Not allowed to eat once you come to Hospital? WWYD?

Nickiechan · April 2011

Ok, so we had a childbirth preparation class and I already knew that some hospitals fallow the Nothing By Mouth policy once you are admitted. However, I haven't asked my midwife about the hospital I'll be delivery at. The teacher at the class (which was run by the hospital) said that no eating will be allowed once admitted. I read and read about how this can cause dehydration and limit energy levels for the mother during her birthing time. There is little research showing that it will help in case of a emergency c-section under general anesthesia. They fallow this policy because in case of an emergancy c-section and needing to go under general anesthesia they do not want you throwing up your food and you could possible die (very low chances of this happening). I read in my Ina May's Guide to Childbirth book she said to sneak some snacks into the room such as peanuts or something very light. Will you be sneaking snacks in? Will you not eat? Will you be fighting this?

I am planning to labor as much as possible at home and then eating a protein filled meal before going to the hospital. We will be packing snacks (trail mix or peanuts) just in case I will be hungry.

kmv68 · April 2011

I will personally abide by their policy.

ikissedthecook · April 2011

OUr plans are similar to yours. I'm going to labor as much at home as possible, eating when I feel like it while there. Once at the hospital, I will follow their rules as long as I feel like its not hindering my laboring process, but if my hunger starts to make me feel weak, I'll be sneaking snacks too.

bestmaid6 · April 2011

I, too, plan on laboring at home as much as possible and will try to keep eating when hungry while at home. I'll probably try to down a pb+j sandwich before the we leave for the hospital but I still plan on having some snacks at the hospital.

You know your body and if you think you need to eat (or drink) during labor, you should be able to do it.

My motto: It's better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.

mlasecki10 · April 2011

Thats tough i think i'll eat something before i go, something high in protein but i'm thinking i will also abide by the policy. I dont think food will really be on my mind so i dont think ill be too hungry.. but this is also my first so im pretty clueless.

Baby4OT · April 2011

I'd definitely labor at home as long as you can. With DD1 I didn't pack snacks for myself, but did steal bites from DH's snacks. With DD2 I was only at the hospital for 5 min before she was born!

fwiw, once you get far into labor, you probably won't be hungry at all. I'd bring some gatorade or something to drink for sure though.

ashleah83 · April 2011

In our childbirthing classes, our instructor told us to have a hearty meal of proteins and carbs at home before we go to the hospital - as if we are about to run a marathon, because we sort of are. My understanding from her is that by the time you go to the hospital, your contractions are pretty frequent and uncomfortable anyway that you are likely not so interested in eating.

I guess based on her saying this I had not worried too much.

That being said to each their own and I don't know the specific medical risks of aspiration under general anesthesia during a c-section. If you are going to sneak snacks, I think you should make sure your partner knows that in the event of general anesthesia to tell the doctors about the sneaked snacks, just to be on the safe side, so they can be careful to ensure your airways stay clear.

gymnst1013 · April 2011

I am absolutely 100% smuggling food into the room. No doubt about it. I refuse to let my energy run out and risk a c/s just because they are afraid I might throw up under general anesthesia if I have to be put under. I don't know the specific statistics of needing general anesthesia for birth but I'm guessing it's SUPER low. I've never had a problem with anesthesia and I've been under it at least 7 or 8 times.

cvl105 · April 2011

I had our class this weekend and the teacher said that typically only those who get an epidural can't eat. If you don't plan on getting any sort of pain medication, they usually you can eat.

They will allow ice chips for anyone...I guess that'll help keep from getting dehydrated.

jdubh · April 2011

I was told this in class too. I will eat a light meal (maybe a sandwich) before I go to the hospital. I was told that they tell you this because the only organs that work when you are in the active stage of labor are your brain, heart, and uterus. So basically the food that you eat is just sitting in your stomach, and it will make you sick. I will follow their policy.

