Eating and drinking is normal in labour
Women who are going into labour should not be stopped from eating or drinking, according to one expert, who said being hungry is a normal part of giving birth and family life.
Sarah Montagu, admin secretary of the Association of Radical Midwives (ARM), said that only women who suffer from the extremely rare Mendelson syndrome should be prevented from consuming food.
"It is normal to eat and drink, and abnormal not to or to be prevented from doing so. The risk of eating and drinking in labour is Mendelson's syndrome, which is an extremely rare event," she stated.
The expert added that if some women are denied the opportunity to eat or drink, it can have a detrimental effect on their labour experience.
A recent review published by the Cochrane Library identified no benefits or harms of restricting foods and fluids during labour in women at low risk of needing anaesthesia.
Posted by Steve Regis
© Adfero Ltd
Date Posted: 21/01/2010
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Comments:
"Unfortunately too many midwives like the power of stopping a woman doing what she feels is normal and natural to her whilst in labour. All my babies have been born happily safely without any issue at home where I've sat and eaten my tea during my last labour wandered off upstairs to read my book,and did everything that felt natural and right for me. If more women started realising all this regiming is not right and put their foot down and do what is right for them - each of us are unique some women like to pace others like to curl over a ball etc. The sooner ARM is no longer "radical" and becomes "normal" the better for every woman and for every baby. Birth is a beautiful experience - when allowed to take it's course. "
Sarah Holdway - Saturday 23rd Jan 2010