33 Snacks for Your Hospital Bag: Easy, High Energy, and Delicious Ideas

Giving birth can be an incredibly tiring process, so it’s important to have snacks that will give you energy and keep you going. 

When you go to the hospital for labor, you don’t want to worry about bringing enough food or drinks for yourself and your partner.

In this post, we will discuss the best snacks to pack in your hospital bag for yourself and your partner during labor. 

Pinterest Quick Save!

33 easy and yummy hospital bag snack ideas

We’ll cover both healthy options and snacks that provide a quick burst of energy. 

We’ll also talk about snack options if you have medical conditions like Gestational Diabetes.

No matter what kind of snacks you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered!

So, what are the best snacks for your hospital bag? Let’s find out!

Easy Snacks For Labor

Top view of healthy snacks - Berries, and nuts

If you’re looking for healthy snacks to pack in your hospital bag, here are some great options:

Water

One of the most vital items to include in your hospital bag is water.

Many women suffer from dehydration as a result of the physical exertion of childbirth. The mother’s mouth becomes dry and she may feel lethargic.

The best remedy to this situation is water. That is why packing a bottle or two in your hospital bag is a good idea.

Coconut water

Coconut water performs nearly the same function as fresh water, but with added flavor and delicacy.

Another advantage of these fluids is that they help to alleviate nausea during labor.

Crisps

Crisps are perfect for eating on the go and are very handy. 

If you love your crisps, there’s no reason why you can’t have them with you during labor. Except, of course, your doctor says otherwise.

Protein bars

Many protein bars contain micronutrients like calcium, B vitamins, potassium, and iron in addition to protein and carbohydrates.

Protein bars can also be used as a meal substitute. This is particularly useful in a birthing situation where you may be tired but not feel like eating a full meal.

Check out these yummy and healthy protein snacks for pregnancy that you'll actually enjoy.

Fruit smoothies

Fruit smoothies are great for getting all of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from fruits in just a few sips.

Fruit smoothies are delicious, healthy, simple to prepare (if you favor homemade foods), and readily available.

Nuts

Nuts are delicious, full of protein and fat, and come in a wide variety. They provide the high energy you need for labor.

Pistachios, almonds, and cashews are a few. The choice is yours. 

They’re a terrific choice if you’re seeking something to munch on and will provide you with steady energy all day.

Nuts last very long and don’t spoil quickly, so you can keep them with you while you’re in the hospital.

Therefore, Nuts make perfect snacks for hospital bags.

Bananas

Bananas are energy boosters. They are easy to grab and eat and have a lovely taste.

They also contain potassium which plays an important role in muscle contractions – that’s definitely a plus!

Fruit Popsicles

Another healthy hospital snack is fruit popsicles. They are nutritious and tasty.

You can also add flavored popsicles for extra flavor or if you prefer, you can go for natural fruit popsicles with no added sugar or flavor.

Muffins

Muffins are an excellent option for your maternity bag snacks.

They are healthy and tasty, especially when made up from whole wheat flour, and they could keep you energized and nourished for the entire duration of your labor.

Toasts

A slice of toast is a great way to energize your body and end your hunger.

Made with whole wheat flour and served with fresh butter gives you the boost of protein required for the labor.

Some people love to eat toast with half-fried eggs sprinkled with black pepper.

And eggs themselves make a good snack for the hospital snack bag.

Delicious Labor Snacks

Hard Boiled eggs

Boiled eggs are an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids that aid the mother and baby’s health.

Eggs are enriched with many essential vitamins and minerals. 

They possess vitamins like vitamin A, which helps develop eyes, skin, and a healthy immune system. 

They also contain other essential nutrients for pregnancy, such as folate, iron, and iodine.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches make a perfect meal. Most people love peanut butter and jam sandwiches but any sandwich should do.

Fruits

 Fruits are another excellent snack for your hospital bag for mom or dad. They are refreshing and healthy.

Vegetable sticks

Vegetable sticks are another snack in the dad’s hospital snack bag. They are easy to make and healthy.

Chocolates

Chocolates are another good pick for your hospital bag.

Granted, they aren’t healthy but chocolates energize the body, activate the brain, and can improve your overall mood.

They are excellent for late-night feeding when you’re more likely to be feeling exhausted.

Plain rice cake

Rice cakes fill the stomach quickly. Only a little piece of rice cake is enough to beat the hunger.

When there isn’t much time to eat in the hospital rush, eating a bite of rice cake would do the job quite well.

Whole grain crackers 

Look for whole-grain crackers that are high in fiber to keep you feeling full.

Plus, all that fiber will come in handy for your first postpartum poop which can be notoriously difficult! 

Yogurt

Yogurt is refreshing and satisfying and packed with calcium and protein. 

Granola bars

Granola bars are nutritious. High-fiber granola bars are especially ​​helpful with constipation after birth!

