Should I Eat During Labor? Benefits vs Risks & What are Good Snacks for Labor?

Should I Eat During Labor?
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IS EATING DURING LABOR SAFE? And if it is safe, what are the foods that are good for labor? Many women as they prepare for labor are told that eating during labor is not beneficial and potentially risky because of aspiration during labor. However, this is an outdated concern and in this video, I’m sharing information that you should know as you make you’re preparing and finding the answers on how to have a positive birth. In this video, you will have the answer to your question, “Should I eat during labor?” as well as what to eat during labor to help keep your muscles working and your energy up.
With the information given in this video, you will know just what to bring to the hospital for labor when it comes to good snacks for labor that will fuel your mind and body… Enjoy packing that hospital bag and don’t forget the SNACKS!
FREE MINI ONLINE BIRTH CLASS: www.builttobir...
PURCHASE THE BUILT TO BIRTH ONLINE COURSE: www.builttobir...
DOWNLOAD THE BUILT TO BIRTH AFFIRMATION MEDITATIONS: www.builttobir...
ARTICLE by American Society of Anesthesiologists - Most healthy women would benefit from light meal during labor - www.asahq.org/...
ARTICLE by Evidence Based Birth - Evidence on: Eating and Drinking During Labor - evidencebasedb...
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DISCLAIMER
All content and information in this video is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical, psychological or health advice of any kind and I do not warrant that the information presented herein is free of any errors or omissions. I am not providing medical, health care, nutrition therapy or coaching services to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any kind of physical ailment, mental or medical condition.
Although I strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the medical and health area for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any medical or health related decisions. For your health related questions, please seek the advice of a licensed physician or any other qualified health care provider immediately.
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I am a Lamaze certified Childbirth Educator and a DONA certified Birth Doula in the San Francisco Bay Area! For more information and resources, come find me at builttobirth.com

[@BridgetTeyler]

Thanks for watching, Mama! What's the #1 question you have about pregnancy, birth, or postpartum?

[@mim_0717]

Bridget Teyler Hi! When is the best time to take stool softener? Ftm 😉

[@mlind-je5jn]

@@mim_0717 I'm a ftm also, the first few days I went with no problem but a few weeks after birth and living off of crackers (hard to find time to cook with a newborn) i got constipated, and a hard stool gave me fissures. Fissures a d hemmerhoids..it was soso painful for weeeeeeeks. Please drink plenty of water and get plenty veggies and fruit 😭 save yourself

[@mlind-je5jn]

I would like to know about failed epidural/ epidural not working fully.. or what it should be like with an working epidural. i had my baby 3 months ago and i feel mine didnt work correctly ( she was 10lb) I thought from seeing birth vlogs where they get epidurals and seem so calm and easy even while pushing.. barely breaking a sweat. for me i still felt such intense pressure i could not relax. And the burning. I also was breathing in the gas and it was still SO difficult and intense. It was not at all what i expected. And I was so weak after and felt faint. I looked like a wreck. I was not calm and smooth like in birth vlogs with epidural. the whole birth experience was not so good alot went wrong( first our hospital was too full for me) and baby had complications too :/ we stayed in neo natal ward for a week after birth.

[@houriabenloucif8387]

@@mlind-je5jn next time eat "prune " it helps with constipation in no time... Just one or two in matter of few hours you'll have soft stool.

[@houriabenloucif8387]

@@mim_0717 just eat prune it is a natural very effcient stool softener 😉

[@distorbia20]

I took dates to hospital but had no time to snack. Came in 7.15am gave birth 7.55am. I enjoyed the dates after with lovely tea from the nurses 😻😻

[@elizabethcronsell9301]

Was that your first baby?

[@Isabelag99]

I am 39 weeks pregnant and I went to hospital yesterday from pain & contractions. they would not let me eat anything. Eventually they gave me water & apple juice. But sent me home. I am definitely going to eat before I go to hospital again. I am not going to be starving the entire time and be forced into a c section. What type of tourture is that!

[@heale3944]

This video makes me want to cry. I am at 39 weeks with my second and hoping for a vbac. My first birth was exactly like you describe. I labored, didn't get anything to eat, and 20 hours later I had no strength to keep going. All they would give me is sugar water, which only made me feel sick. So yes, it was a c-section after failure to progress. Thank you for sharing this information. I hope it saves someone from going through what I did.

[@misly]

Same here, They told me not to eat and I am out of energy i ended up failed in labor. I am 33weeks preggy with my third child. hoping for a Vba2c.

