Nourishing Yourself During Natural Birth

Apr 14

Picture this: you're in the middle of labor, feeling the contractions getting stronger and stronger. Suddenly, your stomach starts growling, and you realize you're starving. You reach for the snacks you brought from your backpack, only to be told that eating during labor is against hospital policy. You're left feeling confused and frustrated, wondering why you're being denied the basic human need for sustenance during one of the most physically demanding experiences of your life.

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Well, the good news is that you don't have to accept this outdated policy as the final word on the matter. As it turns out, the risks of eating during labor are often greatly exaggerated, and many hospitals are starting to recognize the importance of allowing women to eat and drink as they see fit. So if you're currently pregnant and wondering about your options, read on to learn more about the truth behind the "no eating during labor" myth, and why you have the right to make your own choices about your body and your baby.

As an expectant mother, you've probably heard a lot of conflicting information about what you should or shouldn't do during labor. One of the most common debates is whether or not you should eat or drink anything while in labor. Some hospitals have policies that restrict women from eating or drinking during labor, but is this really necessary?

As a childbirth doula and educator,, I believe that eating and drinking during labor is essential. Not only can it provide you with much-needed energy, but it can also make the labor process more manageable. Let's take a closer look at why.

First, it's important to understand the history behind hospital policies regarding eating and drinking during labor. These policies were established in the 1940s when anesthesia was not as safe as it is today. As a result, there was a higher risk of aspiration, which is the inhalation of food or liquid into the lungs. However, recent evidence-based research shows that the risk of aspiration during labor has decreased significantly, making hospital policies regarding fasting unnecessary for most women.

In fact, a 2015 study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that "women who are allowed to eat and drink during labor suffer no adverse effects and may actually have shorter labors than women who are restricted to water only." This study reviewed 10 randomized controlled trials involving 3,982 women in labor.

Another study published in the Journal of Perinatal Education in 2018 found that "eating and drinking during labor may reduce the incidence of cesarean birth, operative vaginal birth, and the use of epidural analgesia."

This means that if an unmedicated birth is important to you- eating and drinking during labor is essential!

Evidence Based Birth, an organization dedicated to providing evidence-based information about childbirth, also advocates for the importance of eating and drinking during labor. They cite research that suggests fasting during labor may lead to dehydration, increased pain, and decreased energy levels.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) updated their clinical guidelines in 2014 to recommend offering food and drink to women in labor. The guidelines state that "women should be able to eat and drink in labor if they wish to, and should be offered carbohydrate drinks."

With all this in mind, it's important to remember that you have the right to decide whether or not you want to eat or drink during labor. Even if you're in a hospital or have an epidural, you have the right to make this decision for yourself.

Listening to your body and nourishing it accordingly is vital during your unmedicated labor experience.

It's common for women not to feel like eating during active labor, but it's important to eat a nutritious meal beforehand to give your body the energy it needs. If you feel labor is beginning or may be soon, it's a good idea to eat a substantial meal to help prepare your body for the process.

Now that we've debunked the myth that eating during labor is inherently dangerous, you may be wondering what kinds of foods and drinks are best to fuel your body during the intense event that is childbirth. Here are some ideas:

Adrenal Cocktails: Adrenal cocktails are a combination of fresh-squeezed citrus juice, sea salt, and potassium-rich ingredients like coconut water or banana. They are a great source of electrolytes and can help keep your energy levels up during labor.
Honey Sticks: Honey sticks are a portable and easy-to-digest source of carbohydrates that can help keep your blood sugar levels stable during labor. They are also a great natural sweetener if you're craving something sugary.
Hydration Multipliers: Hydration multipliers, such as Nuun or Liquid IV, are packets of electrolyte powder that can be added to water for an extra boost of hydration. They come in a variety of flavors and can be a great option if you're struggling to drink plain water during labor.
PB and J: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a classic labor snack for a reason. They are easy to make, portable, and provide a good mix of protein and carbohydrates to help keep your energy levels up.
Coconut Water: Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes and can help keep you hydrated during labor. It also has a subtle, sweet flavor that can be refreshing if you're feeling nauseous.
Cheese Sticks: Cheese sticks are a good source of protein and can be a great snack to have on hand during labor. They are also portable and easy to digest.

These are just a few suggestions- please eat whatever sounds good during labor! It’s ideal to eat things that are easy to digest, have a bit of fat and protien, and don’t forget to put a straw in your drinks!

You need energy for unmedicated birth- and nourishing your body will allow you to have that!

Remember, the most important thing is to listen to your body and eat and drink what feels good to you. Some women may find that they don't have much of an appetite during labor, while others may feel ravenous. Don't be afraid to try different foods and drinks until you find what works best for you. And most importantly, don't let hospital policies or outdated myths dictate how you choose to nourish your body during this important time. Hospital policy is not the law. Remember, you have the right to make informed decisions about your own body and the birth of your child.

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Sources:

American Society of Anesthesiologists. (2019). Practice guidelines for obstetric anesthesia: an updated report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Obstetric Anesthesia and the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology. Anesthesiology, 130(4), e168-e182. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000002603

Evidence Based Birth. (2018). Evidence on: Eating and drinking during labor. Retrieved from https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-eating-drinking-labor/

Harmon, K. (2018). Why some hospitals are changing their policies on IVs during labor. Scientific American. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-some-hospitals-are-changing-their-policies-on-ivs-during-labor/

National Health Service. (2018). Giving birth: should I eat during labor? Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/should-i-eat-during-labour/

Simpson, K. R., & Thorman, K. E. (2005). Obstetric "conveniences" and elective interventions. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 34(2), 319-331. doi: 10.1177/0884217504272049

Soltani, H., & Dickinson, F. (2015). Food and drink during labour: practice and policy in UK hospitals. Evidence Based Midwifery, 13(2), 47-53.

Thomas, J., Paranjothy, S., & Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (2011). Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Clinical effectiveness support unit. The National Sentinel Caesarean Section Audit Report. London: RCOG Press.

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