Pookie's_Girl · April 2011

Personally, I'm going to be laboring at home for as long as possible, and I'm going to eat as much (or as little) as I can before I go in. But, I will be bringing snacks in with me to eat if I need to. I know how weak I can get if I go too long without eating, so the hospital can bite me if they don't like it. Water alone isn't going to keep my energy up, and I don't want to have to try and push my baby out when I'm running on E.

kimbo1216 · April 2011

I plan on laboring at home as long as possible (ideally until contractions are consistently 5 minutes apart). I was told in my class I can eat lightly while at home..nothing too heavy. Once at the hospital, it's ice chips only. By that point, I don't know how much I'll want to be eating anyway. So we'll just play it by ear.

luvbeingmom · April 2011

once contractions hit, it's going to be hard to make yourself eat anything. also, don't overeat because the excitement and nervousness of it all, and contractions could actually make you throw up.

you may also want to check with you hospital and see if they automatically attach you to an IV. that would help prevent you from getting dehydrated, and they don't want you dehydrated either...

i'd take snacks with me just in case. the chance of having an emergency cs so severe that you'd have to be put under general anesthesia are very low.

jcsumm0 · April 2011

I don't know my hospital's policy yet, but I have heard that if you have GD they will let you eat during labor so your sugars don't get messed up. I'm hoping that is the silver lining for no milkshakes for 2 months.

I am also planning to labor at home as long as possible, so I'll try to eat something right before we go to the hospital.

kattyleigh · April 2011

kmv68:
I will personally abide by their policy.

Uh, yes this. Why would you think you know more about the risks of anesthesia than the MDs? Eat a good meal before you go to the hospital and you'll be fine. The thought of food made me nauseous while in labor anyways.

egpitt22 · April 2011

I had absolutely no desire to eat while in labor; in fact, the mere thought of food made me feel sick.

However, I was STARVING after I had given birth!! But sadly, I was on the mag drip for pre-e & couldn't eat a single bite of anything for the next 24+ hours

CarlaAndJames · April 2011

kmv68:
I will personally abide by their policy.

This.

I'll labor as long as possible at home, so if I need to eat then I will. If I had to eat at the hospital, I would just do it. I don't think I would be "sneaking" anything. I would just tell the nurses I was doing it, what are they going to do, unhook you and send you home?

caruso_60 · April 2011

I took snacks and lots of water, but I had absolutely no interest in food while in labor. I did drink a lot water. Nobody said a word to me about having water. I did throw up some of the water, but the nurse was right there with the bowl.

MrsJuicy2B · April 2011

kattyleigh:
kmv68:
I will personally abide by their policy.

Uh, yes this. Why would you think you know more about the risks of anesthesia than the MDs? Eat a good meal before you go to the hospital and you'll be fine. The thought of food made me nauseous while in labor anyways.

You don't need a doctorate to be able to read research critically.

SarahKate31 · April 2011

Our childbirth teacher (affiliated with the hospital where we'll deliver) said to eat a light meal while in early labor before coming to the hospital. After I'm in the hospital I'm allowed liquids only, including water, jello, and popcicles.

Ambeerose · April 2011

I ate a big breakfast the morning I went in to deliver ds. I ate at about 6:30am and got a liquid lunch at the hospital at noon, had ds at 3:20pm. I wad definitely starving after giving birth and I could tell during pushing I was getting exhausted. I did not feel like eating during contractions or pushing but wad thirsty and had ice chips.

DaisyJanie · April 2011

If I was going to a hospital, I would bring food in my bag just in case. I've been told you don't have any desire to eat, but I would certainly want the option in case I do. I wouldn't have any problem questioning or disobeying hospital policy.

kbel424 · April 2011

One of several reasons I'm going with the birthing center (if all goes well!)...I can eat or drink anything I want. I may want nothing, or I may be starving and need something to boost energy for pushing. Either way, I like having the option!

DuckysDoll · April 2011

I will follow the rules. They are there for a reason.

Nickiechan · April 2011

kbel424:
One of several reasons I'm going with the birthing center (if all goes well!)...I can eat or drink anything I want. I may want nothing, or I may be starving and need something to boost energy for pushing. Either way, I like having the option!

You are very lucky... the only birth center in our area is around an hour and half away from my house. I wish I could give birth at a birth center. If I was a midwife I would have the market share if I opened one up in our area! With our second I am praying that someone opens ones up...

gymnst1013 · April 2011

MrsJuicy2B:
kattyleigh:

kmv68:
I will personally abide by their policy.

Uh, yes this. Why would you think you know more about the risks of anesthesia than the MDs? Eat a good meal before you go to the hospital and you'll be fine. The thought of food made me nauseous while in labor anyways.

You don't need a doctorate to be able to read research critically.