[@mohammedchowdhury6294]

Hi... I'm 30 weeks pregnant and also hoping for VBAC. So, how was ur this time birth experience. 🙂

[@yeahyeahyeah2935]

Same 😢

[@heale3944]

@@mohammedchowdhury6294 I did it! I had a vbac. My doctor was out of town for the weekend, so I had an on call doctor who kept trying to convince me to have another c-section. But I was progressing the whole time. It took 24 hours, but I did have an epidural and had my husband sneak me snacks. I practiced positive affirmations. ❤️

[@mohammedchowdhury6294]

@@heale3944 wow... Well done. I also did it. My baby is 3 month old now. Actually this time I had knowledge about delivery and everything I learned from you tube. 😊😊

[@jaclyn4098]

My sister didnt eat for 3 days when she was in labor 😔 it's so cruel to not "let" a woman eat during labor.

[@ArcherQueen13]

Oh my goodness 😳.....

[@NatalyG73]

Unbelievable really.

[@arielhollis1184]

Same 😑

[@mailor6184]

How did she do it? Mine was only 5 hours and I was so hungry and thirsty.

[@takecareofyourshoess]

Surely the hospital didn’t tell her not to eat for 3 days. If she listened to that “advice”….well….not too smart.

[@casd.5485]

I’m binge watching a bunch of your videos. Lol. It’s been 11 years and I’m giving birth to my second baby hopefully March 1.

[@keonarose8740]

I'm due March 10th! Good luck mama ❤

[@angyl01]

It has been 11 years for me too!! I am due with my second Thursday ☺️

[@DanceePinkston]

Keona Rose congrats momma! coming up so soon!

[@brytanny11]

Omg I’m due March 15!

[@casd.5485]

Omg i did not know I had these notifications lol. I’m hoping y’all had great safe deliveries. I’m currently breastfeeding my big chunky 8 month old. She was born March 3, 2020!

[@jamilaglas]

Bridget, I cannot thank you enough for the advice you gave in your videos. The lamaze classes were cancelled due to Covid 19 restrictions. I watched your videos for two months. The ones on labour stages , breathing techniques, natural induction of labour, etc. All were helpful, all were relevant. I ended up avoiding an induction and had a quick vaginal birth after a long labour (2 almost 3 days). Thank you love!! Keep helping mamas do what our bodies are meant to do naturally. God bless.

[@yourmother9834]

Not to mention I think her channel provides more info than a 2 hour class can give you

[@songpoetry1]

This is nice to know. I've had start and stop contractions for a long time now and I've been fluctuating between being nauseous and ravenous, avoiding food and stuffing my face. Having food has been helping me have contractions, which then make me nauseous with pain, at which point I stop eating and contracting. I guess I'll have to find a better balance and make good food choices when I can eat.

[@xserena13x]

The more I listen the more hard it is for me to want to give birth 🥲 I’m still having nausea during the second trimester but I’m ready to get this done and meet baby girl!! 💕

[@policeytijani3060]

It’s not easy but You got this Mama, and the first motivation is to want to meet your bundle of joy !!!

[@DanceePinkston]

Loved this video! I added it to my birth education playlist for my mommas to come watch. ☺️

[@mateoschannel2629]

Thanks for all the info! Have not stopped watching your videos in prep for my baby in April!!

[@DanceePinkston]

Aww a little Easter baby! I’m due in June!

[@AustinLEN]

My Doula has also been clear that you just don't tell them if you need to eat and do it when they're not in the room

[@sarahchambers6368]

I have just been to an antenatal class and their suggestions for food was pretty much just sports drinks and gummy bears >.< I have GDM and I was starting to wonder what snacks I could eat during labor that wouldn't spike my blood sugars AND sustain me. As soon as I saw your list it clicked but I'm super grateful you put it together. Thanks for making this video, you're a total gem.

[@duckling8045]

I asked the nurse who toured me around the hospital I chose about if I they allow us to eat. She literally looked at me so surprised, like she didn't even know not eating was an option. In contrast, my mom wasn't even allowed to DRINK anything, let alone eat. She could only have a few glucose (or fructose?) candies.

[@zainabnoori6428]

Hi Bridget. I really like the way you present the useful information with the evidence without pretending being too excited.

[@misstatty3455]

30 weeks and in France so some info is different for us. And one thing is I've been told no eating at the hospital. Which my response was...i will have sneaky snacks I don't care! I am not going to be exhausting my self for hours and not having some resource for energy. I know that's bad but I couldn't survive on nothing. It's silly to expect some one to not eat and have the energy to push.

