, doctor Helen O’Connell for finally fully mapping the clitoris in 2005. Yep, not that long ago.

If you were actually born with one, odds are you weren’t taught about it, so we can be sure that people without one are even more confused about it’s placement & function. Why am I even talking about sexual pleasure?

The Naked Truth – the hormones that drive conception & birth are the same.  Orgasm releases oxytocin  & oxytocin is the sexy goddess hormone that gets that uterus contracting. See where I am going with this?

Learning how to help your partner release oxytocin is beneficial for everyone all around; it provides a hormone boost before labor begins, it might even help kick start labor & yes, dare I go there, even in labor it is beneficial. 

Great resources:

Becoming Cliterate:  Why Orgasm Equality Matters – and How to Get It by Laurie Mintz

Hygiene Please

I feel like this is self explanatory.  Pregnant peeps already have heightened senses and the last thing they need in labor is more smells to annoy them. You are working hard, doing all the hip squeezes, panting & breathing and that hygiene kit is really going to come in handy. 

Slather on deodorant if you use it, do a quick teeth cleaning or at least bring gum and mints.  They’ll thank you for it!

Stay Sober...Seriously

My own birth doula called me when I was nearing term because she wanted to imbibe a bit that evening. Why did she give me a ring? To make sure labor wasn’t imminent and she would be sloshed instead of supportive.

This is a really good guide for you as well.  If your partner is term (37 weeks) or if possible prelabor signs are showing, stay sober.  I know it sounds silly, but it happens  time and again. It’s your turn to be the DD!

Hit the Gym

Whatever your preferred method of strength training is, you might want to boost your biceps a bit.  True labor support can be physically exhausting.  They might hit a point where you have to actually hold them up and provide lots of physical support.  Massaging for hours and utilizing techniques like the double hip squeeze are other factors that exhaust your muscles.  You might be moving, rocking, breathing and upright with them for a lot of labor so stamina and strength are important for the endurance activity that is birth. Just remember that you can’t complain about how tired your arms are – keep that shit to yourself!

Massage, Massage, Massage

Learn how to give a good massage and practice during pregnancy. As a birth doula, this was my #1 utilized skill because it relaxes tense muscles, sends feel good signals up to the brain, relieves pain and releases oxytocin which enhances labor.  

There are a lot of techniques and you might use different types of touch in labor + grab a few handy helpers aka hand massagers so you can give your own hands a break and protect your wrists in labor.

You're an Expert

Your birth team is trained in birth, but you know your loved one better than they do.  You are way more invested in the outcome of this birth than they are to be honest because this is your life!  

Even if you feel out of your depth in the realm of birth, use your intimate knowledge of your partner to support, communicate & advocate in a way that resonates with them. You are already the expert in that arena!

Head here for actual Labor Support Techniques that don't involve hygiene or sobriety!

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]]> https://barebirth.com/naked-truth-labor-support/feed/ 0 28630 How Partners Support Breastfeeding https://barebirth.com/how-partners-support-breastfeeding/ https://barebirth.com/how-partners-support-breastfeeding/#respond Sun, 05 Feb 2023 15:39:23 +0000 https://barebirth.com/?p=26630 Partner Tips to Support Breastfeeding Practical Tips + Hands-on Ideas (not on the breast) How can you support your lactating partner? Breastfeeding/chestfeeding has many benefits, but it can feel demanding & exhausting in the early days.  Establishing a milk supply, learning to feed a newborn and finding a new family rhythm consumes loads of caloric, …

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Partner Tips to Support Breastfeeding

Practical Tips + Hands-on Ideas (not on the breast)

How can you support your lactating partner? Breastfeeding/chestfeeding has many benefits, but it can feel demanding & exhausting in the early days.  Establishing a milk supply, learning to feed a newborn and finding a new family rhythm consumes loads of caloric, physical, mental and daily energy. Caring partners want to help out, but usually lack the glandular tissue to produce milk.  So what can you actually do to help out?

Communicate

I know it seems like I may be stating the obvious here, but do some postpartum planning before birth.  Talk with each other about your parenting, eating and sleeping plans ahead of time, for yourselves and for your new baby. 

 

Lack of communication and differing expectations can be a source of frustration as you traverse this new terrain together. Not only do you have to learn to parent, but if you are co-parenting you have to work out a plan that works for everyone, especially your baby. Hold the plans as loosely as you do birth plans, and only try to control what you can, like making sure people feed your family in the early weeks.

