Sipping Broth

Eating and drinking throughout labor is so important for maintaining hydration and energy levels. But sometimes it can be difficult to find things that your stomach can tolerate, or maybe you've had an epidural and are restricted to a clear fluids diet. Sipping Broth is a great way to maintain hydration, it's high in protein and gentle on the stomach. This simple recipe makes it more flavorful like a soup base, and is then strained to make it easier for consumption during labor. If you freeze this using paper cups in 4-8 ounce portions, it's very easy to microwave one serving at a time, and even to transport it to a hospital or birth center in a cooler (and it's so much better than the instant stuff otherwise available).

Sipping Broth

1 32 oz carton Chicken Bone Broth (use beef if you prefer)
1 Tbs olive oil
1 bunch of scallions or 1 shallot, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste (be careful if you are using salted stock)
​(These ingredients are the base. You can stop here, or add other ingredients for more variation. There are some examples below, but the sky is the limit here.)

Option 1:
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/3 C chopped cilantro
3 Tbs fresh lime juice

Option 2:
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf

Option 3:
3-4 Tbs white or yellow miso paste

Add oil to a medium sized stock pot and sauté the scallions/shallot and garlic until fragrant. Add any dried spices you are using (hold off on fresh herbs) and stir to coat. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and add any fresh herbs you are using or the miso paste. Simmer on low for up to an hour using a lid so you don't evaporate your soup. Allow the broth to cool and then pour through a strainer to remove any of the solids you've added.