21 Best Hospital Bag Snacks for Labor | Snacks for Your Hospital Bag

This post is all about the best hospital snacks for labor.

hospital snacks for labor

Are you worrying about your hospital snacks for labor? Are you wondering if you should pack snacks?The last thing you want to be worrying about when you’re in the hospital giving birth is whether you have enough snacks for your hospital bag. You are likely nauseous, tired, worried that your baby is coming soon, and just generally excited or nervous about being a new mother. However, for women who think they will actually get extra food during labor, they should think again.

While it is likely that the hospital will provide food, food at the hospital, for the most part is very bland and not very exciting. And who’s to say that you’ll actually like the food provided by the hospital? Not having the food you’re craving or the stuff you will actually eat could cause you unnecessary stress because of lack of food. No one wants an already tired and stressful labor experience to be made worse by the food you are served. The following list will provide you with some snack ideas for your hospital bag that can improve your labor experience and help you better prepare yourself physically and mentally for what is ahead of you.

Can I bring snacks to hospital?

Most hospitals allow patients to bring snacks to the hospital. They usually also allow visitors to bring food for the expectant mother. This is a common practice in the United States and Canada and may vary from hospital to hospital. Food items can be kept in a cooler outside of the patient room for consumption. Be sure to check with your doctor or nurse before bringing in any food item.

What types of snacks for your hospital bag are allowed?

The following is a list of suggested snack ideas that you can add to your hospital bag that could give you energy during labor: applesauce cups, honey sticks, bananas, pudding cups, peanut butter crackers, yogurt, granola bars, hard boiled eggs, bagels & cream cheese spread. Please check with your local hospital as they often have their own policy on visitor foods.

Bring whole fruits and veggies if possible.

Small and healthy snacks such as crackers, rice cakes, yogurt and granola bars are generally allowed. Any food that will not cause a mess can be brought in. This includes items such as applesauce cups or other fruit cups with lids. Check with your local hospital if you have any questions about their policy on outside food at the time of delivery.

Do not bring food from home unless it is individually packaged for each person to eat.

Please note: Generally, hospitals politely ask you NOT to bring in any homemade food or treats that could contain nuts/tree-nuts (including nut oils), peanuts (peanut butter), wheat (gluten), soy and milk in your hospital bag. It is best to contact the hospital prior to bringing in any outside food items to ensure they are allowed and will not pose a risk to other patients.

Check with your local hospital before you bring in snacks, as some hospitals have policies prohibiting visitors from bringing their own food. Also, always check with your doctor or nurse before you eat or drink anything while laboring at the hospital.  Please check with your local hospital for their specific policy on outside food brought into the facility during labor.

What foods make labor easier?

Now that we’ve talked about whether or not you can bring food to the hospital, it’s time to discuss whether there are any food that will make labor easier. Read on below.

Once you’re in the throes of labor, all sorts of questions are likely to be running through your mind. Will it be a natural childbirth? How much will it hurt?

If mom-to-be is anything like me, she might have one more question: Can what I eat during labor affect how fast and painless my baby’s delivery is?

The answer is “yes.” And no. And maybe. There are rumors that certain foods can make contractions stronger or longer , or that they can trigger false labor . But there isn’t conclusive evidence either way about whether what you eat during labor actually impacts your experience—positively or negatively. A lot of the information about food that will supposedly make labor easier or harder are purely anecdotal , as there aren’t many studies on the effect of food on labor.

With all that in mind, here’s a list of foods some moms swear helped them have an easier labor—and others absolutely swore made their contractions worse.

Chili Pepper

“I had my longest, easiest labor after eating Thai food with jalapeño peppers in it,” says one mom . Another said she was surprised by how quickly her labor progressed after downing spicy chili . The jury is still out for this one because no clear connection has ever been proven. But it’s worth trying if you think your chili-eating could help speed things along!

sushi

One woman claims sushi sped up the beginning of her labor because all of the raw fish she consumed made her sick—a sign that her baby was ready to make an appearance. Just make sure you stay away from sushi if you haven’t reached full term yet!

Cola drinks and carbonated fruit juices

Some women swear this combination helped them have a shorter, easier labor. If you’re going to give it a try , mix half-and-half with orange juice or cola. And don’t overdo it! Too much carbonation can mess with your digestion and lead to diarrhea, which is not exactly what you want when you’re already dealing with contractions.