When planning to support breastfeeding, the first step is to talk about it together and ask your partner how you can help.  What do they need from you to feel successful? If they aren’t quite sure yet, read on for various tips to make you uber supportive. 

Learn About Lactation

Take a prenatal bodyfeeding class together to learn the basics. You will gain a deeper understanding of the biological needs of newborns, their feeding behaviors, how to spot hunger cues, the physiology of making milk and how to establish & maintain a supply + early challenges and how to help. 

When you know what to expect, it normalizes the experience. Yes, they might eat 8-12 times or more in 24 hours, completely normal!

Massage Skills

Hopefully, you built up lots of massage skills while preparing for birth. Necks and upper backs feel very strained when holding a new baby & feeding frequently. Oxytocin also flows better with relaxation so don’t underestimate the power of a good shoulder massage to release building tension and help milk flow. 

Feed Them

Lactation requires more daily calories than pregnancy! Feed them so they can feed the baby. Ensuring they are eating healthy, frequent meals and snacks is important for postnatal recovery and building a milk supply. 

Human milk is full of amazing ingredients but it is also mostly water.  Keep the liquids flowing since they may feel extremely parched in the middle of a feed. 

Beware: The Shared Feeding Trap

Most partners think the best way to share in the feeding responsibility is by actually sharing the feeds.  This only works splendidly if you are a lactating partner as well so double breasted households, feed on. This is also an option if babies are drinking exclusively pumped milk or combo feed with formula.

If you aren’t making milk, the logistics of this actually complicate the early milk making process.  Instead of  just handing off the baby and taking a hot bath, they must pump ahead to make sure you have said bottle of milk, and then while you are feeding, they are most likely pumping to maintain supply and avoid engorgement.  Not quite as relaxing as bath time.

It is usually a better idea to use this first month mastering milk production and then begin pumping and sharing some of the feeds. Babies are also learning how to master latching, sucking and swallowing which are all survival skills. Taking a bottle is a bit different so consider your baby’s needs. It is easier for them to skill build if they are only learning one skill at a time. 

Many lactation professionals will recommend at least 2 weeks of good feeding before beginning to pump so figure out what is working best for your family. Remember, there is no lack of childcare tasks for you to do – you can stay quite busy and connect with your baby through other activities, and you will find your own special ways to bond with your baby.

Stock the Stations

Set up 1-2 designated spaces for feeding.  The main living space is the most reasonable option because they are about to clock a lot of hours at this new job and isolation in a random part of this house might make it well…isolating. Some people do prefer a more private space or need a back up space if visitors are present so plan accordingly. 

The feeding space should include:

  • comfortable, spacious chair – rocking chairs can be too narrow
  • feeding or support pillows
  • cart or shelf to organize bits & bobs
  • nightlight or book light for keeping it dim at night
  • snacks – easy to eat with one hand
  • hydration – just keep the water flowing
  • chargers
  • remote, books, things to do
  • breast pump & parts
  • optional extras: nipple cream, breast pads or other paraphernalia

Practice other Skills

Babies need so much more care than just feeding. Breasts are also more than just food so keep in mind that babies are finding comfort in mom’s arms with close contact. They are already attuned to that body from pregnancy and are familiar with the smells, sounds and tastes. That body needs a break too though!

 

Family, friends or other parents can also take care of the many infant needs outside of milk including:

  • diaper changes
  • burping
  • bathing
  • changing clothes
  • soothing – singing, walking, rocking
  • attention
  • sleeping
  • comfort
  • more diapers!

Learn to Share

Breasts are a body part with dual purpose – they can be both fun and functional, sexual and nutritious. You are both relating to them in a new way. 

Navigating lactating bodies & breasts is new for everyone. First, let them recover from childbirth which is usually beyond that 6 week mark that you have an alert set for on your calendar. 

Human hormones post birth are designed for natural birth control – less vaginal lubrication and lower sex drive will do the trick!  Some breastfeeders are so touched out from feeding for hours that any extra stimulation is a no go anyway.

Nipples may be sore, healing or leaking milk. There might be a lot of additional add ins to the breastfeeding bra like absorbent nursing pads or nipple cream. Super sexy!