[@RandelleSolomon]

For the most part I'm loving the policies of the hospital I'm giving birth at. They work with you to create a birth plan, support varying comfort techniques during labor, allow for different pushing positions, etc. The ONLY thing I have an issue with is that they do not allow eating or drinking once you are in the hospital in labor. Not even water/clear fluids. They will give you ice chips, and that's it. They do recommend laboring at home for as long as possible, which is my intention. If I'm in labor in the room and I'm hungry and lacking energy, I may take a few bites of a snack from my bag when they're not in the room. I need the energy to get through labor, which is hard work!

[@ruukibane301]

UM EXCUSE ME? No Hopsital or staff CAN LEGALLY TELL YOU WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT DO DURING PREGNANCY OR LABOUR WITH YOUR BODY. You didn't do your research or advocate for yourself. THEY CANNOT FORBID YOU FROM EATING OR DRINKING DURING LABOUR AT ALL.

[@ruukibane301]

If they have an issue tell them to LEAVE.

[@RandelleSolomon]

@@ruukibane301 Coming back to this two years after the fact. I was not completely NPO. I was allowed ice chips and popsicles. I ended up needing a c-section due to my infant being in distress (the cord was wrapped around her neck) and vomited right there on the operating table. Good thing I didn't have more solids in my stomach or I could have aspirated. Now knowing more I would absolutely listen to the doctors again.

[@khietten]

Thanks so much for this video! Finding your channel has been such a blessing. So fortunate to have stumbled upon it early on in my pregnancy!

[@shweecarpenter493]

Could you make a video tailored more towards what foods that patients with gestational diabetes can eat during labor please? I don't think dates and honey sticks would work out well for me...

[@kateloljbrdn]

5:09 for when she mentions what to snack on!

[@AustinLEN]

Of course surgery is always a concern some medical people are going to tell you not to eat but at my hospital tour I very much got the impression that their main concern was vomiting and that they didn't want to deal with vomit... My inclination would be to eat... We shall see when I actually go into labor in a few weeks.... Low blood sugar is not where I want to be

[@Loorsey]

I was in labor for 35 hours and my midwife wouldnt let me eat. They also gave me epidural at 4cm so I was chained to that bed for 26 hrs. I was so hungry.

[@AB-dg6eh]

Could you do a video on hypnobirthing??

[@rowenamckinley1079]

I would also like a video about this.

[@houriabenloucif8387]

I was concerned I won't have enough energy to push and, we end up( my husband & me) buying some nuts and currant raisin...it helped a lot to maintain energy through labor...

[@gabriellemanier2223]

So glad God led me and my husband to our midwife and her birth center. I am looking foward to eating healthy foods during labor 😊

[@keeks8817]

Ditto! What did you snack on in your labor at home?

[@gabriellemanier2223]

@@keeks8817 I had Oatmeal in early early labor. Then when I was somewhere around a 7 or 8 I had a drinkable chocolate protein (in a bottle) kind of like a smoothie/shake type and towards the end some honey sticks really helped give me that extra energy when I was feeling drained.

[@emberedits1342]

So are we allowed to eat even when the hospital says no? Do we have the right to tell them we're going to eat anyway??

[@breestrand3461]

I know I was suggested not to eat...I don’t remember if I ate breakfast at home? But my water had broken and we went to the hospital...I was admitted and in general were waiting to see if labour started naturally or if they needed to induce me. It was near supper time and I kept asking if I could eat? One nurse finally said I could eat a small meal. So I had some soup. It tasted great. Shortly after this my contractions started. And then my hospital supper arrived, by then I was like no thank you I don’t want any food...for me I think it was listening to my body. I felt great after eating and it didn’t cause me to throw up. Possibly they didn’t want me to eat incase i needed a c section? Not sure. But my opinion is if your hungry eat or drink a bit at a time. But yes also talk to those in your care.

[@lovetobe6118]

I ate even though they told me not to for my second birth. I just opened a jar of cod liver and ate it then tossed it in the trash. Made me feel really nourished and satisfied for the rest of the ten hour labor.

[@lovetobe6118]

First Labor: threw up the smoothie hospital staff gave me probably because it was full of processed sugar (not healthy). The labor was 20 hours. Second Labor: Ate cod liver that I brought myself. I didn't throw it up and it helped me feel nourished for the ten hour labor. Third Labor: Drank Raspberry Leaf Tea with Egg yolks. I didn't throw it up, but I feel my body wanted something more solid. I did feel hydrated for the birth which lasted a little over four hours of active labor.

