Sneaking light food/liquids during hospital delivery??

elizxu

I spoke to my OB the other day about light snacks & liquids during our hospital delivery. She wasn't thrilled with the idea (anesthesia worries) and wants to limit me to ice chips...ICE CHIPS. You can't play a full soccer game taking in only ice chips, so why would someone think a woman can labor for hours on only ice chips?

Thankfully, we are going to labor at home for as long as possible & I will be able to eat/drink some recommended foods at home. But my husband and I are thinking about "sneaking" snacks at the hospital. If something happens, we can ask for forgiveness later. Is this a crazy idea? TIA!

JaiMacreiberts

My hospital (my only choice) doesn't allow food or drink either, but that isn't stopping me or my DH. I bought some honey sticks for a quick pick-me-up and also plan to bring a thermos of miso soup. Maybe some othe things if I feel like it. I hardly think they are in a position to tell me to work that hard on no food or drink. Just ridiculous. 

kerryholmes

I have only had homebirths, but I have friends who ate/drank against the "rules" at the hospital. They can make suggestions but ultimately you have the right to do what you want. Patients rights. 

catsinawindow

A word of caution on that plan...

It will work fine while you're laboring and no one is in the room most of the time, but once your pushing it's a different story.  There's always going to be someone in the room with you.  I SO wanted a drink of water while I was pushing, but due to a med I had to be on (Mag Sulfate) the on call doc wouldn't allow it, even when I asked.  I didn't have the energy to fight him on it, but I wish I (or DH) would have.

Can you try printing out the AGOC recommendations to allow women in labor to have clear liquids?  Then you can sneak food during labor if you want (you probably won't want anything solid during pushing).  There's also been some studies that show exactly how unlikely it is for aspiration to happen.  I believe they are referenced in Henci Goener's book "A Thinking Woman's Guide to Better Birth" if you have that to reference.  If not, try searching on Googlescholar.com

Good luck!

superned

I had some snacks on hand in the hospital, but did not feel at all like eating once I got there.  My advice would be to eat a good meal at home (hopefully something healthy, but mostly something that you feel like eating that will fill you up and has some protein) before the hospital and not plan on snacking throughout labor.  I think a lot of women experience their bodies wanting to clear itself out during labor (vomiting or diarrhea), so better to fuel up while you still feel like it.

I drank a ton of water during labor and the hospital had no issue with that.

tokenhoser

I ate at home until about 9 pm, went to the hospital at 10:30 pm, and had a baby at 1 am. I still wanted my snacks because hospital food is terrible even when you're allowed to eat it.

I was allowed to drink water throughout. DH offered me my water bottle between every contraction. There was no way to hide that, but I would have been really upset to not have water. 

ChibiMommy

The hospital had a no food or drink policy but the mw made them bring me clear liquids.  I brought granola bars and honey sticks (a great pick me up) from home but only ended up eating the honey.  I drank SO much water during transition, like a camel I tell you. I would drink half my cup in between contrax, they had to keep refilling it. Thank goodness it only lasted an hour and when that was done I was ready to get up asap and pee. lol

Bonidiebabe

I'm glad others are considering this, I know I have been thinking about it. My mind goes all kind of crazy thinking about how I will react if they should tell me no to something or put restrictions on me.

MElleG

I totally agree! I'm so confused about why the risks of nourshiment would ever outweigh the risks of not eating. I can hardly go an hour without eating right now without feeling sick. It's just not going to happen.

Izabella22

I'd bring some along, you never know what will happen once you are there but I doubt they will be watching you every second.  From what I've read unless there is a specific med you are taking, the only reason they discourage eating is if you end up with general anesthesia, and that seems pretty unlikely.

pepomntpat

I did. I had planned a birth center birth and was transferred due to concerns with DD not reacting well to contractions. I had not eaten anything since breakfast at 6 AM and the first thing I asked my MW at the hospital was if I could please eat (around 1 PM). They got me lunch before I was officially admitted, so that part was easy. Then I just snacked as I went. I sure did get a side eye when I had a c/s and told them I had eaten just a couple of hours before, but oh well!  I'll do the same the next time!

elizxu

Thank you for the responses!