Oxytocin is a hormone that fills multiple roles. Think about it as the great ejector: sperm, babies, placentas, milk.  It helps us feel connected and loved, but it also contracts to promote milk flow. Many new parents are shocked when oxytocin is released through orgasm and milk is possibly spraying out simultaneously. This might be a time to keep that bra on with the nursing pads!

This is also a transient time.  Your child won’t be latched forever, but you might have to be the mature one and give them plenty of share time for a while. The American Academy of Pediatrics actually recommends your child receive human milk for 24 months so don’t rush it.

Learn more about the Benefits of Human Milk & current AAP recommendations on breastfeeding your baby.

Still Protect the Space

Protecting the birth environment now shifts into protecting the feeding environment.  Oxytocin flows best in a safe, protected space and it pushes out babies as well as pushing out milk.  

Remember the oxytocin-friendly setting: dim, warm, relaxing music, safe touch and no unwanted people watching. 

Make sure that visitors are limited to only helpers early on. Learning to feed a new baby is not a spectator sport. Frequent, unwanted visitors can inhibit feeding freely which impacts establishing a good milk supply as well as your baby having a good meal.

There is nothing wrong with openly feeding a hungry baby regardless of who is present, but if  it decreases the likelihood that your partner feeds in the open, then curb the visits.  

Logistics

Sometimes, early support is calling the closest lactation consultant and getting everyone ready and out the door. Trust me, quite a feat in the early weeks!

You might be required to be an extra set of hands to hold a breast, put on their nipple shield, help a baby latch, add the pillow supports or assist with position. (check out the dad with the twins) Sometimes 2 hands just isn’t enough to navigate this learning stage.

If they are pumping milk, you can become an expert at washing pump parts, assembling the pump, storing and thawing milk or any of the many interesting things that go into the process. 

Birth was just the beginning!

Emotional Support

A postpartum parent recovering from birth and learning to lactate is in a very tender transition, physically and emotionally.

In addition to physical support, don’t forget the emotional side of feeding. Being your child’s sole support of nutrition can feel heavy sometimes.

Just like in birth, most parents need to feel like they are doing a good job so verbalize that.  Let them know you see how hard they are working, cheer them on and literally only bring good vibes to the boob space. Milk flows with oxytocin so make them feel relaxed, loved, valued and appreciated.  They seriously just grew an entire human and are now busy making milk to help that baby thrive! 

If there are feeding challenges, many parents feel deflated and need an extra boost.  If bodyfeeding is not going as planned, there are many ways to support it, but just keep in mind that emotions may be running high. 

There are a myriad of ways to support your partner & baby while they establish early feeding.  Don’t feel left out if you don’t lactate, you are an integral part to milk making success!

Partner Support

Practical Suggestions for Partners & Families to Support Lactation

Playlist

9 Videos

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]]> https://barebirth.com/how-partners-support-breastfeeding/feed/ 0 26630 Packing Your Labor Bag https://barebirth.com/packing-your-labor-bag/ https://barebirth.com/packing-your-labor-bag/#respond Fri, 13 Jan 2023 08:13:11 +0000 https://barebirth.com/?p=25736 Packing your Labor Bag What is a labor bag? If you are birthing away from home, a labor bag is an important birth companion. It’s a great idea to have it completely packed by the time you are term at 37 weeks, but don’t panic if you don’t. It can be a useful distraction in …

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Packing your Labor Bag

What is a labor bag?

If you are birthing away from home, a labor bag is an important birth companion. It’s a great idea to have it completely packed by the time you are term at 37 weeks, but don’t panic if you don’t. It can be a useful distraction in early labor.

A labor bag usually encompasses everything you will take to your hospital/birth center, but I like to split them into two separate categories: a birth bag & a postpartum bag.  

What goes in the birth bag?

The focus of the birth bag is comfort items for labor.  You will need practical items like identification, hospital paperwork & your birth plan, but you also need personal items to help promote comfort in labor.

Since everyone has different desires for birth,  your comfort items will be very individualized.  Consider what is available to you in your birth space to avoid packing duplicates, and also consider what is special to you that you need to bring yourself. 

