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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Eating in labour

31 replies

wobblymum · 29/05/2003 10:39

I'm really keen on eating during my labour if it's quite long and the mw has said I can do this as long as it's only light snacks but how much do you think would be too much? I don't know how much I'll need to keep my strength up. I'm going to take honey and glucose tablets but if that's not enough, would a few cereal bars and a banana or two be ok?

Thing is, I'm worried about the reaction if I have to have an anaesthetic but if I manage to keep up enough strength to push properly, that could stop the need for one. Also, what about accident victims who happen to have just eaten a huge meal and then get rushed into hospital and need loads of anaesthetic. They cope ok, so how big is the risk really?

This sounds like a really stupid question but I keep thinking about it because I'm worried about all the 'risks' and things that could go wrong.

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ninja · 29/05/2003 11:21

I was recommended to eat something that would - how shall I say it - make it easier to go to the toilet after IYSWIM. I had dries fruit, good for energy and making everything 'softer'! it's no point putting that moment off!

Saying that I projectile vomited all over the 2 midwives and the paediatrician, I have to say that was very impressive.

The main thing I wanted was LOTS of water - especially with gas and air and one of those sports bottles which are easy to drink out of is a good idea.

bondgirl · 29/05/2003 11:18

Good luck Wobblymum. I ate loads through my second labour, loads and loads of toast and sugary tea, and it was fantastic. It was a long labour and so I really needed to eat! Bananas and energy bars are good too.Find out what the policy of your hospital is. Some midwives are very pro-eating. You might find another midwife tells you a different story from the "official" line.

Twink · 29/05/2003 11:16

When my first contractions started I decided a cheese sandwich would be a good thing to eat for breakfast.

Not a good decision, within 2 hours I was throwing up almost every minute and it took a long time before dh could even think about eating cheese again..

Meid · 29/05/2003 11:09

I had a full dinner while in the delivery room. I had gone on a long time and still had quite a way to go so the midwife made sure I had dinner. I can't remember what it was though as I was pretty spaced out on the drugs - I just remember having to pause eating during contractions!

bubbly · 29/05/2003 11:02

We were advised freezing red grape juice into ice cube tray as cold and refreshing but gives a little energy rush. LuciB those spray things are fab, really fine misty spray - lovely.

LucieB · 29/05/2003 10:51

I ate a bit during my labour. At first didn't feel like eating anything, then after a fair few hours, started to munch bananas and sip Ribena out of a carton. That kept my energy levels up. Once I had an epidural (after about 10 hours of labouring) I ate some crisps which came back up just after I delivered my ds. Don't know whether that was because of the anaesthetic or just the whole body shock of giving birth. I would also really recommend one of those cool water sprays you can get from Boots....and some sweets to suck.

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