Who Can Eat During Labor?

You have probably heard that eating during labor is not allowed, nor advised. Did your mom get ice chips only during labor? Times have changed and the voices are speaking out about choices in childbirth.

Originally, in the 1940's doctors prohibited eating and drinking during labor amidst some concerns about aspirating during emergency anesthesia. They found that aspirating stomach contents would cause severe health concerns, such as pneumonia or even death.

Research has shown that these results are very minute and there are fewer women having anesthesia.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines, it is okay for moms-to-be to drink clear liquids if they're having uncomplicated labors. But physicians may still draw the line at solid foods (like toast).
Most moms often loose their appetite during labor and choose not to eat. Small doses of water and other clear liquids are great during this time. I usually recommend eating small snack foods in early labor. This will help increase your energy and it helps keep the momentum throughout labor. As a doula, I let families know that it might be a great idea to find your favorite popsicles or protein bars that they will use at home or during the first 2-4 hours of labor. I do not suggest eating full meals once you know that you are in labor. This is strongly discouraged, because it can make you feel awful when your contractions start becoming stronger; it often leads to increased nausea.

I encourage mom to drink a bit of water after every 2-3 contractions, to avoid dehydration and IV fluids.

What happens if you don't eat? Restricting food in labor can cause problems of its own. Besides the stress factors, restricting intake during labor can cause dehydration and ketosis.

What other items do I recommend during labor?

Tea,

Fruit juice, and

Broth

(All of which more and more hospitals already have on hand for birthing mamas).

For Dads:

Dads, although I recommend that you also eat during labor, please be considerate and eat outside the birthing suite or bring items that do not have a strong smell. Mom may become sick because of what you are eating. It may also make her feel a bit jealous.

What happens if mom has nausea?

I love Preggie-Pops!

Slow way down on liquids-mom is most-likely in transition and will be pushing soon!

NOTE: Ask your doctor/midwife about their policies about food and drink during
labor. If they do not reflect the current medical studies you may share the
information with them and see if they will go along with your plan. Many
hospitals and birth centers have special labor diets now and the women report
being very satisfied with the outcomes.

For more questions, please ask me.

~Tina

Practice Guidelines for Obstetric Anesthesia: An Updated Report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Obstetric Anesthesia, Anesthesiology:Volume 106(4)April 2007pp 843-863.Providing Oral Nutrition to Women in Labor, American College of Nurse-Midwives, Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health - May 2008 (Vol. 53, Issue 3, Pages 276-283, DOI: 10.1016/j.jmwh.2008.03.006)Restricting oral fluid and food intake during labour. Singata M, Tranmer J, Gyte GML. January 2010 Cochrane Review Additional Resources: References
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