Birth Bag Breakdown

Massage Ideas

  • massage oil/lotion
  • simple, hand held massager
  • scalp massager
  • tennis ball (maybe a sock filled with tennis balls)
  • massage gun

Hydration/Energy

  • electrolyte drinks or hydration amplifiers
  • flexible straws for easy drinking in any position
  • quick foods like honey sticks or energy gels
  • energy bars & caffeine sources for partners

Personal Items

  • birth gown or other comfy clothes (if you don’t fancy the hospital gown)
  • socks, robe (if you venture out of your birth room)
  • toothbrush/toothpaste
  • hairbrush/ponytail holders for long hair
  • face wipes can be refreshing
  • lip balm

Birth Space

  • fairy lights or flameless candles
  • birth playlist
  • essential oils (maybe a diffuser if your space allows them)
  • focal point (if you have a special picture or item)

What goes in the after birth bag?

If you give birth in a hospital, you automatically receive a hospital door prize filled with hemorrhoid pads, sexy mesh undies & massive pads. 

Your birth place has you covered with everything you need for your stay of 2-3 days. Regardless of a vaginal or cesarean birth, everything needed for physical recovery in the immediate postpartum period is provided.

I recommend your postpartum bag resemble an overnight bag for a weekend getaway.  Possibly pack a pair of comfy jammies & a breastfeeding bra, but in truth, the hospital gown is loose, doesn’t mind getting bled on and has easy access to your chest for constant feeding. You could complete the ensemble with a robe and comfy socks, and don’t forget cheap flip flops for the shower. Your basic toiletries, which you might have already packed but not used for the laboring part, usually help you feel human again.

Nobody really wants to brush their hair or teeth in the middle of labor unless you are doing the full face makeup challenge!

Finally, make sure you have a set of maternity clothes to wear home from the hospital; don’t pack the skinny jeans! It takes over a month for your uterus to shrink back down to it’s pre-pregnant size so you will still look a bit pregnant for a while.

What about a diaper bag?

Same rules apply for the diaper bag as they do for your postpartum-weekend getaway bag.  All of your baby’s diapers, onesies, hats & swaddles are provided during your stay.  They need an outfit to head home in, and most babies fit into newborn size clothes. Pack a small diaper bag with a change of clothes, extra diapers & a receiving blanket.  I hope you make it home without a full blowout, but I’m not making any promises.

More important than their fashion choices is their safety – install their infant car seat properly ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about installation before discharge. 

What about a partner bag?

More ideas on what to pack for everyone attending your birth!

Playlist

4 Videos

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]]> https://barebirth.com/packing-your-labor-bag/feed/ 0 25736 How to Be a Supportive Partner During Labor https://barebirth.com/be-a-supportive-partner-in-labor/ https://barebirth.com/be-a-supportive-partner-in-labor/#respond Thu, 12 Jan 2023 19:42:46 +0000 https://barebirth.com/?p=25151 How to Be a Supportive Partner During Labor The birth of a new baby is an incredibly meaningful event. As the partner of someone giving birth, it’s your job to provide emotional and physical support during labor in order to help them make this process as positive and stress-free as possible. This includes being knowledgeable …

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How to Be a Supportive Partner During Labor

The birth of a new baby is an incredibly meaningful event. As the partner of someone giving birth, it’s your job to provide emotional and physical support during labor in order to help them make this process as positive and stress-free as possible. This includes being knowledgeable about what to expect, understanding how best to provide comfort and reassurance, and helping your partner feel safe and supported throughout their birthing experience. It also means being confident in yourself and your ability to be a helpful birth partner.

Learning About Labor and Preparing for the Day

A good way to prepare for labor is to attend prenatal classes with your partner. These can give you both valuable insight into the stages of labor, options for birth, movements for labor & practical hands-on partner techniques .

It’s also important to take the time to discuss with your partner their individual preferences for labor which helps you craft your job description for labor. Practicing different labor positions, breathing patterns and massage techniques is a way to have some planned rituals for birth.

Additionally, it may be wise to hire a doula who has experience and knowledge about birthing that might help you feel more confident when the time comes. Professional labor support is not there to take over your role – they are a great addition to the team and can provide tips, tricks, knowledge and support for you both.

Staying Active and Focused During Labor

When it is finally time for labor, having a plan of action can help both of you stay focused & feel more confident. The planned rituals that you practiced in class will be a great foundation for moving into labor. 

You might find that spontaneous rituals are helpful as well so letting go of prior expectations and planning to embrace what feels good. You might find new ways to move, an entirely new repertoire of vocalizations and invent partner massage techniques that fit your labor. 

Planning & surrendering are both applicable to birth.

 

Ways to Provide Support During Labor

Physical Support

Physical support is a primary component to good labor support.

