Food and drink in the hospital

dwmpianist11 · September 2010

For you second timers out there, how did your hospital work food and drink during labor? I have read that fluids are now ok but food is still a no no, even though the reason they don't let you eat is really a non issue in most cases anyway. Did any of you have issues with this or did you make sure to eat at home before? Anyone sneak a bit when no one was looking?

Just curious, though I imagine I might not be in the eating mood just about then....

pisforporschia · September 2010

Well im a firstie but during my hospital tour they told me I'd be on a liquid diet. Anything see thru i can eat ie jello, juice, water, etc

KTH919 · September 2010

Honestly, I didn't have an appetite at all even after I delivered DS at 8:15 pm and hadn't eaten all day. I wasn't allowed to drink anything and could only have ice chips. I was so thirsty I could barely stand it. I hope I'm allowed to have some water this time.

earthboundmisfit · September 2010

I ate a sandwhich before we left because I assumed they wouldn't let me eat while I labored and delivered. Who knows if they would have let me..I didnt' ask. They did offer me an italian ice and I have to say it was a lot yummier than ice chips would have been lol. The meal I had 45 mins after I gave birth was the best I've ever had, I swear.

It probably depends on your hospital and your Dr. Maybe ask at your next appt just so you know?

Silvergirl6405 · September 2010

During labor my hospital doesn't allow food I don't think, but it's for good reason. With my first I knew when I was in early labor (and I studied the Bradley Method) so I knew I would need my strength so I ate I think some food at home before leaving while I still could barely tolerate contractions - carrots and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with milk -- BIG MISTAKE -- about 6 hours later, still in horrible labor at the hospital I was throwing up everywhere. I mean I could not stop - with every contraction I needed a new bag to puke in, that's when I finally got my epidural (after 10 hours of HARD labor and only 3 cm progress) As soon as I got that epi no more throwing up. With my son I luckily went into labor at 2:30 am so no food in my system really, but labor was short and I had him at 6:01am so 3.5 hours - and with him I got my drug free birth. But honestly, when I was in labor both times - eating was one of the absolute last things on my mind, but I was trying for drug free labors so it might be different with others. Although I know a main concern is the need for a possible / emergency c section - they want your stomach empty, hence the no food rule. Sorry so long but hope it was helpful.

HappyMommy28 · September 2010

I'm allowed to eat and drink. I have heard that I wont want to eat but that I should try to keep my energy up. I plan on eating while I can and drinking as well.

ramfan05 · September 2010

At my hospital, I will only be allowed to have ice chips and popsicles. I may eat something light while in early labor at home before I have to go to the hospital, but nothing too heavy because I'm afraid of throwing it all back up!

SweetPeanis · September 2010

I ate a bowl of cereal at 3:00am when I first started having contractions since I knew I wouldn't be able to eat much during labor.

I was able to have toast, jello, soup and I think that was pretty much it. Honestly though I wasn't even that hungry, until right after I had DD. Then I was starving!!! I had a 13 hour labor.

TheSkimmy · September 2010

I was only allowed ice chips- no sips of water. It sucked.... I labored for 25 hours and complained the whole time about how hungry I was... They offered me a sandwich after I delivered and by then I was over the hunger and couldn't eat it!

Bailey81 · September 2010

If you came in from the street needing emergency surgery, you wouldn't necessarily have an empty stomach. My hospital allows light snacking and encourages lots of clear fluids during labor. Check with your provider.

Jaimers375 · September 2010

I went in after my water broke, but I was having no contractions. I think the staff realized it was gonna be a while so they let me order breakfast. I think I got a bagel and fruit.

McKenna04 · September 2010

When you go into labor- food really isnt that appealing, at least it wasnt for me.. all i ate was some applesauce and about 5 popsicles with gallons of water cause I was dying of thirst

frozenjoy213 · September 2010

I didn't eat anything at the hospital but I was only there for 5 hours before our LO was born. I'd suggest eating light things (think a light soup) not a slice of pizza because lots of women throw up at some time during labor. As far as "sneaking" food the bathrooms in hospitals are the only places that lock.....so if you're there for a long time and starving just remember that you always find a little privacy. lol

mamaweebie · September 2010

It probably depends on the hospital, but when I went in to deliver my son, I was given a big sippy bottle filled with water and ice chips, and told to take sips often, to keep from getting dehydrated. They said I could eat if I wanted to, and my DH ran out to grab us some sandwiches, but about 15 mins. after he came back with them, my water broke, and I just had no appetite. During labor, one of the nurses spoon-fed me apple juice soaked ice chips, to keep my blood sugar and my energy up, since I hadn't eaten since breakfast (she did this while I was on my hands and knees, breathing through contractions, LOL).

I would recommend having some hard candies/suckers handy--my mouth got super dry (lip balm was essential for me, too!). And, there shouldn't be any problem with having water. Maybe when you pre-register at the hospital, you can ask what the policy is, so you can be prepared.

Lori

Wife to Morgan, Mom to Sebastian (almost 4)

Little BOY #2 on the way! Due 11.02.2010

LukeAndAmanda · September 2010

I didn't want anything to do with food. So I pretty much didn't eat for the whole 17 hours. I was allowed to have ice chips, until my doctor came in and told me I could have some water if I really needed it. They almost took it away when I started more than sipping. But I chowed down about an hour after she was born.

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