Brioche

Brioche is a type of bread that’s rich and fluffy. It’s great because it’s satisfying and filling.

Candy

Candy is a great option for a quick burst of energy. Just be sure to choose candy that is low in sugar to avoid an energy crash later on.

Flapjacks

Flapjacks are a great source of energy. They’re packed with oats and are perfect for breastfeeding moms. Plus, they’re filling and satisfying.

This is another fiber-rich snack that helps with after-birth constipation.

Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea is caffeine free and can cause mild contractions.

Peppermint tea is great for trapped wind after a c-section. 

But be cautious if you intend to breastfeed because this tea is known to interrupt milk production.

Lucozade drink

Lucozade Sport is an isotonic energy drink frequently recommended for laboring mothers.

Hospital Bag Snacks For Dad

Man holding his phone with cereals on the table

When we think about packing hospital bags, we are usually concerned more about the mother and baby. 

Sadly, dad is often forgotten. Dads need snacks too! 

Here are some snacks that dads can pack in their hospital bags to keep them fueled during the long labor process:

  1. Porridge pots for snacks 
  2. Pasta pots as snacks for dad
  3. Squash 
  4. Pringles 
  5. Biscuits 
  6. Mini croissants 
  7. Trail mix
  8. Dried fruit
  9. Honeysticks
  10. Water

So, dads, don’t forget to pack snacks for yourselves when packing your hospital bags! Your wives will thank you for it.

Check out dad’s hospital bag checklist to learn what other things to pack in your birth partner’s bag.

When Is Eating During Labor NOT Allowed?

pregnant woman eating healthy food

If your doctor or midwife has advised you not to eat during labor, it’s probably because they’re concerned about the risk of aspiration.

 Aspiration occurs when liquids, food, or vomit are brought up from the stomach and then breathed in (inhaled). It can cause serious health problems, like pneumonia. 

So, if you’re not allowed to eat during labor, snacks are probably off the table, too. 

But don’t worry, there are plenty of other ways to stay fueled and ready to push through labor. 

Talk to your doctor or midwife about what’s best for you.

Can You Eat During Labor With General Anesthesia?

A smiling, happy woman in labor prepares to give birth in a hospital

If you’re having a cesarean section (C-section) or another type of surgery that requires general anesthesia, you won’t be able to eat during labor. 

This is because general anesthesia can cause you to vomit, and vomiting while under anesthesia can cause aspiration which can be very dangerous. 

You’ll likely be able to have something to drink up until a few hours before your surgery, but after that, you’ll need to fast. 

Again, talk to your doctor or midwife about what’s best for you and your baby.

Can You Eat During Labor With Gestational Diabetes?

Pregnant woman holding her husband's hand while in labor

If you have gestational diabetes, your doctor or midwife will probably let you eat during labor. 

This is because eating can help keep your blood sugar levels under control. 

If your blood sugar levels get too low, you may feel shaky, dizzy, or tired. You may also have trouble pushing during labor. 

So, if you have gestational diabetes, snacks may be a good idea during labor. Just be sure to talk to your doctor or midwife first to make sure you’re eating the right things.

Pregnant women with Gestational diabetes (GD) need to be extra careful with what they eat during labor. No sugary food or drinks. 

Try snacks like cheese and crackers, or a small amount of peanut butter on whole wheat toast.

What Types Of Snacks Are Good For Women With Gestational Diabetes?

Healthy foods for diabetes diet. Foods high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals

Some good snacks for women with gestational diabetes include cheese and crackers, peanut butter on whole wheat toast, or yogurt. 

You’ll want to avoid sugary snacks or drinks, as they can cause your blood sugar levels to spike.

Note instead of Lucozade Sport, you should take Lucozade Zero  which contains significantly less sugar – ‘sugar-free.’

Take a look through this list of GD-friendly foods to see more suitable snack options.

Can You Eat During Labor With An Epidural?

Pain management specialist holding a syringe and administering epidural

If you have an epidural, you’ll likely be able to eat during labor.

This is because an epidural numbs the lower half of your body, but doesn’t affect your stomach or intestines. 

So, you’ll be able to digest food and snacks just fine. 

That said, you may want to avoid eating a big meal, as it could make you feel nauseous. 

Snacks and drinks are probably the way to go.

Other Related Hospital Bag Posts

We have a ton of posts on labor and birth, check out these ones:

What to wear during labor ( 11 different options)

Going home outfit for mom (after birth)

10 best Water Birth Outfits For Mom

What NOT to forget in your hospital bag

How BIG should your hospital bag be?

Last-minute Hospital bag essentials

Should you take formula to the hospital

When is TOO EARLY to pack your hospital bag?

How many sleepsuits does a newborn need?

How many nursing pads in hospital bag?

Leave a comment