Contact Us

The Mighty Date

Several published studies have shown that eating dates in the last part of pregnancy (after 36 weeks), and postpartum, resulted in: shorter labors, less need for pitocin augmentation, less inductions, lower cesarean rate after inductions, a riper cervix and more dilation upon admission to a hospital, and less postpartum bleeding.

Dates are packed with nutrients. They are high in antioxidants and fiber, in addition to containing the following:

  • Vitamin A
  • Folate
  • Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin K
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Sodium
  • Calcium
  • Zinc
  • Copper

For most studies the participants were consuming between 50-80g of dates per day. Deglet Noor and Medjool dates are most commonly available here locally and weigh around 8-12g per pitted date. 6 dates per day is probably a good goal. Note: For recipes where dates are blended, you may need to soak dates in hot water to soften before blending, depending on how dried your dates are.

“Honey” Mustard Dressing

  • 1/4 cup pitted dates
  • 2-4 Tbs water
  • 1/4 cup olive or avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup dijon mustard
  • salt to taste

Blend dates with water, 1 Tbs at a time until a paste forms. Add oil and mustard and blend until smooth. Add salt to taste.

 

Bacon Wrapped Dates

  • 1 package thin sliced bacon
  • 24 pitted dates
  • 24 raw almonds
  • 24 toothpick

Preheat oven to 425 deg F. Slice bacon pieces in half and microwave in batches in a single layer for 1 min. Place 1 almond in center of each date. Wrap bacon slices around dates and secure with toothpick. Bake on parchment lined baking sheet for 10-15 min, or until bacon is golden brown. Try subbing cooked spicy sausage for the almond!

Pumpkin Custard

  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 Tbs coconut creme (canned)
  • 2 pitted dates
  • dash of pumpkin pie spice

Blend dates and coconut creme in blender or bullet until smooth. Add pumpkin and spice and blend to incorporate. Place in jar to bowl. Place in fridge to set up for a couple hours. Recipe can be increased for multiple servings.

Coconut Creme Balls

  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 1 cup cashews
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (divided)
  • 1/8 tsp salt or more to taste

Blend cashews, dates, half of coconut flakes, and salt in high speed blender, bullet or food processor. Taste for salt and adjust. Once a smooth dough is formed, roll by Tbs into balls. Roll balls in remaining coconut flakes. Store in fridge up to one week, or freezer for longer storage.

 

Carrot Muffins

  • 1/2 cup butter or palm shortening
  • 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk (canned)
  • 1/2 cup pitted dates
  • 3/4 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
  • 1/2 cup arrowroot powder
  • 5 Tbs coconut flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/4 cup peeled and shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened dried coconut flakes
  • 1/4 cup chopped dates
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 325 deg F. Line a 12 cavity muffin pan with paper liners (or use silicone pan). Melt butter or shortening.

Puree pitted dates with coconut milk until smooth. With electric mixer, combine sweet potato, arrowroot powder, coconut flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Pour in melted butter or shortening, date and coconut milk puree, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg. Stir in carrots, shredded coconut, chopped dates, and lemon juice.  Devide batter into muffin pan. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick interred in center of muffins comes out clean.

 

Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 1 cup full fat coconut milk (canned)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Blend all ingredients in high speed blender, bullet, or food processor until smooth.

 

We hope you enjoyed these ideas for how to enjoy dates! 

 

All recipes were created or adapted by Angela Steele and Kathryn Webb 

Resources:

  • Al-Kuran, O., et al. (2011). “The effect of late pregnancy consumption of date fruit on labour and delivery.” J Obstet Gynaecol 31(1): 29-31.
  • Khadem N, Sharaphy A, Latifnejad R, Hammod N, I R. 2007. Comparing the efficacy of dates and oxytocin in the management of postpartum hemorrhage. Shiraz E-Medical Journal 8:64–71.
  • Kordi M, Meybodi FA, Tara F, Shakeri MT. (2014). “The effect of late pregnancy consumption of date fruit on cervical ripening in nulliparous women.” Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health 2:150–156.
  • Razali, N., et al. (2017). “Date fruit consumption at term: Effect on length of gestation, labour and delivery.” J Obstet Gynaecol: 1-6.

     

Schedule a consultation to meet us!

Start by filling out our inquiry form. We will schedule a quick call to get a bit more information then meet for a consultation at our office in Pleasant Hill, CA.

Fill out the form here

Our practice centers around the belief that every pregnant person deserves compassionate and empowering support tailored to their unique needs. We celebrate the beauty of diversity and welcome individuals and families of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities.

Midwife@AquariusMidwifery.com
Office: 200 Gregory Lane Ste B106. Pleasant Hill, Ca 94523

Serving clients in their homes in all of Contra Costa County, Alameda County (Tri-Valley) and surrounding areas.

P: 925-403-1475
F: 925-430-1556