labour aide drink recipe

we are in the middle of a mini heatwave in the uk right now & so i’ve been talking with my antenatal hypnobirthing clients about how to stay hydrated during labour when it’s so blumin’ hot!

this recipe for a refreshing electrolyte drink could well hit the spot, it’s super easy to make & can help to keep you hydrated & energised throughout your labour.

what is an electrolyte anyway?

in very simple terms, electrolytes are minerals found within our bodies that dissolve in our own, natural fluids & when they do so, they release electrically charged ions into the body - yes we are supermatic electrified beings! these important minerals, which include potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium & phosphate, are vital for nerve & muscle function & they bring balance to the body.

our bodies need electrolytes in order for our muscles to contract, so when it comes to birth, it’s essential that we are not depleted in these minerals, since we want our labour contractions to be strong & to build throughout so that labour can progress optimally.

we can secrete electrolytes excessively through exertion, exercise or when unwell & running a fever, this causes imbalance & we can feel the effects in our health & wellbeing.

drinking an electrolyte drink is a great way to replenish your bodies stores of these important minerals, there are many off-the-shelf drinks you can buy, but these are often loaded with sugars, preservatives, colourings & flavourings which are definitely not beneficial! it’s so quick & easy to mix up, & you can play with the flavours to make it your own.

you’ll find the recipe for the labour-aide electrolyte drink down at the bottom, but here's a bit more info about the ingredients & how they can support you during labour…

please note: this is not intended as medical advice or guidance, always contact your gp or midwife if you have any concerns during your pregnancy.

benefits of the ingredients

coconut water - is considered a natural electrolyte drink, it contains several minerals including potassium & sodium. it can help to remove toxins from the body & provide sustained energy & hydration throughout labour.

raspberry leaf tea - is a a uterine tonic, which means it can tone the muscles of the uterus. it has potential to support effective labour contractions & you can drink in raspberry leaf tea in preparation for labour. it contains electrolytes including potassium & magnesium. you should avoid if you have previous uterine scars, known placenta praevia or a history of preterm birth.

citrus fruits - natural sugars provide energy, citrus contains citric acid to soothe & ease digestion & helps to flush toxins. high in vitamin c, potassium & calcium - different fruits contain different minerals & of course taste very different so choose flavours that appeal to you.

himalayan salt - full of trace minerals that can optimise muscle function. himalayan salt is said to help balance electrolytes in the body & help to prevent dehydration.

honey - contains natural glucose sugars to sustain energy. in ayurveda practice, honey is often used for mental balance & is said to help relieve anxiety & lower stress hormones including cortisol

note: always consume in moderation & seek advice from your gp if you have any concerns during your pregnancy

make it your own

this is my own tried & tested recipe for labour-aide drink, but you can mix things up or strip it back to keep it super simple. try some different blends during your pregnancy so that you, your partner & family can enjoy the taste testing! here are some ideas to make it your own…

i love the combo of coconut water & raspberry leaf, but you could use just one or the other on it’s own in the full liquid amount. if you don’t like the taste of raspberry leaf, use a herbal tea of your preference - mint is a great one! you could even just use plain, filtered water.

the fresh zestiness of orange is bliss for me, but you could switch to lemon & lime for a super refreshing taste. if you have any intolerance to citrus, you could try berries, watermelon or even cucumber. adding a tbsp of fresh grated ginger is also great for relieving any nausea.

if you don’t have himalayan salt, course sea salt is equally as good & we have super Cornish Sea Salt in the uk.

when using honey, it’s always best to use local so try to source a local bee keeper who you can support & feel the benefit of your local pollen. if you’re vegan, agave syrup or stevia are great substitutes.

if you’re feeling particularly anxious you could add a few drops of rescue remedy or any other flower essences which can support your birth journey, such as star of bethlehem.

how to make labour-aide electrolyte drink

feel free to save & share the recipe card below. this will make around 1 litre which you can keep refrigerated for 1-2 days. it’s really best to drink it as fresh as possible, so when you feel those early labour signals, you or your partner can mix up a batch which you can keep in a lidded jug or thermos mug to keep cool & hydrated during your birth.

for more herbal support for your pregnancy, birth & postpartum take a look at my online self care shop

enjoy! x

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