When preparing for labor, it’s important to support your body with hydration, nourishment, and stress relief. One simple (and tasty) way to stay comfortable, calm, and energized during this transformative time is through a carefully crafted herbal drink—one that’s both effective and delicious. Enter Labor-Ade, a birth-inspired beverage that combines herbs known to promote uterine health, ease stress, and provide a gentle energy boost. While I can’t take credit for coining the clever name and concept, I have added my own herbal and ayurvedic twist to this trendy birth beverage. Let’s dive into the benefits of some of my favorite, uniquely crafted herbal recipes designed to hydrate, soothe, and support your body as you approach labor–and to make at the start of your labor to keep you hydrated and vibrant during the marathon that is the birth experience.

Why Labor-Ade?

My Labor-Ade recipes are more than just a refreshing drink concoction—they are tonics designed specifically to prepare your body for labor. The blends of herbs in these recipe helps with everything from supporting uterine tone to digestion to emotional calmness, while keeping your electrolytes and overall hydration in check. With the right balance of cooling, soothing, and energizing ingredients, it’s the perfect way to give your body the love and support it needs during this beautiful yet demanding time.

My Favorite Labor-Ade Recipes:

There are many ways to make your own Labor-Ade (and there are many more recipes out there), but I was excited to share a few unique herbal concoctions, starting with an incredibly simple recipe and then throwing in a couple more multifaceted, yet intentional, recipes combining ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern practicality in your new favorite labor-supporting drink.

The Classic Labor-Ade Gem:

This no-fuss blend focuses on simplicity and effectiveness. Red raspberry leaf offers its well-loved uterine-toning benefits, while fresh lemon juice, honey, and mineral salt create a balanced, hydrating electrolyte drink—perfect for labor or everyday nourishment.

Ingredients (4-6 servings):

• 6 cups water
• 5-6 tbsp of dried red raspberry leaf
• 3-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup (or to taste)
• Pinch of sea salt or mineral salt

To Make:

1. Bring 6 cups of water to a boil and add the red raspberry leaf and steep for 15–20 minutes. Can boil water in a kettle and pour over herbs, ideally placed in a large reusable ta bag, tea ball, or strainer. Or, can add loose leaf to pot of water and strain herbs as you pour tea into a glass storage container.
2. Stir in lemon juice, honey/maple syrup, and sea salt while still warm enough to dissolve the sweetener (but not while it’s too hot).
3. Store covered in fridge for 3-4 days. Enjoy chilled or gently heat one serving at a time on the stove if a warm tea sounds more appealing.

Berry Nettle Citrus Labor-Ade (Energizing & Mineral-Rich)

This mineral-rich, hydrating drink is designed to boost stamina and energy during labor—or anytime you need a refreshing pick-me-up. Nettle provides iron, calcium, and magnesium for strength and endurance, while red raspberry leaf supports uterine tone. Citrus and berries add a tangy, antioxidant kick, coconut water replenishes electrolytes, and a touch of honey and sea salt helps maintain energy and hydration.

In Ayurveda, this tridoshic blend is especially cooling for pitta, nourishing for vata, and light enough for kapha. Perfect for the depths of labor, hot days, or post-exertion recovery.

Ingredients (3-5 servings):

• 4 cups water
• 3 tbsp of dried red raspberry leaf
• 2 tbsp of dried nettle leaf
• 1 cup fresh orange juice (or 3-4 tbsp lemon juice)
• 1 cup coconut water (or to taste)
• ½ cup mixed berries
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (omit if high kapha)
• Pinch of sea salt or mineral salt

To Make:

1. Brew the red raspberry leaf and nettle in 4 cups hot water for 15–20 minutes (following instructions for first recipe). Strain and let cool
2. Blend berries, orange juice/lemon juice, and honey until smooth.
3. Mix the berry blend with the cooled teas, coconut water, and sea salt.
4. Store covered in fridge for 2-3 days. Enjoy chilled. Optional: add in fresh mint when serving.

Relaxing Ginger and Lemon Balm Labor-Ade (Soothing and Warming)

This soothing, mineral-rich blend is perfect for moments of stress, overwhelm, or cooler weather. Chamomile and lemon balm calm the nervous system, while ginger adds gentle warmth and supports digestion. Red raspberry leaf strengthens uterine tone, lemon brightens, and a touch of honey and sea salt help maintain energy and hydration.

In Ayurveda, this blend is grounding for vata, calming for pitta, and stimulating enough for kapha when ginger and cinnamon are added. It’s ideal for easing tension and promoting relaxation during labor or anytime you need to unwind.

Ingredients (4-6 servings):

• 6 cups water
• 1-inch fresh ginger root (peeled and thinly sliced)
• 3 tbsp red raspberry leaf

• 2 tbsp lemon balm
• 1 tbsp dried chamomile flowers
• 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or to taste)
• 2-3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (or to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt or mineral salt
• Optional: can add 1-2 cinnamon stick for a more warming, spicy addition (not ideal for pitta)
• Optional: can add 1-2 tbsp lavender flowers for a more floral taste and additional calming benefits (great for vata/pitta anxiety or intensity)

To Make:

1. Bring 6 cups of water to a boil and add the fresh ginger root and cinnamon sticks (if including). Low boil for 5-10 minutes.
2. Turn off heat and add in red raspberry leaf, chamomile, lemon balm, and lavender (if including). Steep for 10-15 minutes, or until the herbs have infused their goodness into the water.
3. Remove from heat and strain the herbs out.
4. Stir in the honey while the liquid is still warm, and add the salt and fresh lemon juice, mixing well.
5. Store covered in fridge for 3-4 days. Enjoy chilled or gently heat one serving at a time on the stove if a warm tea sounds more appealing.

