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Original poster

Currently in labour. What to cook DH?

177 replies

MummaBear4321 · 05/11/2020 11:06

I am 40+3 and I think I am in slow early labour. Contractions about 9 minutes apart, have been going since about 7am. Sometimes they widen to 11 minutes for a while, sometimes back to 7 for an hour or so, but they are mildly painful. I am at home, DH is in work, DD is in nursery. On my last labour I was having contractions for 36 hours, 25 of which were in hospital. Poor DH only brought snack bars and crisps with him. I was in so much panic and pain I begged him not to leave me to go to the canteen. He was absolutely falling apart with hunger by the time DD arrived. I sent him home 2 hours after she was born because he was a shell of a man.

This time around I want to be prepared and I need to stay upright to bring these contractions on, so I am going to cook. What do you think I should cook that we can bring in in tubs, he can eat cold, but will be a sort of dinner substitute? Pasta of some form?

OP posts:
RaspAsYouChokeOnTheToupee · 05/11/2020 13:34

I understand not reading the full thread, especially if it’s several pages long. I can kinda get not even reading the OP’s updates (even though MN have added an option to collect all OP’s posts) but not even reading the first post? Come on guys! Why are you bothering being on forums if you aren’t even going to read one post. OP, your title is definitely a bit 50’s housewife husband expecting you to still cook him dinner while he smokes his cigar Hmm but your first post makes it clear you’re looking for a distraction.

Probably not for today as you might not have some of the ingredients in but if you have more children, I’d recommend Kisir (there are various recipes online, we use a slimming world one). It’s lovely warm or cold, can be eaten as a side or a main. DH can pick up a pack of precooked chicken (or kofta if you pass an M&S food hall/services). It doesn’t need to be refrigerated or reheated and isn’t affected if the room is too hot. Good luck OP!

Newnamenewopenme · 05/11/2020 13:34

@Nahmfor

You don't need to cook his dinner, if he's worried about time tell him to grab a McDonald's or something quick

She doesn’t need to, she wants to!

Dollywilde · 05/11/2020 13:38

@Nahmfor

You don't need to cook his dinner, if he's worried about time tell him to grab a McDonald's or something quick.

Why is everyone posting weird things on mumsnet today

He may need to come back in a rush and understandably won’t want to stop. Also a Mac Donald’s at 4pm won’t help 36 hours later. Also OP WANTS TO Hmm
Tlollj · 05/11/2020 13:39

Ooh good luck op. Cheesy pasta sounds great. Fingers crossed this time won’t be as long as the first.
I could tell you a story about my mate being so slow first time, second time she had in a taxi, but I’m not sure that would be helpful. 😀
Good luck. Keep us posted. We need good news.

sunflowershine · 05/11/2020 13:52

Why are people moaning at the OP? It's not that the husband is there demanding his labouring wife cook his dinner immediately is it? Jeez! I had a 3 day induction (in non COVID times) during which DH did not leave me, he dozed in a chair when I did and luckily I'd thought to pack some food for him or he'd have been surviving on chocolate bars from the vending machines!

I didn't do it because it's the 1950s, I did it because I knew I'd get fed and he wouldn't, and he worked up until I went into hospital whilst I was sat at home bored! Are you supposed to not do nice or thoughtful/practical things for your partners, ever, just out of a principle that you shouldn't because you're a woman and they're a man? Nonsense.

OP I took a tin of soup (there was a microwave) and rolls, and in a little cold bag with a frozen block I had some pasta salad, sandwiches and flapjacks. Aim for carbs, protein and fat all of that keeps you going when you need energy!

Good luck (I would also bake a cake if I had time and felt up to it because what better to eat, quite frankly!)

Dyra · 05/11/2020 14:19

That's incredibly thoughtful of you. Funny to see how many people didn't even read the initial post, and jumped straight in off the title alone.

Hope your DH enjoys the pasta, and that your labour is much quicker than the last!

Iwantalonglie · 05/11/2020 14:19

I sent him home 2 hours after she was born because he was a shell of a man.

And you were what? Absolutely fine? Walk in the park, this labour business, really...No idea why mums make such a fuss about it, it's the poor blokes who need support, especially if they miss their din-dins.

In answer to your question, something that's not going to slop out and make too much of a mess. Penne carbonara or bolognese, something like that.

DinosaurGrrrrr · 05/11/2020 14:42

My husband went 24 hours without food with our first child, unfortunately it was a Saturday evening I arrived and then all day Sunday and everything was closed in the hospital, even the vendors were empty but he didn’t want to leave me so he had to suck it up. With our second child when he realised I was in labour he called at ASDA on the way home from work and bought enough food to sustain him for a week, he walked in with 2 carrier bags of food 🤣 (he isn’t a big guy, but wanted to avoid 24 hours of hunger). HE sorted it, it was his belly to sort!! Why on earth would you cook the man food, surely if he wants to avoid being hungry he can sort himself out? Maybe I’m just a bad wife?

AnneShirleysNewDress · 05/11/2020 14:46

@MummaBear4321 I'll keep my fingers crossed it's quicker for you this time.

BettyDuKeiraBellisMyShero · 05/11/2020 14:50

Covid rules make nipping out for sustenance even harder than usual (potentially impossible - had an overnight with DD on the general paed ward recently and wasn’t even allowed to leave the side room. Canteen had been designated for staff only. I was given toast in the morning and a basic white bread sandwich and an apple for lunch and dinner. I dreamt about salt and vinegar crisps that night!)