Fruit popsicles

Who doesn’t love a nice frozen treat on a hot summer day? For some women, they actually help bring on contractions. Others say ice water does the trick.

Spicy foods

Like chili peppers, spicy food is sort of a toss-up as to whether it helps or hinders labor. But many women claim that eating spicy foods can help your contractions become more intense once you’re already in labor. However, there have been times when the hot sauce that mom ate caused her contractions to stop for a little while. Bottom line? It’s probably best not to eat anything too spicy until you’re sure you won’t have any issues.

Citrus fruits

Some moms swear by sucking on lemons or even drinking orange juice during labor. The vitamin C boosts energy and might actually be worth a shot! Just keep in mind that some women experience heartburn from citrus during pregnancy, so if they upset your stomach now, they probably won’t make labor any easier.

Dried fruits and nuts

Spoiler alert: one of the items on this list is actually trail mix! Now, I am not suggesting you go out and buy a bag of trail mix to munch on while you’re in labor. But some women say eating dried fruit or nuts (not too many—we’re not saying you should binge ) can help smooth over early contractions. It could be that the protein from the nuts helps bring on stronger contractions, but there’s really no way to know. Experiment at your own risk!

Sodas and other sugary drinks

Some mommies-to-be swear by drinking as much as they can before their water breaks so they don’t have to bother with going to the bathroom while in active labor. Others find sugar increases their pain. It’s probably best to just stick with water until you’re in labor, then let yourself have some fun.

Your best bet? Experiment with different foods before your due date—and don’t forget to write it down! Whether you’re successful or not , at least you’ll be able to start your own food diary for next time around.

Related post: 9 Things To Bring To The Hospital | What To Pack In Hospital Bag For Mom

What should be avoided during labor?

During your hospital stay, you will have the opportunity to eat a variety of foods. Here are some general guidelines for what you can and cannot eat or drink during labor:

1. You may drink any clear liquids that do not contain caffeine (e.g., water, broth, sports drinks).

2. If you are having a C-section , clear liquids should be stopped no later than four hours before the surgery. You will receive the nutrition you need through an IV until shortly before surgery.

3. In most cases, women can eat solid foods four to six hours before labor begins (unless labor was induced with medications). Solid food should be avoided in the last eight hours before delivery, however.

4. Foods high in protein (like meats) are encouraged to provide additional energy for mothers, but should be avoided right before or during labor because they take longer than carbohydrates and sugars to digest.

5. Caffeinated products (coffee, tea, soda), alcohol , and tobacco increase your need for fluids and may also decrease the strength of uterine contractions, which could affect your progress during labor .

The above information was taken from the University of California San Francisco Medical Center website. It is common for hospitals to recommend that patients avoid certain foods, beverages or substances before and during labor. However, not all hospitals use the same guidelines. Be sure to speak with your hospital staff about what you can and cannot eat or drink during labor.

21 Healthy Snacks For Your Hospital Bag

Without further ado, here’s a round up of the top hospital bag snacks for labour.

Onigiri rice balls with filling

Onigiri rice balls with filling are one of the best snacks to add to your hospital bag because they are easy to eat and you can customize the filling according to your tastes. You can make onigiri rice balls with any type of filling, but some of my favorites include salmon or tuna.

Dried fruit snacks

Dried fruit snacks are another one of the best snacks for labor because they are healthy and nutritious. Some of my favorite dried fruit snacks include dried apricots, dried cranberries, and dried cherries.

Trail Mix

Another great hospital snack for labor is trail mix containing almonds, cashews, peanuts, raisins, cranberries, and chocolate covered raisins. In general, a pack of trail mix is healthy and nutritious, and it also provides a lot of energy.

Dark chocolate or cacao nibs

Dark chocolate or cacao nibs are another great hospital snack for labor because they are healthy and nutritious, and they also provide a lot of energy. Not to mention, they also taste great! Some people prefer having their dark chocolate on granola bars, and honestly that’s fine too! Granola bars are a great source of energy and are easy to bring in your hospital bag.

Roasted pumpkin seeds

If you want to pack hospital bag snacks but want something easy and won’t take much space, this one is a good option.

Roasted pumpkin seeds are a great hospital snack for labor because they are healthy and nutritious, and they also provide a lot of energy. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of zinc, magnesium, and copper.

