Before Max, my first child, arrived (three weeks early through an unanticipated C-section), my sister-in-law came to the hospital with take-out from my favorite Chinese place. Crispy spring rolls! General Tso’s tofu! Stir-fried noodles! What an ideal meal to savor before bringing a baby into the world. Regrettably, I forgot about the rule forbidding eating before surgery. My last meal ended up being ice chips.
Curious, I contacted six fellow food writers to inquire about their last meals before giving birth. From a Georgian dumpling feast to a dinner at the Italian spot where the couple had eaten before conceiving their baby, the responses were delightful…
***
“My intention was to meet friends at a tiny Georgian restaurant at the far end of Brooklyn. It was five degrees outside, the subway got messed up, and I found myself walking alone in a neighborhood I wasn’t entirely familiar with. But when I arrived, it felt like a huge party. We talked, toasted, and I ate my weight in khinkali dumplings, lamb soup, borscht, sausages with plum sauce, and plenty of pickles. When I finally went to bed, I woke up three hours later wondering, ‘Is this indigestion or am I in labor?’ I think you know the answer.” — Sarah Karnasiewicz, features editor at The Wall Street Journal and writer of Magpie
“In early July, I was 39 weeks pregnant, so we took numerous walks to induce labor. We passed an ice cream shop, and I was hit with a deep, almost violent craving for chocolate ice cream. I ordered a cone, and my husband said, ‘We’ll share it.’ I responded, ‘No way, get your own.’ Six hours later, as we were heading to bed, I leaned forward to give my husband a kiss good night, and my water broke!” — Rachel Tepper Paley, Digital Editorial Director at Wine Enthusiast Magazine
“I was trying hard to have my daughter join us before needing to be induced, and one piece of advice I received for hastening things was: ‘Babies like to come when it’s inconvenient, so make it inconvenient.’ After contractions woke me up at 6 a.m., they remained weak and fleeting all day, so my husband and I made things inconvenient by going to the iconic Park Slope restaurant Al Di La. As I sat down with a bowl of pasta bolognese, my contractions suddenly became more urgent. By the time my husband’s profiteroles arrived, we knew we had to grab our go bag and rush to the hospital. Later that week, we returned to retrieve the credit card we’d left in the chaos.” — Kristen Migliore, author of the Genius Recipes cookbook series and co-author of the forthcoming The Montessori Kitchen
“My due date was the following week, and my dad had already come to town. We all went out to a local BBQ spot. My sweet tooth was crazy, so for dessert, I ordered a mini buffet of everything they had — I recall the pecan pie was amazing. I told my sister I was having Braxton Hicks at the table, but now I realize they were real contractions because my water broke the next morning. Looking back at the family photo from that night, it’s clear it was obvious I was about to pop!” — Jerrelle Guy, author of Black Girl Baking and the forthcoming We Fancy
“Two weeks past my due date, I walked to a nearby bakery by myself for the perfect chocolate croissant. On my way back, I experienced my first contraction. Forty-four hours later, our baby girl was born. Her birth was a marathon, and that single chocolate croissant kept me going for nearly two days. Fifteen years on, it remains one of my favorite foods, and now it’s hers too.” — Sarah Copeland, author of The Newlywed Cookbook and Every Day is Saturday, and writer of Edible Living
“My evening induction got canceled because no beds were available. Thus, my partner and I opted for one last meal before the baby arrived. We went to Frankies Spuntino in Brooklyn, and I enjoyed their decadent eggplant parm. Frankies is also where we dined the night our son was conceived. It was one of the first dinners out we’d enjoyed since the pandemic began; I had an ice-cold olive oil martini and felt exhilarated by the freedom of dining in a restaurant. Needless to say, I didn’t have a martini at dinner nine months later, but I did leave content and ready for the promise of a new life the following morning.” — Sari Kamin, author of the forthcoming Honey & Schmaltz
Leah Koenig is a freelance writer and the award-winning author of seven Jewish cookbooks. She also pens the newsletter The Jewish Table. She resides in Brooklyn with her family.
P.S. Five gifts for new moms, and what was your first meal after giving birth?
(Photo by Amor Burakova/Stocksy.)
**The Final Meal Consumed Before Childbirth: What to Consider**
As the due date nears, expectant mothers often ponder various childbirth elements, including what to eat prior to labor. The last meal consumed before childbirth can significantly contribute to providing the energy and nutrients necessary for the demanding process of labor and delivery. Here, we examine the considerations and recommendations for this vital meal.
**Understanding the Importance**
Labor is a physically demanding process requiring stamina and energy. Eating a well-balanced meal before labor can help sustain energy levels, keep blood sugar stable, and enhance overall well-being. However, it’s crucial to consider the timing and type of food consumed to ensure comfort and safety during labor.
**Timing of the Final Meal**
When the last meal is consumed before childbirth is critical. Eating too close to labor onset may lead to discomfort, nausea, or vomiting, especially if medical interventions like anesthesia are needed. It is generally suggested to have a substantial meal a few hours before labor starts, allowing time for digestion.
**Nutritional Considerations**
1. **Carbohydrates**: Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables release energy steadily. Foods like oatmeal, brown rice, or whole-grain toast are excellent choices.
2. **Protein**: Including protein helps maintain energy and supports muscle function. Lean meats, eggs, beans, or yogurt are good options.
3. **Healthy Fats**: Adding healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, or olive oil can provide extra energy and satiety.
4. **Hydration**: Staying hydrated is vital. Drinking water, herbal teas, or clear broths can help maintain fluid balance.
**Foods to Avoid**
– **Heavy or Greasy Foods**: These can cause indigestion or discomfort during labor.
– **High-Sugar Foods**: Though they may offer a quick energy boost, they can lead to a subsequent energy crash.
– **Spicy Foods**: These may cause heartburn or gastrointestinal distress.
**Listening to Your Body**
Each pregnancy is unique, and individual preferences and tolerances vary. It’s important for expectant mothers to listen to their bodies and opt for foods they find satisfying and comforting. Consulting with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist can also provide personalized guidance.
**Conclusion**
The final meal before childbirth is a chance to fuel the body for the journey ahead. By focusing on balanced nutrition, appropriate timing, and personal comfort, expectant mothers can help ensure they’re physically prepared for labor. As always, individual needs and medical advice should guide dietary choices during this crucial time.