Here's some information that I received during my recent birth class (Sorry, don't have a scanner, so this will be long)

During Labor: Choose easily digested foods, so most of your energy can stay focused on labor. Be aware that smells might be more offensive. Be careful with cold foods/drinks, too much could cause stomach cramping and vomitting.

Early labor

• eggs - whole or yolks
• fruit - apples without peel (peels are harder to digest), bananas, melon, avocado
• Yogurt/Kefir
• White rice (cooked in a bone broth or coconut milk)
• Sweet potatoes or yams
• light soups - egg drop, miso, chicken & rice
• coconut butter/manna
• electrolyte drinks - coconut milk (if tolerated) bone broths, coconut water, home made (Gatorade & the like are good, but have lots of sugars)

Active labor

• Bone Broths & Light soups (egg drop with yolk only, miso)
• Honey sticks
• Egg yolks
• electrolyte drinks

If birthing in a hospital, make sure to pack snacks for post partum, as most hospital food is severely lacking in nutrients.

redheadinlove

I would absolutely do it. 

*Cheese*

Bonidiebabe:

I'm glad others are considering this, I know I have been thinking about it. My mind goes all kind of crazy thinking about how I will react if they should tell me no to something or put restrictions on me.

You don't have to listen to them though.  My hospital, for eg, told me I *had* to stay in bed strapped to a monitor/IV.  But the second the nurse left, I moved to the birthing ball/rocking chair/toilet/wherever.  They were pissed and kept telling me to get back in bed, but I ignored them.  The PP who mentioned patients' rights was correct; they can't legally kick you out of the hospital in active labor.

I'd bring the ACOG recs/aspiration unlikeliness to your OB's attn (also the studies about higher apgar scores for babies when you eat/drink in labor) but just plan to sneak food in too.  They can't confiscate it if you tell them it's for your labor coach.

iris427

I had my husband sneak me some juice and crackers.  Which I promptly threw up.  So my nurse could plainly see the I was sneaking food and never said a word.  I loved her.

That policy is BS.  Even ACOG says laboring some should be "allowed" to have clear liquids like juice, soda, broth, Popsicles, etc.  But I know that the politics in hospitals can complicate things.  If an OB or nurse let's people eat in labor, they can get in trouble with the anesthesia department.  I got the impression my OB with my first delivery would have been fine letting me eat if it weren't for the political crap.

catsinawindow

*Cheese*:

Bonidiebabe:

I'm glad others are considering this, I know I have been thinking about it. My mind goes all kind of crazy thinking about how I will react if they should tell me no to something or put restrictions on me.

You don't have to listen to them though.  My hospital, for eg, told me I *had* to stay in bed strapped to a monitor/IV.  But the second the nurse left, I moved to the birthing ball/rocking chair/toilet/wherever.  They were pissed and kept telling me to get back in bed, but I ignored them.  The PP who mentioned patients' rights was correct; they can't legally kick you out of the hospital in active labor.

I'd bring the ACOG recs/aspiration unlikeliness to your OB's attn (also the studies about higher apgar scores for babies when you eat/drink in labor) but just plan to sneak food in too.  They can't confiscate it if you tell them it's for your labor coach.

Women all act differently during labor.  It certainly sounds like some women are able to advocate for themselves during labor and fight policies that they don't agree with, but not all women are able to do this.  I, for one, became a very compliant patient while I was laboring.  Looking back, I think to myself "why did I let them do this?" or "why didn't I insist on this?" but at the time, I just didn't have the extra energy to disagree.

