Welcoming a new life into the world is a momentous occasion, and it's essential for expectant parents to prioritize their health and well-being during labor. While there are plenty of commercial sports and energy drinks available, they often come with unwanted additives and excessive caffeine, which aren't ideal for pregnant people or those in labor. During my labors I made a homemade or DIY labor aid drink and it helped with my energy and hydration during labor. So with that, I decided to compile a collection of homemade Labor Aid and nourishing broth recipes, designed to provide natural alternatives that support your hydration, energy, and overall comfort during this significant journey.
Why Homemade is Better:
1. Healthier Alternative: Store-bought sports drinks and energy drinks often contain artificial additives, excess sugar, and caffeine, which are not ideal for pregnant women or those in labor. These homemade options provide a natural and healthier alternative.
2. Hydration: Staying hydrated during labor is crucial. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, reduced uterine contractions, and overall discomfort. These recipes provide a hydrating option with added electrolytes, which can help maintain proper cell function.
3. Energy: Labor can be physically demanding, and the body needs a source of energy. The natural sugars in these recipes, like honey and real fruit juice, provide a steady source of energy without the caffeine found in many commercial energy drinks.
4. Electrolyte Balance: Electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and magnesium are essential for muscle function and nerve communication. Labor can be physically taxing on muscles, and maintaining the right electrolyte balance can help with muscle contractions and relaxation.
5. Natural Ingredients: These recipes contain natural ingredients like fresh lemon juice, coconut water, and bone broth, which have health benefits beyond hydration and energy. For example, fresh lemon juice can help with digestion, and bone broth is rich in nutrients like collagen.
6. Stress Reduction: Some of the recipes include ingredients like Rescue Remedy, known for its calming effects. Reducing stress and anxiety during labor can contribute to a smoother and more comfortable experience.
7. Preparation and Convenience: Preparing these recipes in advance and freezing them in different forms (cubes, popsicles, or bottles) ensures that you have a readily available source of nourishment during labor. This preparation can be a great task for someone looking to support you during this important time.
8. Tailored to Preferences: The recipes offer flexibility, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on your taste preferences and specific needs. You can customize the level of sweetness, saltiness, or even experiment with different flavors.
Why is "Labor Aid" Good for You During Labor?
Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice: Lemons add a refreshing lemonade flavor and contain citric acid, known to ease digestion and soothe the stomach – great for handling any nausea during labor. Plus, fresh lemon juice helps your body eliminate toxins.
Fresh Coconut Water: It's like nature's sports drink, loaded with electrolytes and high in potassium – a pregnancy superhero!
Sea Salt: It helps with muscle function, hydration, and rehydration.
Bach Flower Rescue Remedy: My secret weapon during labor. It's a natural stress reliever, keeping you calm and focused. I discovered this years ago, I use it often, as do my kids, and partner. I have offered it to partners in the delivery room – it's a wonderful tool to keep on hand!
Trace mineral drops: add to the electrolyte content of the drink. Due to soil depletion many of us do not get enough trace minerals in our diet. Which contain calcium and magnesium, these two are crucial for muscle function, nerve communication, and blood clotting. They help your muscles contract and relax, which is essential during childbirth.
Honey: It not only sweetens the deal but provides easily absorbed, unrefined sugars, perfect for a quick energy boost. Studies have even shown it's as effective as glucose in energy gels.
Labor Aid Recipes:
Lemon Zest Electrolyte Elixir:
- ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cups coconut water (fresh if possible)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- A few drops of Rescue Remedy (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon liquid calcium/magnesium (lemon-flavored if available) OR a few trace mineral drops (optional)
- 2 Tablespoon honey
Sunny Citrus Revitalizer (credit to Lemon Labor Aid from Mommypotamus):
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (Celtic or Himalayan preferred)
- 1/4 cup raw honey (adjust for sweetness)
- A few drops of concentrated minerals (optional)
- A few drops of Rescue Remedy (optional)
Tropical Lime Infusion (credit to Coconut & Lime Labor Aid from Mommypotamus):
- 3 cups coconut water
- 1 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (Celtic or Himalayan preferred)
- 2 tablespoons raw honey or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- A few drops of concentrated minerals (optional)
- A few drops of Rescue Remedy (optional)
Choose a recipe and mix all these wonderful ingredients together and store them in a cooler. Sip on it throughout your labor, and feel free to dilute it if needed.
Why homemade broths for labor?
Nothing replaces electrolytes and soothes the soul like a mug of bone broth. Put in a large thermos and make yourself sip throughout labor. Your body will thank you!
The next two broth recipes from Angie the Doula.
Wholesome Veggie Harmony Broth:
1. Add fresh or dried veggies (e.g., carrots, celery, onion, garlic, anything you like) to boiling water.
2. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
4. Season with your preferred herbs or spices.
5. Add salt to taste (Himalayan or Celtic preferred). You can also use kelp powder.
6. Blend to a smooth consistency or strain out veggie chunks.
Nutrient-Rich Bone Broth:
1. Place bones and any leftover bits (including meat) in a pot and cover with water.
2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer (large bones, like beef, for up to 24 hours; small animal bones, like chicken, for 3-4 hours).
4. Strain the broth.
5. Add salt to taste (Himalayan or Celtic preferred).
6. Optional: Add dried or finely chopped fresh veggies, herbs, or spices, and simmer for another 30 minutes.
These broths offer nourishment and hydration in various situations beyond labor, either one is a great first meal after birth or throughout your postpartum recovery.
As you embark on the incredible journey of childbirth, it's crucial to prioritize your health and comfort. Our homemade Labor Aid and nourishing broths provide a natural and healthier alternative to commercial drinks. They are designed to support your hydration, energy, and overall well-being during this significant experience.
😊🍋🥥🌊 Enjoy your homemade Labor Aid and broths, and may your labor be as smooth and comfortable as possible! 💪🍲🍋
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