[@serenasmith6195]

I stuffed my face during my two labors and shortly after giving birth. I was able to push both kids out very fast

[@wellbeingandbliss7010]

Can you recommend a few snacks please? Were those unperishable?

[@karlamurphy9934]

Could you please turn closed captioning on for your videos?

[@luckyangel3432]

I’ve only been able to drink during labor because I get nauseous during labor but I’m watching to get ideas in case I need to snack this time. ❤

[@tiffanyreis332]

I threw up my whole labor. I couldn’t keep anything down. I would love to find suggestions on soothing stomach in labor

[@papipupepo9321]

ginger is great for settling the stomach, if you have fresh ginger and cut/crush it up in hot water to make tea ☺️

[@tulip_peony]

Hi Bridget, would you please do a video or just tell me what you think about the vitamin k injection. I’m 37 weeks and made the decision not to do it , but still want to make sure I’m informed in my decision !

[@ruukibane301]

Eat formented foods like Kimchi they are high in Vitamin K. Its a LIE that breastmilk doesn't contain a lot. If you eat the right foods your breastmilk will have more than enough in it

[@love2sing20101]

Girl… I never got breaks. My contractions were constant and off the chart. They never came back down according to the monitors and how I felt. Like a weight you are constantly holding and can’t put down. I felt like I was simultaneously being squeezed together and torn apart.

[@karlareyesmba]

Thank you for this awesome video. I've added the list to my birth plan.

[@DanceePinkston]

Oooh that’s a good idea! I am going to let my midwife know too!

[@keeks8817]

Would edamame, soups, carrots and hummus be ok? I am birthing at home and don’t have restrictions. Cheese is tough for me being lactose intolerant

[@simonafristykova4135]

In my country you can´t eat and in most hospitals you can´t even drink !! during labor... even if it lasts for 48 hours or more... :( it´s like 21th century didn´t come here yet.

[@BarnettCL]

Would you recommend eating something different if theirs been gestational diabetes?

[@diannekevau1987]

Was about to ask you this, made me curious ..but thanks 💯 very helpful

[@DanceePinkston]

Me too! She’s so full of info!

[@moondancer7993]

Looks like I'm going to be laboring at home for as long as possible. If I don't eat when hungry sometimes I pass out. I asked my doctor at my last appointment what I could do about that and he said I couldn't have nothing but water.

[@DanceePinkston]

I am the same way 🤣 I’m so thankful my hospital birth only lasted 3 hours! 🙌🏻

[@ruukibane301]

Again, NO HOPSITAL HAS THE LEGAL AUTHORITY TO TELL A WOMAN IN LABOUR SHE CANNOT EAT OR DRINK DURING LABOUR.

[@taraphillips5398]

Also, since when do people go under general for cesareans? Aren’t people awake and alert and holding the hand of their birth support? So isn’t the whole idea of aspirating food while undergoing an emergency cesarean antiquated anyway?

[@laurenswift9368]

If a woman doesn't already have an epidural, and an emergency situation comes up, they ideally want baby out in 12 minutes tops, with 8 minutes being closer to the goal. They don't have time to put in an epidural or maybe also don't have ideal positioning, so they have to use general

[@giftigkvinder]

Barfed my brains out with the gastric forces of upheaval during late labor pushing (red jello and ice chips 4 hrs prior).... may the odds be in your favor!

[@melissahernandez4329]

Forces of upheaval? What does that mean?

[@giftigkvinder]

@@melissahernandez4329 upchucked, donation to the porcelain God, chunk blowing, vomit the frog, second time around snack... pushed so hard it came out both ends, one a little more lively than the other.

[@laurenswift9368]

Yeah I also threw up my first go round and wasn't hungry at all

[@AliceAshlyn]

Thank you this video was so helpful!

[@nyeiajackson4964]

I give birth tmrw 7/12/20 my lil man be here

[@itsmrsnewberry7132]

I will be 40 weeks tomorrow with my second, got everything ready for him just waiting on him. My question is, what classes/schooling did you have to do to become a doula? I was planing on going to school anyway to become a L&D nurse but im lost on where to start

[@itsmrsnewberry7132]

Helen G. Pitts scam 🥱

[@mariannemo]

Can you turn on subtitles? There is no subtitles on this video.