If you are planning to fight hospital policy during labor, I'd plan on having a doula and/or supportive and knowledgable DH who can advocate for you if you are not able to do so yourself.  If you don't have one of these (or even if you do) try to get your OB on your side.

rjveldman

I went over 24 hours without food during labor and was never once hungry. I had a bag full of goodies I was prepared to sneak myself, but I just never needed it. Adrenaline maybe? Even gatorade made me feel nauseous.

I'd say pack something light - they really can't keep you from eating if you really want to - but you may never need more than ice chips. 

CurbsideProphet

we brought some food/drinks but by the time I got the hospital I was not really interested in eating. I was allowed water and was encouraged to drink water throughout. DD was born about 4 hours after arriving at the hospital.

sschwege

Not crazy at all it's smart!  I was recently reading how an OB said that it is so ridiculous that hospitals still do this.  He likened it to not eating or drinking before you get into a car, because after all there is a slight chance you could be in a terrible accident and be rushed for emergency surgery on a full stomach.    

theladyjess

I'm bringing snacks regardless of what "policy" is in place.  My hosptial is a small community hospital and the cafeteria is only open from 6:30am-7pm so if I deliver after the cafeteria is closed I'm pretty much out of luck on a meal unless I want a sandwhich or soup.  There are some fast food places and resturants near the hospital but most are not open 24 hours.  At least the hospital provides mini fridges and microwaves in each birthing suite so we have a place to store and heat snacks.

TheQuietGrrrl

iris427:

That policy is BS.  Even ACOG says laboring some should be "allowed" to have clear liquids like juice, soda, broth, Popsicles, etc.  But I know that the politics in hospitals can complicate things.  If an OB or nurse let's people eat in labor, they can get in trouble with the anesthesia department.  I got the impression my OB with my first delivery would have been fine letting me eat if it weren't for the political crap.

I noticed this as well at the hospital.  The no eat no drink rule was straight-up anesthesiology's rule, which has their own guidelines they follow, not necessarily ACOG's.  OB's hands may be completely tied within the hospital setting depending on which MDs have the most bully power. 

I ate and drank as much as I could while I was still at home and just made sure it was all healthy, good balance of carbs, not low-cal and a significant protein source.  Which was good because I didn't want to eat anything when in L+D (we had honey straws, fruit leather, crackers, a soda, etc.).  At least it was there if we needed it.  The water thing sucked.  We had packed several bottles of water, and would just say that they were DH's. not mine.  But I did notice that the nurse wasn't exactly monitoring exactly how much ice I was eating.  If I asked for more ice, she got it promptly.  No questions asked.  I was eating ice chips like mad and slamming down the melted water.  Undignified, but it did the trick.

As far as post-partum, unless I was on medical nutritional restrictions or there was a reason to monitor exactly how much had eaten, they could care less whether I ate hospital food or not.  And I didn't eat the food there because it was putrifying vomit.  The local JJ's delivery dude had been programmed into the phone address book well ahead of time .  And some friends and family that had visited brought in food too.

StefandTodd

I was always told to take a "don't ask, don't tell" approach to this.  I packed/brought food and would eat it if I wanted, without asking if it was okay.  By the time I got there though, food was the last thing on my mind.  It was still nice to have stuff for after though! 

star173

They aren't in there all the time. My H went to the cafeteria for himself, but I decided I was hungry. I ate a grilled cheese, fries, and a snickers while I was in labor with DD...no one knew. And to be honest, if they tried to tell me something this time, I'm pretty sure I'd tell them to fuckk off....nicely.

mexicolombiana

lisagde:

*Cheese*:

Bonidiebabe:

I'm glad others are considering this, I know I have been thinking about it. My mind goes all kind of crazy thinking about how I will react if they should tell me no to something or put restrictions on me.

You don't have to listen to them though.  My hospital, for eg, told me I *had* to stay in bed strapped to a monitor/IV.  But the second the nurse left, I moved to the birthing ball/rocking chair/toilet/wherever.  They were pissed and kept telling me to get back in bed, but I ignored them.  The PP who mentioned patients' rights was correct; they can't legally kick you out of the hospital in active labor.

