How many women have been told that once they arrive at the hospital they are not allowed anything by mouth (NPO=nil per os latin)? This is the first area I'd like to disuss where women are put into a box during labor and delivery. I had no restrictions on what I could eat or drink during my labor. My husband and I packed a wide variety of fruits, granola, and other easy to eat foods I found yummy during my pregnancy to eat while I was laboring, as well as water and gatorade. When we finally decided it was time to go to the hospital I had not eaten dinner yet so my husband quickly made me a PB&J sandwich and told me to eat it with some fruit. He reminded me I needed some fuel to help with the work that was ahead of me. Though I wasn't really interested in food, I listened because he was right, I needed some fuel and ate my sandwich. Then we packed up the car with all the other eating 'essentials' and left. With an array of options to choose from, there was not one moment after arriving to the hospital where I thought to myself: hmmmmm, I really want to eat something now. After the fact, I was really glad I had eaten before but there was absolutely no interest during. I don't remember this detail exactly, but I think I may have had a little water during the intense contractions but if I did it was only a sip here and a sip there. During the pushing stage, I got real thirsty! I pushed for over 2 hours and my mouth became thoroughly parched. My husband would hold a bottle of gatorade during the breaks with a straw for me to sip. I can remember thinking: wow, that tastes so good and refreshing right now. It was never more than a small sip or two at a time, but it was enough to energize me and help remove the dryness my mouth felt. I really did feel the difference between when I wasn't drinking anything and when I started.
I bring this story up because the reality is that when you really start contractions and intense labor, you're not going to want to eat. However, it is important that you have eaten. Who would tell an athlete to go out full force and play there sport with no food or water in them and accesible to them? Nobody would, so why are laboring women told they shouldn't eat or drink?? They NEED the energy and nutrients food gives them.
Now, I'll be honest with you. Some women vomit during labor (usually transition) and it might be gross to see your previous meal come up. But wouldn't you rather throw something up than have no energy to push out your baby??
NPO was instated many, MANY years ago. Back in the day when women were knocked out (aka twilight sleep) during labor and delivery and the general anesthesia they were given could cause the contents of the stomach to enter the lungs and cause difficulty breathing and perhaps death. This was back in the 30's and 40's. It's now been acknowledged that this fear isn't really there any more but hospitals and drs still follow the same protocol non-the-less because 'that's how it's always been done.'
What happens if you have no food? You have no energy and may no be able to complete the task at hand on your own. What happens if you have no drink? This could lead to both maternal and fetal dehydration. Both very, very serious! How does a hospital fix this issue?? Routine IV. We'll talk about that next time. The lack of food or drink might also be a cause for slowing contractions which often times leads to other interventions.
Luckily, some hospitals have lifted the no food ban and now allow at least water. That is a great start!
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