Best of luck with labour and delivery ❤️

InFlagranteDerelicto · 05/11/2020 14:55

One of my most basic staple dishes is pasta & peas or broccoli, with either pesto, or cream cheese & melted grated cheese (stirred into the hot cream cheese, then stirred through the pasta). Add some garlic & herbs if you can be bothered.
Both good alongside your choice of any protein, or on their own. Hot or cold.

jazzibelle · 05/11/2020 14:55

@MummaBear4321 people love to share their short-sighted opinions don't they... ignore every single comment telling you to tell your DH to fend for himself. I get what you're asking, you need to keep busy and upright so want to cook something you can BOTH eat while waiting hours upon hours during labour.

Pasta is a good idea, think of cold pasta salads. It's also a good way to use up random bits from the fridge. Cous Cous is a similar one. You could also make a few rounds of sandwiches and take them along, anything to stave off the hunger would be greatly appreciated by you both I'm sure.

There is NOTHING 1950s about your ask, people are projecting and that's not something you need to deal with. Good luck with your labour, hope all goes well :-)

Original poster
MummaBear4321 · 05/11/2020 14:56

@Iwantalonglie

I sent him home 2 hours after she was born because he was a shell of a man.

And you were what? Absolutely fine? Walk in the park, this labour business, really...No idea why mums make such a fuss about it, it's the poor blokes who need support, especially if they miss their din-dins.

In answer to your question, something that's not going to slop out and make too much of a mess. Penne carbonara or bolognese, something like that.

Funny enough, I was fine. They gave me my tea and toast and a bath, and I was on cloud 9. I didnt even feel tired. I felt amazing 😆
OP posts:
jazzibelle · 05/11/2020 14:56

@sunflowershine

Why are people moaning at the OP? It's not that the husband is there demanding his labouring wife cook his dinner immediately is it? Jeez! I had a 3 day induction (in non COVID times) during which DH did not leave me, he dozed in a chair when I did and luckily I'd thought to pack some food for him or he'd have been surviving on chocolate bars from the vending machines!

I didn't do it because it's the 1950s, I did it because I knew I'd get fed and he wouldn't, and he worked up until I went into hospital whilst I was sat at home bored! Are you supposed to not do nice or thoughtful/practical things for your partners, ever, just out of a principle that you shouldn't because you're a woman and they're a man? Nonsense.

OP I took a tin of soup (there was a microwave) and rolls, and in a little cold bag with a frozen block I had some pasta salad, sandwiches and flapjacks. Aim for carbs, protein and fat all of that keeps you going when you need energy!

Good luck (I would also bake a cake if I had time and felt up to it because what better to eat, quite frankly!)

Also, this ^ well bloody said @sunflowershine
yearinyearout · 05/11/2020 15:06

Minestrone soup is pretty filling and will keep warm in a flask, you don't need the mini pasta shapes. Just do what Jamie does and bash up some big pasta to chuck in. You can use any veg you have in the fridge really. Couple of bread rolls and that should fill him up for a bit. I'd probably make flapjack as well, the oats will keep him going and be good for you too if you're allowed to eat.

MsChatterbox · 05/11/2020 15:07

Just want to say good luck OP. You sound like you're in a great headspace. Do you have anything in the freezer you can throw in oven? Like sausage rolls? They are good hot or cold.

SweetGrapes · 05/11/2020 15:14

Funny enough, I was fine. They gave me my tea and toast and a bath, and I was on cloud 9. I didnt even feel tired. I felt amazing 😆

This was me with DC2.
DC3 was really too quick and completely wiped me out though - so I was the one needing the sugar rush.

Good luck OP!

Coffeecak3 · 05/11/2020 15:26

Good luck OP.
I roasted a chicken whilst in slow labour. As you say it’s something to do.

Moo678 · 05/11/2020 15:27

Hi OP! How are you doing?

I’m too late for food suggestions - was going to say cheesy pasta. Wanted to give you a virtual fist bump for long labour and hungry husband though. My 1st was 72 hrs - 36 hrs in hospital - I think my husband got 2 digestive biscuits! For baby 2 he did his own shopping for the hospital bag and filled it with snacks for himself! He also ate four slices of toast just before we went to hospital!!!!

Everything you are doing is totally rational and normal (well in that weird - I’m in labour and going to do stuff that most people on the internet won’t understand sort of way!) Hope this one goes a bit faster. My 2nd was only 26 hours!

WoooImAGhost · 05/11/2020 15:29

Best of luck! Hope all goes smoothly and quickly for you!

Dollywilde · 05/11/2020 15:50

Do come back and tell us how things went if you like OP. After a 3 day labour with DC1 I am basically collecting stories of super fast 2nd births after a long first one to convince me to take the plunge again Grin Wink good luck!

MrsElijahMikaelson1 · 05/11/2020 15:51

How’s it going?

Smallsteps88 · 05/11/2020 15:59

I understand the wanting to keep busy and the sense in bringing him food, but I don’t get get not knowing what to make him. Confused

Snowbeau · 05/11/2020 16:18

Op I think you sound lovely. I'm sure he will appreciate the pasta.

Good luck with everything!

Dollywilde · 05/11/2020 16:39

@Smallsteps88 there’s a ‘what shall I cook for dinner tonight’ thread on here every single day, I don’t think it’s that unusual Grin