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Nourishment During Labor: Time to Ditch the Ice Chips!
Laboring to bring a new life into the world is one of the most physically exhausting experiences a person can endure. Yet, for many years, medical guidelines have insisted that women go through this grueling process without proper nourishment. Well, it’s time to say goodbye to those ice chips, because recent studies show that eating during labor is not just acceptable, it’s actually beneficial!
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recently published findings indicating that most women can safely eat during labor. The long-standing practice of providing only ice chips and popsicles was driven by concerns over aspiration—where food or drink could enter the lungs—particularly during anesthesia. However, after extensive research, the ASA found that this concern is largely outdated. With modern anesthesia techniques, the risk of aspiration is minimal; in fact, between 2005 and 2013, only one woman died from aspiration during labor.
According to the ASA, the energy expenditure of laboring women is comparable to that of marathon runners. Just imagine that—if you’re in labor for 10, 15, or even 20 hours, you’ll need to replenish those calories to stay energized and focused. I experienced labor for 14 and 22 hours with my kids, and let me tell you, by the end, I felt like I was lost in a desert, desperately craving a flavorful sandwich or something more substantial than sugar-free popsicles.
It’s hard to believe that we expect women to endure such intense physical effort without adequate nutrition. In what other scenario would it be acceptable to require someone to work hard for hours on end with little more than ice chips? It sounds downright cruel! At the very least, let’s add some protein to those snacks.
While some women giving birth at home or in birthing centers have the freedom to eat, hospitals have lagged behind in updating their policies. Here’s hoping that they take this new guidance seriously and start offering a variety of snacks before all the laboring women band together and stage a snack revolt!
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In summary, the outdated practice of denying laboring women proper nourishment is being challenged by new research. Eating during labor is not only safe but necessary for maintaining energy levels. It’s time for hospitals to adapt and support mothers-to-be with the sustenance they need for this monumental task.