Best Snacks to Pack for Your Hospital Birth

When you’re preparing for labor, having the right snacks on hand can make all the difference for you and your support team. Labor can be a marathon. Fuel and hydration matter. Pack those snacks! You’d be surprised how many families arrive at the hospital without them, and it usually means the partner has to step out to find food. Let’s make sure you’re stocked so you can both stay right where you want to be - together!

Here are some of the best options to pack, broken down into simple categories.

Read below for more of the best snacks to pack for labor and delivery

Organic Juice Boxes or Pouches
Quick hydration and natural sugars. Apple is usually best tolerated.

Protein Sources
Apples with nut butter, muffins, nuts, roasted chickpeas, string cheese, jerky, hummus, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, chia pudding. Bone broth is another nourishing choice, offering warmth, minerals, and hydration. Avoid heavy protein bars, which can feel too dense during labor.

Cold & Refreshing Options
Cold, refreshing snacks can feel heavenly during labor, especially when you’re hot. Frozen grapes, cubes of watermelon, homemade popsicles, or chilled applesauce pouches are hydrating, naturally sweet, and easy to eat.

Hydration
Your doula and partner will help remind you, but it helps to bring your own trusted water. Bottled or filtered water works well, and a self-filtering bottle is a bonus.

Electrolyte Boost
Think of labor like running a marathon—you’ll want electrolytes, sodium, and potassium to replenish what you lose through exertion. Coconut water is a natural, gentle option. Clean electrolyte powders are also helpful—just avoid artificial colors or dyes.

Quick Energy Snacks
Fruit leather, honey sticks, bananas, dried fruit, rice cakes with nut butter, or even a few squares of dark chocolate can give you quick bursts of energy. Energy chews are another excellent option for a fast boost.

Gentle on the Stomach
Sometimes less is more. Mints, ginger chews, saltines, pretzels, or plain popcorn can help settle your stomach and ease nausea during labor.

Don’t Forget Your Birth Team
Pack something your partner will enjoy too. Supporting you through labor takes energy, and these snacks double as great middle-of-the-night options once baby has arrived.

Don’t let something as small as a forgotten snack bag send your partner running out the door. A little forethought goes a long way toward making your birth experience smoother and more supported.