How Eating Dates Can Help You Prepare for Birth

Dates are a sweet little nutrient packed superfood.  They are a rich source of energy, fiber, essential vitamins and minerals, and antioxidents.  Good nutrition is important during pregnancy and dates are a great healthy snack option!


Did you know that eating dates is beneficial for labor preparation?

Consuming 6 dates daily beginning the 36th week of pregnancy can lead to a shorter, easier birth.  One study found that mothers who eat dates have:

• a higher incidence of labor beginning on its own
• a lower incidence of premature rupture of membranes 
• greater cervical dilation upon hospital admission
• less need for Pitocin 
• shorter overall labor
• lower rates of cesarean birth

Pretty good when all you have to do is eat some tasty fruit on the regular!

Eating dates plain is a great option, but if you want to switch things up here are some ideas for how to enjoy your dates:

Almond Butter Stuffed Dates

Quick, easy, and with added protein and healthy fat from the nut butter!

Bacon-Wrapped Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates

Sweet and savory - yum!  You can use nitrate-free bacon and blue cheese made with pasteurized milk.
You can also substitute cream cheese or omit the cheese completely depending on your preference.

2 Ingredient Coconut Cookie Dough Balls

2 ingredients, 5 minutes to prepare - sounds like a great postpartum snack as well!

Homemade "Larabars"

Endless variations, but they all begin with a date base!

The 4 Ingredient Green Smoothie

I know people love their green smoothies!
Spoiler alert: one of the 4 ingredients is dates!

Date Squares

A little more indulgent and dessert-like, but they look so tasty!



Healthy, 3 Ingredient Date Shake

Similar to the smoothie, but a little less green :)