Eat, drink, and push out your baby!

Labor is hard work. That's why many women plan to have snacks readily available during their labors. A mama has to keep her energy up! 
     Still, some hospitals have long-held rules telling women they can only eat ice chips during labor. Why? The idea is that just in case a mom should need general anesthesia for a Cesarean-section, she should not have food in her belly that could possibly be regurgitated and inhaled into the lungs.
     On the flip side, many birth professionals have long believed that without proper nourishment for a body working as hard as a birthing mama's is, labor is more likely to stall. 
     So it's great news that a review by The Cochran Library showed that there is no benefit to restricting food or drink during labor. Also, "poor nutritional balance may be associated with longer and more painful labors, and fasting does not guarantee an empty stomach or less acidity," the review says. Therefore, Cochran recommends that women should be free to eat and drink during labor as they wish. Watch a CBS news segment about this announcement below.
     A few ideas: soup broth, toast, apple sauce, oatmeal, popsicles—things that can be digested easily and chewed easily between contractions. Mamas and birth professionals, please share—what were some of your favorite labor snacks? 
    Moms-to-be, take note and pack your bag with nibbles that will nourish your body and mind during the amazing work of birthing your baby!


Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma





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