Green Coconut Water
By Colette Crawford, RN, BSN

Labor is a vigorous and demanding function of the body like running a marathon or engaging in other intense sports. Athletes know that hydration and replacement of the body's essential electrolytes are paramount to healthy functioning of muscles and organs. The same is true for a laboring woman, yet in the hospital we deny her energizing food and fluids other than ice chips, water and clear juice.

Carbohydrate is the most important fuel for energy. It's stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen and if these stores run low it can cause fatigue. The bigger the glycogen stores in your muscles, the longer you can perform. Athletes load up on carbohydrates such as, bread, rice, pasta, cereals, potatoes, fruit and vegetables before a rigorous event. Carbohydrates and electrolytes help the body absorb water faster and provide energy for the body.

As a birth attendant I have had women drink green coconut water in labor with extraordinary results. It has five electrolytes, more potassium than a banana, no fat, no added sugar and no preservatives. The potassium helps regulate blood pressure and heart function, effectively rehydrates and keeps the body cool. It is especially helpful in reducing fever related to dehydration and gives the laboring woman a boost of energy.

So, when packing your bag for the hospital, add a 6-pack of green coconut water. Keep some in your refrigerator for those warm days when you are sweating more than usual. During labor eat easy to digest foods such as rice, vegetable or chicken broth or miso soup. Indian mothers make a steamed rice cake called Idli for their daughters to snack on during labor, which gives her more energy. Here is a link for the recipe: Idli steamed rice cake

Pregnancy and birth are normal physiological functions of the human body, which has the ability to adapt appropriately even with added challenges and stressors. What is essential is a diet that includes the necessary nutrients.

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