Yes

And not all doctors believe you shouldn't be allowed to eat during labor. In fact, if I remember correctly, the ACOG is debating whether it's smart to not allow laboring women to eat. So clearly there is some debate even amongst the MDs.

kattyleigh · April 2011

gymnst1013:
MrsJuicy2B:
kattyleigh:

kmv68:
I will personally abide by their policy.

Uh, yes this. Why would you think you know more about the risks of anesthesia than the MDs? Eat a good meal before you go to the hospital and you'll be fine. The thought of food made me nauseous while in labor anyways.

You don't need a doctorate to be able to read research critically.

And not all doctors believe you shouldn't be allowed to eat during labor. In fact, if I remember correctly, the ACOG is debating whether it's smart to not allow laboring women to eat. So clearly there is some debate even amongst the MDs.

I suppose I get heated about these types of subjects because being a medical professional, people often believe that reading something on the internet (or in this case Ina May) qualifies you to go against hospital policy. I have no idea how it must feel to be in labor for a long time without food though, as my personal experience was just about four hours total and I was not lacking for energy. Food was the last thing on my mind in fact. All experiences are completely different of course, I just personally cannot imagine going against a research-based hospital policy, and the OP asked for opinions.

lindzed · April 2011

I was really worried about this with my first baby becuase I'm a big eater and get in a horrible mood when my blood sugar drops, but actually I wasn't hungry at all. The last thing I would have wanted was food. I didn't even want any ice chips. Ended up being one of those things that wasn't an issue at all. I will say you will be starving once you have the baby so be prepared. I had to send my mom 1/2 way across town to find food immediately.

brobin01 · April 2011

kattyleigh:
gymnst1013:
MrsJuicy2B:
kattyleigh:

kmv68:
I will personally abide by their policy.

Uh, yes this. Why would you think you know more about the risks of anesthesia than the MDs? Eat a good meal before you go to the hospital and you'll be fine. The thought of food made me nauseous while in labor anyways.

You don't need a doctorate to be able to read research critically.

And not all doctors believe you shouldn't be allowed to eat during labor. In fact, if I remember correctly, the ACOG is debating whether it's smart to not allow laboring women to eat. So clearly there is some debate even amongst the MDs.

I suppose I get heated about these types of subjects because being a medical professional, people often believe that reading something on the internet (or in this case Ina May) qualifies you to go against hospital policy. I have no idea how it must feel to be in labor for a long time without food though, as my personal experience was just about four hours total and I was not lacking for energy. Food was the last thing on my mind in fact. All experiences are completely different of course, I just personally cannot imagine going against a research-based hospital policy, and the OP asked for opinions.

I personally will be following the rules of my hospital/doctor.

And who knows, you may not even want anything to eat. Everyone labors differently.

When in labor with DS, I had no appetite, just thirsty and I was only in labor for 5 hours..food was NOT on my mind. But, our hospital allows snacks to be brought, but if having a c-section, no food at all. So, I'm just going to stay on the safe side and follow the rules.

MommaG123 · April 2011

gymnst1013:
I am absolutely 100% smuggling food into the room. No doubt about it. I refuse to let my energy run out and risk a c/s just because they are afraid I might throw up under general anesthesia if I have to be put under. I don't know the specific statistics of needing general anesthesia for birth but I'm guessing it's SUPER low. I've never had a problem with anesthesia and I've been under it at least 7 or 8 times.

The 7 or 8 times you have been under did you fast before your prodcedure like(I am assuming) they advised? Just curious. I also will probably bring snacks to eat if I feel the need to because I also agree the risk of needing general anesthesia is VERY LOW so I'm not flaming you or anything I was just wondering.

Edited for spelling.

gymnst1013 · April 2011

Mare0527:

gymnst1013:
I am absolutely 100% smuggling food into the room. No doubt about it. I refuse to let my energy run out and risk a c/s just because they are afraid I might throw up under general anesthesia if I have to be put under. I don't know the specific statistics of needing general anesthesia for birth but I'm guessing it's SUPER low. I've never had a problem with anesthesia and I've been under it at least 7 or 8 times.

The 7 or 8 times you have been under did you fast before your prodcedure like(I am assuming) they advised? Just curious. I also will probably bring snacks to eat if I feel the need to because I also agree the risk of needing general anesthesia is VERY LOW so I'm not flaming you or anything I was just wondering.

Edited for spelling.

Some yes, some no - the later ones I was more lax on the fasting than the first few. The very first time was an emergency and I had eaten recently - I wasn't nauseated at all when I woke up.

