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Eating During Labor? Yes, Please! Bring on the Snacks!
Giving birth is one of the most physically intense experiences, yet for years, women have been told to tough it out without eating. Well, it’s time to change that! New research suggests that munching during labor is not only acceptable but actually beneficial for moms-to-be. So, if you’re still pushing those ice chips my way, it’s time to rethink that approach!
Recently, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) shared findings from a study indicating that many women would greatly benefit from having a snack during labor. The old-school practice of handing out ice chips and popsicles stemmed from a fear of aspiration, or accidentally inhaling food while under anesthesia. But after reviewing tons of data, the ASA has concluded that this concern is outdated. Nowadays, anesthesia is mostly given through spinal blocks, significantly reducing the risk of aspiration. In fact, only one woman experienced this issue between 2005 and 2013!
According to the ASA, women in labor burn as many calories as marathon runners. That’s a hefty amount of energy, especially if you’re in labor for 10, 15, or even 20 hours. Trust me, I’ve been there—my labor with my daughter lasted 14 hours, and my son took a whopping 22 hours. By the time I was deep into the process, I felt like I was crawling through the Sahara Desert, craving a hearty sandwich and something flavorful to drink. Seriously, I was fantasizing about Ryan Reynolds delivering a pizza!
In what situation would we expect anyone to endure grueling labor for hours on end with just sugar-free popsicles? It’s downright torturous! We’re bringing new life into the world here! At the very least, let’s upgrade those ice chips to something with a bit of protein.
While I understand that these guidelines are meant for safety, it’s refreshing to see them revisited to better support women. Those who choose to labor at home or in birthing centers often have the freedom to eat, but hospitals seem to lag behind. Hopefully, they’ll take this new advice to heart before we see a snack riot led by pregnant women!
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Summary:
Recent studies show that eating during labor can be beneficial for women, contradicting decades-old practices of only providing ice chips. As the medical community updates its guidelines, hopefully, hospitals will start offering snacks to support laboring mothers who expend significant energy during childbirth.