Whole grain crackers with cheese

Whole grain crackers with cheese are a great hospital snack for labor because they are easy to eat and you can customize the filling according to your tastes. You can make whole grain crackers with any type of filling, but my favorite is smoked salmon.

Bonus tip: don’t have time to put together crackers and cheese? Why not bring cheese sticks instead? Cheese sticks are delicious, easy to pack in your hospital bag, and they are easy to eat as well!

Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruit is a great hospital snack for labor because it is healthy and nutritious. Some of my favorite fresh fruits include apples, bananas, strawberries, and blueberries.

Popcorn

If you’re thinking to pack snacks in your hospital bag, you can put popcorn in a container and pop it in your bag. Personally, this is my personal favorite snack to munch on!

Crackers with avocado

Another great hospital snack for labor is crackers with avocado. Avocados are a healthy and nutritious food that provides a lot of energy. They are also a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.

Bagels with peanut butter

Bagels with peanut butter are a great hospital snack for labor because they are easy to eat and they provide a lot of energy. Peanut butter is also a healthy and nutritious food that contains protein and healthy fats.

Everything bagel with cream cheese

If bagel with peanut butter isn’t your thing, then why not get an everything bagel and spread cream cheese on it? This is my go to when I need to eat something on hurry but still enjoy my food.

Avocado toast on sourdough bread

Avocado toast on sourdough bread is one of the best hospital bag snacks for labor. It’s high in healthy fats, vitamin C, and potassium, all of which are important for keeping energy levels up and muscles functioning properly during labor.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can also pack hard boiled eggs, cut it up and garnish your avocado toast with it! Gourmet snack in a flash!

Hummus with carrots and peppers slices in a pita pocket

Hummus with carrots and peppers slices in a pita pocket is another great option that will help you get through your contractions without feeling hungry or deprived! This snack has protein from the chickpeas as well as fiber from the veggies to keep you full longer than other options.

This one is great to add hard boiled eggs to as well!

Cucumber slices with cream cheese

Cucumber slices with cream cheese spread are another great hospital snack for labor. They’re refreshing, light, and easy to digest, and the cream cheese will provide you with some much-needed protein and calcium.

Whole grain cereal bars

Whole grain cereal bars are a great hospital snack for labor because they’re packed with fiber, protein, and healthy carbs. They’ll help keep your energy levels up and your muscles functioning properly during labor.

DIY fruit salad bowl

DIY fruit salad bowl – diced fruit, nuts, flax or chia seeds – A fruit salad bowl is a great way to get a variety of healthy fruits in one dish. You can make your own fruit salad bowl by dicing up your favorite fruits and adding them to a bowl. Top with some nuts, flax or chia seeds for some added fiber and protein. This snack is perfect for keeping you energized during labor!

Instant miso soup packets

Instant miso soup packets with dried vegetables and tofu cubes are a great snack for your hospital bag because they’re high in protein, iron, and calcium. They’ll help keep your energy levels up and your muscles functioning properly during labor.

These are also great to bring for after you deliver your baby if you’re not sure if you will like the hospital food where you will deliver. You can easily mix it with hot water and you’re good to go! You can purchase these at your local grocery store that sells Asian food.

Peanut butter energy bites

One of the best hospital bag snacks for labor is peanut butter energy bites. These little balls of goodness are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, all of which will help keep you energized and your muscles functioning properly during labor. This is also such an easy snack to make at home, before you go to the hospital. This is my go to recipe to make these delicious peanut butter bites.

Chocolate bar

A chocolate bar is a great addition to your hospital bag because it’s high in sugar and carbs, which will give you a quick burst of energy to help you get through your contractions. It’s also relatively lightweight and easy to digest, so it won’t weigh you down or make you feel bloated during labor.

Protein Bars

The best hospital snacks for labor are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats to help keep you energized and your muscles functioning properly. These delicious protein bars are perfect for satisfying your hunger while you wait for labor to start!

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled cheese sandwiches are one of the best hospital snacks for labor because they’re high in carbs, protein, and calcium. They’ll help keep your energy levels up and your muscles functioning properly during labor.

This post was all about giving you fun ideas for hospital snacks for labor.

We hope this list helped! When you’re ready to pack snacks, make sure to look at this list to find great ideas! Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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