I'd bring the ACOG recs/aspiration unlikeliness to your OB's attn (also the studies about higher apgar scores for babies when you eat/drink in labor) but just plan to sneak food in too.  They can't confiscate it if you tell them it's for your labor coach.

Women all act differently during labor.  It certainly sounds like some women are able to advocate for themselves during labor and fight policies that they don't agree with, but not all women are able to do this.  I, for one, became a very compliant patient while I was laboring.  Looking back, I think to myself "why did I let them do this?" or "why didn't I insist on this?" but at the time, I just didn't have the extra energy to disagree.

If you are planning to fight hospital policy during labor, I'd plan on having a doula and/or supportive and knowledgable DH who can advocate for you if you are not able to do so yourself.  If you don't have one of these (or even if you do) try to get your OB on your side.

I completely agree with this, some women are able to speak up for themselves and some just aren't, especially during such a stressfull time as labor.  You should definitely have an advocate who won't mind speaking up and speaking up loudly to help you be as comfortable as possible.

Also if you think you won't be the kind of person who will just say "SCREW their policies" then labor as LONG as humanly possible at home.  Then eat all you want at home and it won't matter if you don't eat much when you get to the hospital.

I actually hadn't really thought about the hospital's policy on not eating.  I labored at home until I thought the baby was falling out of my vagina.  HA ha ha.  That obviously didn't happen but it was my first and I really didn't know any better.  My mom and doula convinced me to STAY home until I didn't think I could take the pain anymore.  We stayed home until 12 midnight and I ate some good snacks around 11 p.m. that I believe really helped me stay alert and in good spirits during labor.  Anyway we arrived at the hospital at 12:30 a.m. and my DD was born at 4:30 a.m. I had no desire at all to eat during those 4 hours because I was completely in transition/crazy mode. 

I'm not sure what I would have done if the hospital had denied me food and I was there earlier in the night and hungry.  I would LIKE to think i would have caused a fit and (being a lawyer) tried to yell at them and threaten them or something.  But who knows.  Sometimes you do become complacent especially in a new situation.  So I agree to have an advocate with you who WILL give you snacks and stand up for you.

And defintely stay home (if possible for you of course).  For me my water never broke so I was fine to stay home for a long time.  I stayed home WAY longer than I felt comfortable though because I didn't know any better and thank god I did!  So it was important to me to have my mom and a doula around who could tell me that I wasn't going to have the baby in the toilet

maddiemoon43

My labor and delivery were pretty short.  I woke with contractions at 9am and DS was born at 8:36pm.  I stayed home and snacked until about 6-7cm (my MWs came and checked me there).  I couldn't sit still to eat a full mean at home, and wasn't really hungry, even though I hadn't eaten since dinner the previous night.  I had some freezies and pudding...the "foods" that got me through m/s a few months earlier.  I got a peppermint tea on the way to the hospital.  I also had snacks packed in our overnight back in case we had to stay after LO was born. MWs wouldn't have stopped me from eating, but I also wanted to make sure there were snacks that would appeal to me, not just random hospotal food. 

The MWs gave both DH and I the giant styrofoam cups of ice and water when we got there as well.  DH laughs about it now since he drank it all, worried about getting dehyrated in the dry hospital air if we were there a long time...then he had to pee and I wouldn't let him leave my side for the last 2-3 hours!

2 hours after arriving at the hospital I was throwing up mint tea and green freezie (still haven't had another) while "running" back to the toilet too, and had no interest in food.  Luckily I was pushing 4 hours after arrival.  Unluckily I was pushing for 2.5 hours, and the water did come in helpful just for my wetting mouth and cooling down.  An hour after DS was born I had the best bowl of cereal I have ever had.  When we went home a 3 hours later I had a sandwichbefore bed, but only because my parents and DH pushed me to.  The adrenaline was keeping me going and I wasn't hungry at all.