Why These Herbs and Ingredients?

Each of the ingredients in the various Labor-Ade recipes I’ve provided are carefully chosen for its their specific benefits. Feel free to modify, mix and match, and add your own intentional additions if that’s what resonates with you!

• Red Raspberry Leaf – Known as a uterine tonic, it helps strengthen and tone the uterus, supporting more effective contractions and a smoother labor process.
• Nettle – Rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, it supports energy levels, blood health, and muscle function leading up to and during labor.
• Ginger – Warms the body, aids digestion, and helps prevent nausea; provides natural energy while also being grounding and soothing.
• Chamomile – A gentle calming herb that soothes the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and promotes relaxation during intense labor moments.
• Lemon Balm – Uplifting yet calming, it eases stress and emotional tension, supporting a more grounded and peaceful labor experience.
• Lavender – Known for its relaxing and mood-balancing effects, it helps ease anxiety and promotes emotional calm in general and during labor.
• Cinnamon –Helps boost circulation, regulate blood sugar levels, aid digestion, and offers a warming quality that can support energy during labor.
• Lemon juice –  Helps detoxify and alkalize the body, supports digestion, and provides a refreshing zing of vitamin C.

• Orange Juice – Provide a natural source of vitamin C to support energy and hydration while adding a bright, refreshing flavor.
• Berries – Rich in antioxidants, they help reduce inflammation, provide natural sugars for energy, and support cellular health.
• Honey and Maple Syrup – Offer a quick source of natural energy, along with naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, helping to replenish electrolytes and sustain stamina during longer labors.
• Coconut Water – A natural electrolyte powerhouse that helps maintain hydration and balance fluid levels during labor.
• Sea Salt or Mineral Salt– Natural source of electrolytes that replenishes essential minerals lost through sweating and normal activity; supports proper muscle function, energy, and deep hydration.
• Fresh Mint – Provides a cooling effect and can help ease nausea or fatigue.

Sipping Tips for Labor-Ade Success

1. In the Weeks Leading Up to Labor:

• Start Early: Around 36-37 weeks, begin sipping 1-3 cups daily, especially the Classic Labor-Ade, to support uterine strength and hydration.
• Stay Consistent: Rotate between the different blends based on your needs—energizing, calming, or simple electrolyte balance–but try to drink daily and regularly to help prepare your uterus for labor.
• Best advice if you prefer warm: Make a large, strong batch of the first or third recipes following the brewing instructions. Don’t add sweetener or lemon, just the herbs and salt. Store in fridge. Heat one serving at a time on the stove and add sweetener and lemon to taste when serving. This will extend the time you can keep in the fridge (so feel free to make a double batch!), and I have found that I don’t recommend re-heating lemon juice or honey as it can denature some of their best qualities–it’s ideal to add to warm (not scolding) liquids after they are prepared.

2. During Labor:

• Prepare at the start of labor: Once you know you’re in early labor and can still manage everyday tasks, brew a batch or two of your favorite blends so you can have them fresh for the journey ahead.

• Small, Frequent Sips: Labor is a marathon, not a sprint. Sip 2-4 ounces every 30-45 minutes to maintain energy and hydration.
• Chill or Warm It: Opt for cooler versions to refresh during active labor or a warm blend (like the Ginger Lemon Balm) for grounding and relaxation.
• Listen to Your Body: Craving something tart? Go for the Berry Nettle Citrus. Need calm? The Ginger Lemon Balm is your ally.

3. Post-Labor Recovery:

• Replenish & Restore: Continue drinking Labor-Ade in the first few postpartum days to support hydration, tissue repair, and mineral replenishment. In Ayurveda, it’s suggested to keep the postpartum body warm, so my recommendation would be to avoid any chilled versions of these teas and stick with the more warming blends to soothe and stabilize vata.

From Bump to Birth: Nourish, Hydrate, and Thrive

Labor-Ade is more than just an electrolyte boost—it’s a thoughtful blend of nature’s medicine working together to support your body’s journey leading up to and through labor. Hydration, digestion, stress relief, and uterine health are all essential, and these recipe delivers just that. Of course, please feel free to customize any of the recipes to your liking by adding other supportive or dosha-appropriate pregnancy herbs. You will not regret sipping regularly leading up to labor as these gentle, soothing herbs will help to prepare you both physically and emotionally for the big day. And as the name suggests, definitely keep them in mind as you enter labor as these refreshing and harmonizing recipes will be of great aid and value when you need the extra boost as things intensify!

So I hope you enjoy! Stay hydrated, stay calm, and embrace the power of nature with every sip of Labor-Ade!

Ready for more late labor and postpartum inspiration and tips? Check out these articles:

• Empowered Birth Prep: A Natural Mama’s Guide to Easing Labor from 37 Weeks Onward
• DIY Non-Toxic Postpartum Padsickles: Soothe, Heal & Recover Naturally
• The Ultimate Postpartum Survival Guide for Natural Mamas: Essentials, Healing Tips & Holistic Care