A Houseful of Love

Whether you’re preparing for a home birth or hospital birth, you’re going to want something to keep you well-hydrated and fueled during your labor. That’s why I always prep this Labor-Aid when I’m 36 weeks pregnant!

Many hospitals restrict consumption to clear liquids, so this Labor-Aid was designed with that limit in mind! And if you’re planning a home birth or a birth center birth (or a hospital birth) where you will be allowed and encouraged to eat and drink in labor, it’s still a refreshing drink that’s full of benefits!

There are quite a few versions of Labor-Aid out there. I’ve made a couple unique twists to mine to ensure that it’s easy to make, affordable, and very effective. This labor-aide features coconut water (for electrolytes), red raspberry leaf tea (uterine tonic), sea salt (electrolytes), honey (fuel!), and lemon and lime juice (flavor).

Labor-Aid can be made weeks before birth or while you’re in early labor – up to you! I made it ahead of time for my first birth and was grateful I did because things moved very quickly. For my second birth, I’m making it early as well, just in case things move just as faster or even faster. However, if you have a history of long labors, you can easily make this when you know labor is underway.

Is Labor-Aid only good in labor?

No, Labor-Aid is a great drink anytime in the third trimester! Electrolytes are essential in pregnancy because of increased blood volume and demands from the baby. Especially with a summer due date this time around, I’m noticing that I need even more electrolytes than usual to feel my best.

My only caution is that this drink contains red raspberry leaf tea, which is a uterine tonic and can cause contractions. Speak to your healthcare provider before you begin consuming it! Some women drink red raspberry leaf tea throughout pregnancy without issue, while others are better off waiting until 37 weeks to prevent preterm labor (or unnecessarily uncomfortable contractions).

Can I make any substitutions or changes to this Labor-Aid?

Absolutely! This Labor-Aid is amazing as-is, but it can be altered to fit your needs. Here are some ideas:

• Coconut water: If you don’t like coconut water, feel free to use spring water with natural electrolytes instead. You could also use filtered water and add a bit more sea salt or an electrolyte mix. If you go with an electrolyte mix, do your best to find one (like LMNT’s raw unflavored mix) without junky additives.
• Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: I love having some red raspberry leaf tea in labor because it’s a uterine tonic and can help the uterus contract and/or stay toned. However, if you’re not a fan, feel free to swap with another herbal tea (check with your provider first).
• Honey: If you’re going into a hospital that restricts you to clear fluids only, add a bit more hone. Or bring honey sticks! It’s a great way to get some quick fuel while you’re busy working hard to bring your baby into the world!
• Lemon and Lime Juice: I love the refreshing combination of lemon and lime, but feel free to swap it for another citrus juice or just use one. Or swap it for another flavor agent – it’s totally up to you!
• Sea salt: Sea salt is a great source of electrolytes, but you can swap it for another electrolyte mix if you know that you’re missing something in particular. Lab tests are important for figuring what you need if you’re going to supplement any electrolyte, so please speak to your provider!
• Collagen powder: You can add unflavored collagen powder to your Labor-Aid if you want to. I don’t because I found that honey (for the quick glucose hit) was more important. Protein is great, but you’ll be drinking this Labor-Aid mid-labor, not as a recovery drink.

How long is Labor-Aid good for?

It depends on how long your coconut water is good for once opened. Usually, that’s only about 48 hours when refrigerated. Since it’s hard to predict when labor will start (or start for real), I recommend following the freezer prep instructions unless you’re making it while in labor or enjoying it as an electrolyte drink in the third trimester.

Ingredients

• 1 liter coconut water
• 2 cups red raspberry leaf tea – I like to make a very strong batch of red raspberry leaf tea. Steep at least 30 minutes as you prep the other ingredients. However, I recommend steeping overnight if you can!
• Juice of 2 lemons – about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of juice
• Juice of 2 limes – about 1/4 cup of juice
• 2 tbsp honey – feel free to add more. That’s especially the case if you won’t be allowed to consume anything other than clear liquids in labor!
• 1 tsp fine sea salt – feel free to add more, as long as you enjoy salt. I’m a salt fiend, but I still wait until I’m in labor to salt my Labor-Aid to taste just to make sure I don’t salt it beyond what my body needs.

Directions

Freezer Prep Version

Step 1: Combine red raspberry leaf tea, lemon juice, lime juice, honey, and sea salt.

Step 2: Pour into ice cube molds. Freeze until solid, then move to labeled freezer bag. Store unopened coconut water in the pantry.

Step 3: When in labor, put half the ice cubes in one quart-size mason jar and half in another (or put everything in a large pitcher or water bottle). Pour the coconut water over the ice and allow to melt. Enjoy!

Ready-to-Drink Version

Step 1: Combine coconut water, red raspberry leaf tea, lemon juice, lime juice, honey, and sea salt.

Step 2: Pour over ice or place in the refrigerator to chill. Enjoy!

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Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories: kcal
Fat: g
Total Carbohydrates: g
Fiber: g
Protein: g

The nutrition data provided here is for informational only and is only an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It cannot be verified or guaranteed, and should not be used in the treatment of medical conditions. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice This data should be interpreted and used at your own risk.