Sazhrah · April 2011

My shortest labor was 18 hours. My Longest 5 days. With all of them I was told I can't have anything to eat but popcicles and ice chips. It was HORRIBLE. Come to find out that it is only hospital policiy not to eat because of the risk of general anesthesia making you vomit and choke to death on it creating a liability issue.

I threw up each time I was in labor. But, I still ate. Assuming I VBAC this time I will eat even if the hospital doesn't want me to. I am sure they deal with much worse things then vomit.

mari_gold · April 2011

My hospital has that same policy. I hate it. I remember with my first I had been in the hospital since 2 a.m. and I was starving by noon. The nurse said I could have a popsicle or a thing of jello, and those were my options.

This time, I've already gotten the okay from my doctor to drink water while I labor and I'm definitely going to sneak a few healthy snacks in. Nuts are a good idea, actually.

OpheliaChem · April 2011

gymnst1013:
I refuse to let my energy run out and risk a c/s just because they are afraid I might throw up under general anesthesia if I have to be put under. I don't know the specific statistics of needing general anesthesia for birth but I'm guessing it's SUPER low.

This. At our hospital tour, the lady (who is a doula) said that it is EXTREMELY rare to need general anesthesia these days. When i had an emergency appendectomy in 2011, I had just finished a huge plate of buffalo wings (no connection to the appendectomy) and they had to pump my stomach. So they knocked me out, pumped my stomach, and did the surgery. I imagine you could do a similar thing if you need to be put under. Let's be honest...if you need gen anesthesia, I would think the doctors would be less concerned about you throwing up and more concerned about getting the baby out.

luvbeingmom · April 2011

so, is the ONLY reason they tell you not to eat because of the CHANCE you might need an emergency cs?

if that's the ONLY reason they tell you not to eat, that doesn't sound very favorable to a laboring woman... especially one that has little to no chance of actually needing a cs...

nicsigni · April 2011

I'll be in the hospital, but with a midwife practice. I was told I could eat and drink freely during labor. So I will most definitely be bringing snacks (along with gatorade in case I just don't feel like eating). I get so weak and shaky when I don't eat for long stretches, I can't imagine going through labor without anything in my system.

I would bring the snacks, for sure. (I don't think I would sneak them though. Just eat them if you want.)

Emcat1980@yahoo.com · April 2011

From the time my water broke at home to the time DS arrived it was about 12 hrs. I didn't have a thing to eat and wasn't remotely hungry during or after labor.

blainethetrain · April 2011

I plan to labor as long as possible at home and have a big meal there. We are packing honey straws in case my energy wanes and I need a quick pick me up. Also fruit juices are allowed while laboring too, so the sugars in those should be helpful. My dad is an anesthesiologist and he says he thinks its ridiculous that we aren't supposed to eat on the off chance we may need to be anesthetized.

Birdies08 · April 2011

luvbeingmom:
so, is the ONLY reason they tell you not to eat because of the CHANCE you might need an emergency cs?
if that's the ONLY reason they tell you not to eat, that doesn't sound very favorable to a laboring woman... especially one that has little to no chance of actually needing a cs...

I agree completely.

I will add that our class instructor said your digestive system slows down because your body is focused on labor, so don't eat things that would constipate you. She suggested carbo-loading in early stages of labor and then switching to gatorade/powerade/emergen-c when things get more intense. At that point you probably won't be interested in food, but she said it's important to get some calories/nutrients in you still.

Our hospital lets you eat, but I'd be sneaking in what I felt I needed if they didn't. Like PPs have pointed out, there are differing opinions in the medical field on this issue.

norbert5 · April 2011

I am bringing snacks. The hospital let me eat with DD and I am sure they will let me eat again. They actually gave me food and let me eat my own. However I was also throwing up a lot so the nurses kept giving me crackers and popsicles to help with the nausea.

I didn't feel like eating a ton but I definitely needed something to snack on. After everything was all over I was STARVING and the hospital food was terrible. So I would make sure to have something for after or have someone bring you something.

samfish2bcrab · April 2011

A lot of women vomit during labour and it has nothing to do with anesthesia.

I was induced at 9am and had my daughte at 3:54 am. I didn't eat at all during that time, I'm pretty sure adreneline helped me push. i didn't feel hungry until after all was said and done.

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