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During early labor, it\u2019s beneficial to continue eating light and nourishing foods to keep energy up. Although, as sensations start to intensify, food often becomes the last thing on a laboring mama\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n
Just like any other intense physical activity, it\u2019s crucial to stay hydrated throughout labor as well. It\u2019s especially important to make sure that what you\u2019re drinking contains electrolytes, which are required for muscle contractions. Without electrolytes, muscles become weak, and contractions of the uterus can be less effective. Electrolytes also regulate nerve function, hydration, pH balance, and blood pressure. Drinking labor-aid not only allows the body to work more efficiently during labor, it also helps support recovery after birth because electrolytes assist in rebuilding damaged tissue as well.<\/p>\n
In preparation for birth, I recommend assigning someone to \u201clabor-aid duty.\u201d Have your partner, doula, or other support person offer you labor-aid every 15 minutes. This beneficial beverage contains natural sugars from healthy sources, but it doesn\u2019t contain fat or protein, which can slow down the rate at which muscles use the energy supplied from the sugar. <\/p>\n
Labor is very energy-intensive, and your body uses the sugar quite quickly, so it\u2019s important that your person on duty continues to offer you the drink at regular intervals so you can maintain your energy and endurance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n