[@MilahanPhilosophersCorner]

Educational. ❤️

[@jerryleedeocampo4866]

Thanks for the ideas

[@lucynichols1971]

So helpful!!

[@elizviy]

It was torture when they wouldn't let me drink in the hospital during labor. I was exhausted and dehydrated. I'll never forget chuggign that sprite after I had my baby. My damned husband ratted me out over my snacks to the nurse! lol....ultimately working a 12 hr shift and being totally exhausted/dehydrated is why I failed the 2nd attempt at a natural labor. Trying again for the 3rd bebe!

[@marilynshelton2371]

It was the most strenuous workout of my life. I ate some spicy eggplant casserole the night before I got the contractions and went into labor. It was 10 hours long and I had a vaginal birth. Unfortunately I had a SCAD heart attack towards the end of it and ended up on the 🫀 cardiology unit directly after my birth while my daughter was separated to the nursery.

[@OGxsixela]

Awesome vid

[@blanchehanstein3450]

Love your videos, very informative!

[@salwaslmy6883]

Welcome ... l am 36 weeks of pregnancy and the fetal head is down but her face facing my pubic bone not my back and the umblical cord turn around fetal neck one turn .... if this position is dangerous for labor?? What l can do ?? thanks too much ...

[@92SJP]

Hi, Paramedic here. Your baby is in the "OP" "Occiput Posterior" or "Sunny side up" position. Babies can still be born safely and vaginally in this position (usually with assistance from a Doctor), but most will rotate into the correct position during labour. Babies can also be born with the umbilical cord wrapped slightly around the neck - if safe to do so your midwife will simply slip it over the head once the head is delivered.

[@anadadiani248]

im a 20 year old first time mom and really scared of giving birth if the baby's heavier than 3.5 kgs. scared of tearing/episiotomy and postpartum pain:( any advice for psychological state and how to quit being afraid of something going wrong? thanks in advance

[@leticialopezencinas6536]

She has great videos on almost all those topics and they are great, you should take a look around on her channel! She's very inspiring

[@anadadiani248]

Leticia López Encinas will do! Thanks 🙂

[@shaneennaidoo307]

Hi Ana! I'm a first time mom too and had the exact same fears. The important thing is to educate yourself on birth because this takes away the fear of giving birth. I know it's difficult especially when most people speak negatively about birth but really try to focus on the positive... every contraction brings me closer to my baby... breathe... 77% of labour is actually pain free. The size of your baby doesn't impact your birth. Bridgets videos are a great source. If you can, buy a book called "the positive birth book" by milli hill, this book was my saving grace. Good luck mama and remember your body was made to birth your baby, it will do everything it needs to do to bring your baby into this world.

[@anadadiani248]

Shaneen Carls thanks a lot! And I’ll surely check out the book ❤️

[@kimhedges4697]

My first baby was almost 4kg and I had 0 tearing! The nurses were amazing stretching me as I was in the pushing stage. I think it also helps that I pushed for about 1.5 hours. Slow and steady which also helped to stretch as she came down!

[@melissaoidor4507]

Bridget! I’m so happy I came across your channel, I’m currently 28 weeks pregnant with my 1st baby and your videos have helped me out so much. I’ve learned a lot so far! One thing I’m worried about is that my iron is low, I’m taking iron pills but I’d like to know what else can I do to avoid anemia?

[@laurenswift9368]

Eat iron rich foods- meats, fortified grains, dark leafy greens. Take your iron pill with vitamin c (supplement or fruit like oranges) for better absorption. Avoid tannins (coffee and tea), foods with calcium, and acid reflux medications close to when you are eating iron or taking iron supplements because they hinder absorption. That being said, even with all of my efforts, I still tend to run low in iron during my pregnancies

[@jaynellnewton1013]

Did having low iron affect your labor and delivery in any way? I was told I have low iron and recommended to have a blood transfusion but I am against having this done. Any advice? I am doing the foods you mentioned.

[@Splexsychiick]

The bottom line consult your doctor and don't make uninformed decisions on your own. Be careful and beware of information you dig up online. Don't put yourself in any unnecessary risk.

[@mommylifestyle1044]

Why gummy bears?

[@kristinezerebkina9383]

❤

[@matildanelbosco7471]

🌹

[@SilviaKay]

Great video, but the introduction was a bit long.

[@megannoel1363]

Don’t eat during labor, you will risk your life if you need emergency surgery

[@limeonthecoconut]

Outdated info. Misinformation entirely