As labor spirals towards the finish line, it requires a lot of physical stamina.  Laboring upright, using gravity, rocking, swaying, and dancing can all be effective in getting a baby out but exhausting on a laboring body. 

Many labors become so intense that you cannot hold yourself up during contractions, so you just rely on anything sturdy close by, usually the labor support team. 

Use your body to bolster them up.  Find ways to add a little extra support with whatever positions they are using. During a slow dance, you are holding them and rocking side to side. Make your body a sturdy base for a supported squat.  Assist with leg holding during side lying pushing. It might be as simple as them leaning into you. 

Add in grounding touch, massage & hip presses to provide another level of comfort.

Your job is to be a continuous physical presence, maybe touching, maybe not, but ready to assist when needed.

Labor support requires stamina and strength from you too!

Emotional Support

Emotional support through presence, encouragement, reassurance, and sometimes even humor (proceed with caution) can be incredibly helpful during labor.

You know them better than anyone else on the birth team.  Questions and contractions don’t mix well together so avoid idle chatter and asking what you can do. Try comfort techniques that you know they like and be prepared to switch it up according to their preferences.

 Tailor your emotional support to them.  Is their vibe meditation music with quiet words of affirmation or a bit more rock n roll while you affirm that they are a birthing badass? Most people need verbal encouragement to know they can get through the process, whatever that sounds like for them.

Practical Assistance

Sometimes labor support is really practical. Driving to the birth place, filling out intake forms, communicating birth plans with staff, calling the dog sitter, keeping them fed & hydrated,  helping them empty their bladder…

Labor support encompasses many different facets, sometimes dynamic, sometimes super practical, always useful.

Protecting the Birth Space

You are the protector of the birth space, whether it is in your home, in a free standing birth center or in a hospital birth suite.  Your job is to keep the primary labor hormone, Oxytocin, flowing!  Oxytocin flows best in a warm, dim, judgement-free, safe,  environment.

Setting up an Oxytocin-friendly birth space could include dim lights and flameless candles, a curated birth playlist, a closed door or a please knock sign, banning unwanted family or unnecessary personnel, quiet voices & your constant presence. 

Keep it flowing with massage, warm baths, words of encouragement & loving touch.

Maintaining Calm and
Supporting Your Partner After Birth

Once your baby is born, don’t forget about your partner’s needs for care and comfort after delivery. It is common for people to shift all of the focus on the newborn, but touch, words of praise, sips of fluid and maybe even help holding the baby are all very welcome.

Being a supportive partner during labor is an invaluable role that can make the experience feel more like a team effort. When your partner feels heard and understood, it can help them trust their body’s natural birth instincts. Having a protected  space to try new things as they progress throughout labor will create a safe and beautiful atmosphere for you both to share in this fantastic moment of becoming parents. With these tips in mind, you may be surprised how prepared you are to take on the important role of support during birth and as a new parent after birth.

Support Tips for Early Labor

  • Handle plans for pets or other children
  • Call doula/labor support team
  • Offer light foods & hydration
  • Feed yourself
  • Don't go to work or leave unless it is necessary or birth related
  • Prepare the car: load the prepacked birth bag, gas in the tank, infant seat properly installed
  • Distract: games, shows, jokes
  • Boost oxytocin levels: walks, massage, cuddles, good food
  • Encourage alternating rest with movement
  • Begin to offer closer, more hands on support when you notice they have to stop and breathe with contractions
  • Charge phones + pack chargers
  • Breathe yourself to stay calm + encourage their breathing
  • Time some contractions: check out timing apps here

Support Tips for Active Labor

  • Call the birth place/healthcare provider when/if you are planning to leave your home
  • Know directions to the birthplace, which entrance to use and the parking situation
  • Call the midwife if you are birthing at home
  • Assist with all check in paperwork
  • After admission, explore the birth room and get settled in
  • Know where the things are in your room for you to use: birth tub, wash rags, puke bin
  • Know where comfort tools are packed in the labor bag
  • Become the protector of the environment: lights, music, smells, people, noise, drinks - keep the oxytocin flowing!
  • Attune yourself to what they need: physical support, emotional support, breath work, encouragement, interacting with staff, grounding touch, massage, eye contact, help to the bathroom, positions changes, choosing pain management
  • Keep breathing
  • Be present!

Learn what to eat during labor!

