Laboring to bring a new life into the world is an incredibly strenuous task, yet for decades, many healthcare providers insisted that women should endure it without any proper nutrition. Well, it’s time to change that, because recent research reveals that munching during labor is not just acceptable—it’s beneficial!
Recently, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) published findings indicating that consuming food during labor can actually help women. The traditional practice of offering only ice chips and popsicles stemmed from concerns about aspiration—accidentally inhaling food or drink into the lungs while under anesthesia. However, after analyzing extensive research, the ASA concluded that this concern is largely outdated. Modern anesthesia techniques, such as spinal blocks, have significantly reduced the risk of aspiration for the majority of women. In fact, between 2005 and 2013, only one reported case of aspiration resulted in death.
Labor can burn as many calories as running a marathon. That’s a substantial amount of energy, especially for those lengthy labor sessions that can stretch on for 10, 15, or even 20 hours. If you’re not replenishing those calories, you might feel completely drained by the time you enter the more intense stages of labor.
I personally experienced labor for 14 hours with my first child and an exhausting 22 hours with my second. That whole idea that the second labor is shorter? Not true for me! There were moments when I felt utterly depleted and desperately wished for something more than just bland popsicles. I could almost imagine Ryan Reynolds delivering a pizza to me—now that would have been a sight!
Let’s be real: Would we expect anyone else to do such hard labor for hours on end with only sugary treats to sustain them? It sounds absurd when you think about it. We’re literally bringing new humans into the world! If we can’t at least have some protein-infused snacks, what are we even doing?
While the guidelines have been in place for safety reasons, it’s encouraging to see them evolving to reflect what truly serves us as birthing individuals. Women who choose to labor at home or in birthing centers often have access to food, but hospitals have been slower to adapt. Here’s hoping they take note of this new research and start providing some real nourishment before the moms-to-be start revolting and raiding the vending machines!
If you’re interested in more insights on this topic, check out our other blog post for additional guidance on pregnancy. Also, for those considering at-home insemination, reputable retailers like Make a Mom offer essential syringe kits to help you on your journey. For comprehensive information about pregnancy, visit the World Health Organization—it’s an excellent resource!
In summary, laboring women deserve better than ice chips. With new findings supporting the benefits of eating during labor, it’s time for hospitals to catch up and provide the nourishment that mothers need to successfully bring their children into the world.
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