eating dates

tinaay · October 2015

Ok, I'm pregnant with my third child. My first they pushed back my due date by a week because she was measuring small so they thought I wasn't due as early she came by her original due date and was actually overdue. My second I was induced 2 days late, and wasn't dilated at all when I was induced. I had to have pitocin both times due to not contracting regularly and not dialating on my own. I'm hoping to go as naturally as possible and go into labor on my own with no pitocin this time. I have been doing some research and found a study that was done claiming that eating 6 dates everyday for your last 4 weeks of pregnancy can help soften your cervix, reduce labor time, and help with postpartum bleeding. Not my favorite thing to eat by any means but I will do anything to help him come on his own before they have to induce me. I'm 37 w. I'm fine with going over but they will only let me go 7-10 days past without inducing.I also scheduled a massage and pedicure which I have read can help when your body is ready. Has anyone else tried the dates in the past?

VexedMommy · October 2015

I haven't tried dates, but based on what the iron is doing to my bowels it couldn't hurt at all. I like the taste of them too.

Ceridwen77 · October 2015

Stuff them with goat cheese, wrap in bacon. Drizzle with a little spiced honey and bake until the bacon is crispy. Yum.

dramaphile · October 2015

I'm doing the date thing, because it can't hurt and I actually like dates. The study was pretty small, but it seems to be a common practice in areas of the Middle East. I tried Larabars, which are made of dates, and they're ok, some flavors are better than others. You can also replace sugar in some baked goods with date purée. Will probably alternate the bars with just eating regular dates (and maybe some bacon wrapped ones...)

VexedMommy · October 2015

Ceridwen77 said:

Stuff them with goat cheese, wrap in bacon. Drizzle with a little spiced honey and bake until the bacon is crispy. Yum.

That sounds flipping amazing. I want that so bad now.

lakesideknitter · October 2015

Going to be thinking of bacon wrapped dates all day now. Damnit.

eamarat · October 2015

I havent been eating dates but I have been eating raisins. Lots and lots. I'll probably add in dates some time soon as well. Can't hurt and they don't taste bad.

thefithuntress · October 2015

My doula suggested dates and coconut water! Definitely don't mind snacking on both of these things because they are delicious and good for energy / keeping the pipes clear.

nmwheel1 · October 2015

I've never heard of this and I like dates so I'll probably go buy some because why not!!

Falchas · October 2015

New to me, sounds like it wouldn't hurt and good for you anyhow! This my favorite way to eat dates, I make a batch of these every week, really healthy and filling for breakfast!

https://minimalistbaker.com/super-seedy-granola-bars/

Lsager424 · October 2015

I opened this thread thinking it was about going out on a date to eat. I guess you all know where my head is at.

No advice regarding the dates, but I'm with @VexedMommy, anything that gets things moving can't be bad.

thefithuntress · October 2015

Lsager424 said:

I opened this thread thinking it was about going out on a date to eat. I guess you all know where my head is at.

No advice regarding the dates, but I'm with @VexedMommy, anything that gets things moving can't be bad.

Werewolf Bar Mitzvah! Spooky, scary. Boys becoming men, men becoming wolves...

spottedginger · October 2015

thefithuntress said:
My doula suggested dates and coconut water! Definitely don't mind snacking on both of these things because they are delicious and good for energy / keeping the pipes clear.

I plan on doing the date thing, but haven't heard about coconut water. What is the benefit/ outcome?

thefithuntress · October 2015

spottedginger said:

My doula suggested dates and coconut water! Definitely don't mind snacking on both of these things because they are delicious and good for energy / keeping the pipes clear.
I plan on doing the date thing, but haven't heard about coconut water. What is the benefit/ outcome?

It's an all-natural energy drink. She suggests I have it at home during labor and pack it in my birth bag, too. It has natural electrolytes, vitamin c, potassium, and it's lower in sugar than fruit juices but still supplies a nice pop of energy to avoid fatigue. Supposedly it also helps with constipation.

tinaay · October 2015

I haven't struggled with "keeping the pipes clear" even with taking iron. But I agree it can't hurt. I'm not big on coconut water though too sweet for me:(

spottedginger · October 2015

thefithuntress said:

spottedginger said:

thefithuntress said:
My doula suggested dates and coconut water! Definitely don't mind snacking on both of these things because they are delicious and good for energy / keeping the pipes clear.
I plan on doing the date thing, but haven't heard about coconut water. What is the benefit/ outcome?

It's an all-natural energy drink. She suggests I have it at home during labor and pack it in my birth bag, too. It has natural electrolytes, vitamin c, potassium, and it's lower in sugar than fruit juices but still supplies a nice pop of energy to avoid fatigue. Supposedly it also helps with constipation.

Good to know- thank you!

nano1 · October 2015

I've been eating dates, but I also love them!

knolliepollie · October 2015

We love them stuffed with almond butter. Yummy!!

strimble26 · October 2015

I have been eating them for weeks now after reading that impressive study done on dates in 2011 and their effect on women in labor. That being said, I hated them at first. Way too sweet and mushy for me but I started freezing them and eating them frozen. They taste more like a fruit chew that way. Dates and red raspberry leaf tea every day. Hope it helps!

rachswi · October 2015

My midwife suggested the dates, as well. And of course, when she did, DH replied with, "yeah! We can stick them in the microwave and then it'll be a hot date!" He's going to have all the dad jokes.

I haven't actually started eating dates yet but may start since OB said they may want to induce at 39 weeks because the only way LO's arrhythmia clears up is if he's outside me. But early induction would be base on if my cervix has softened at that point.

vomitrosa · October 2015

Lsager424 I totally thought it was going to be about the same thing, I plan my days around what/where/when I am going to have a meal....hahaha

kmd91 · October 2015

I have literally never eaten a date in my life and I'm not even sure I know what they look like. But maybe I should look into it, if only for the other well known benefits of them. Then if it also helps with labor, great.

NovemberSno · October 2015

I'm Muslim so I eat dates all the time but she's still hanging in there. Lol. I've never heard of this but it is quite interesting! Maybe I should stop so she'll stay in her 2 more weeks!!!

MRSJESSICAX · October 2015

Mmmmm medijool dates, natures candy!

Bettytteb · October 2015

Dates are the bomb! I hadn't heard about this but I'm totally willing to give it a try. Plus if I can replace some of the other sweet treats I've been gorging myself on with dates that's probably not a bad thing.

CocoR04 · October 2015

Lurking from Oct15... I'm 39 weeks today and have been eating 4-6 dates a day since 36 weeks. No signs of labor yet, but when baby decides to come, I hope the dates will help!

grapesoda1111 · October 2015

I must be the only one who thinks dates are nasty.

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