Support Tips for Transition

  • Focus 100% on your partner
  • Remember that this is the shortest and most intense part of labor
  • If they are unmedicated, usually the most intense stage of labor for support
  • All of the labor support skills still apply but usually an increase in emotional support is needed if they are hitting the wall
  • Seriously, some people try to quit right about now!
  • DO NOT take anything personally, it can be hard to communicate needs so they may be short or terse with you

Support Tips for Pushing

  • Don't panic if contractions pause, take a break & catch your breath too
  • Staff may direct in how to assist during pushing
  • This usually involves holding a leg or  supporting in a squat
  • With an epidural, legs may feel heavy and need extra support
  • Be mindful of their natural flexibility and don't exceed that - they may not be able to feel injuries that are happening while numb
  • Moral support & encouraging words instead of loud coaching & counting (unless they request that)
  • Do not stare at their vulvas/vaginas in awe unless you are invited to
  • Do not, I repeat, do not freak out if they poop - they are pushing an entire human out of their body!
  • Cut the cord after birth if you want to
  • Offer sips of fluid
  • Enjoy meeting your baby together
  • Get food as soon as they are ready to eat

Practice, Practice, Practice

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]]> https://barebirth.com/be-a-supportive-partner-in-labor/feed/ 0 25151 What To Eat In Labor https://barebirth.com/what-to-eat-in-labor/ Thu, 12 Jan 2023 17:53:57 +0000 https://barebirth.com/?p=25652 Can You Eat In Labor? Fortifying yourself with food & fluids can enhance your labor by reducing stress hormones, improving uterine contractions and boosting energy levels while staying hydrated keeps your tissues moist which is crucial since your body’s job in labor is to stretch & open. EBB Evidence on Eating in Labor Everyone Has …

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Can You Eat In Labor?

Fortifying yourself with food & fluids can enhance your labor by reducing stress hormones, improving uterine contractions and boosting energy levels while staying hydrated keeps your tissues moist which is crucial since your body’s job in labor is to stretch & open.

EBB Evidence on Eating in Labor

Everyone Has Nutrition Needs

Labor support partners have energy needs too.  Great labor support requires strength & stamina so make sure you take care of your own nutrition needs. 

When in early labor at home, make easy to eat foods for your partner so they can calorie load.  As labor progresses, they may become too nauseous to get anything in.  This is an opportune time for you to make sure you are eating too, and sharing good food with people we love releases oxytocin.

Stashing portable, non-perishable  snacks in your birth bag will ensure you have quick and easy options to keep your energy up. 

Eating a big, delicious meal in front of your laboring partner while they are either not allowed to eat or don’t feel like eating is not good labor etiquette. Any foods with a strong smell should be banned from a birth space as well for obvious reasons.

Eating During Labor

Every pregnant person has varying nutritional needs, different aversions and unique cravings.

There are a lot of options for you in labor, keeping your own personal diet in mind. Foods that are easy to make, easy to take and easy to eat 1 handed are all good ideas.

The good news: all of the restricted foods that you might be missing during pregnancy are on the menu once your baby is born so start planning that 1st postpartum meal!

Labor friendly food ideas

Eat light & hydrate to help your labor progress. 

WARNING: Keep it light since your digestion slows down in labor and you might see that food again later.

PROTEIN 

greek yogurt

cheese

nut butters

protein shakes

scrambled eggs

boiled eggs

meat jerkey

tofu

nuts

 

COMPLEX CARBS

multigrain bread

multigrain crackers

whole wheat pasta

brown rice

oatmeal, millet, quinoa

rice cakes

cereal

pita bread

chickpeas, falafel balls

toast with jam

FRUITS

berries

grapes

banana

dates

applesauce

avocado

fresh smoothies

dried fruit

fruit squeeze pouches

pre-cut fruits for ease

frozen fruit is cooking

QUICK ENERGY

honey sticks

energy gels

lollipops

popsicles

PRO TIP: freeze honey sweetened tea into cubes or make frozen labor-aid pops

 

DRINKS

water

diluted juice (not citrus)

coconut water

lemon water with Himalayan sea salt

Emergen C

electrolyte drinks

miso soup

bone broth

herbal tea (nettle & raspberry leaf)

Labor-aid recipe

aim for sips at least every 15-30 minutes

PRO TIP: offer drinks with a flexible straw after contractions

The post What To Eat In Labor appeared first on Bare Birth.

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