Gatorade vs. vitamin water

MamaWombat

I've heard/read that in addition to water, it's a really good idea to have energy drinks on hand for labor. Thing is, I don't really like gatorade to begin with, and I'm not a huge fan of the food dyes, etc. that are used. Anyone know if vitamin water is an adequate substitute, or do you really need the electrolyte mix in gatorade to keep your energy up?

MississippiCatfish

I honestly haven't read up on vitamin water - I just assumed it was full of stuff like Gatorade is? I don't know. BUT, I've heard great things about coconut water as a Gatorade substitute!

barista411

MississippiCatfish said:

I honestly haven't read up on vitamin water - I just assumed it was full of stuff like Gatorade is? I don't know. BUT, I've heard great things about coconut water as a Gatorade substitute!

Coconut water is a great, natural substitute. Also broth is a good source of electrolytes without all the dyes and chemicals.

marriedinaugust

Agree, coconut water and broth for during and OJ for after!

sschwege

Yup, coconut water

JosephsSweetie

My midwife suggested Emergen-C. At the hospital they also gave me cranberry juice and apple sauce during labor. I didn't want it at the time, but they pushed hard for me to drink/eat to keep up my energy.

MamaWombat

Thanks for the ideas, ladies! I tried coconut water once several years ago and remember not liking it, but I'll pick some up and give it a try - might still be preferable to gatorade. And cranberry juice /emergen-C also sound like great options. 

rooftop

I used emergen-c during my labor and it really helped to keep my energy during my 75+hr labor