Speaking of food during labor...

[MyFullHouse]

With my first birth, I did the whole pit/epidural/IV deal with no actual foods.
With my second birth, I sneaked a couple of snacks in, which held me over until after delivery.
With the third and fourth, I was free to eat as I saw fit. I'm delivering in the same place this time.

Through each pregnancy, I struggled with heartburn and reflux. It increased with each one, but never got truly unbearable... until now. And there aren't any specific triggers, either. Just staying hydrated with water is painful, and a plain bagel can have me refluxing for a good half hour.

I firmly believe in using real food and fluids by mouth to stay energized in labor, but now I find myself questioning whether that's the best route in my situation. I'm already afraid of food as it is, and I'm worried that I won't want to risk it in labor.

So, I'm looking for opinions. Would you try to eat anyway? Sign up for IV fluids from the get-go? Wait to see how long labor seems to be lasting before making a decision? Other?

I know I'm always famished afterward, regardless, so there's GOING to be food packed in my bag, fwiw.

[mitintraining]

Have you looked into using enzymes supplements? I know this has really helped me with reflux. I used to use tum's like products and I think it actually made it worse for me. I haven't had to use anything for the last 2 pregnancies due to taking enzymes like bromaline and others(sorry I cannot think today!) Also as for labor. Have you thought about honey sticks to keep up blood sugar during labor? Obviously it will not help with serious hunger but it may give you energy? Also does a more upright position like standing or knealing help, maybe invest in some knee pads to use during labor? Hope it goes well!

[Smokering]

I was offered food in labour (fruit salad DH bought at the hospital cafeteria) and didn't want it. I think it's pretty common for women to feel so nauseated/icky/distracted during labour that eating is the last thing on their minds. The reason the subject comes up so often on MDC is the hospital rule that women CAN'T eat or drink during labour. Even those of us who never wanted to tend to think that's fascist and unfair.

My personal hunch is that most women's bodies do a natural clearing-out in early labour (vomiting and/or diarrhea), and as long as the labour's fairly short, the woman has energy AND keeps her fluids/electrolytes up, she'll be fine without food. But if the labour's really long and/or she wants food, there's probably a good reason for it, so she should get to have it!

[fruitfulmomma]

Wishgarden Herbs makes a great formula called Digestive Ease for Pregnancy that worked wonders on my heartburn with the last baby. I get it at Vitamin Cottage or you can also buy it online I think. A little expensive but worth every bit for my sanity.

As far as labor, I don't remember having any problems with the heartburn during that time.

[~Amy~]

I think you may find that heartburn/reflux don't bother you while in labor. I had both fairly badly with my first pregnancy as well and I did eat and drink (fruit juice mostly) during labor, but never had any issues then. You could always take snacks to try and if you can't handle it & you feel you need something, ask for the IV then.

[lifeguard]

I couldn't stomach the thought of eating while in labour but I had a serious lack of energy & strength at the end of my labour which I think was due to lack of eating. Next time I plan to bring protein shakes so that I can just sip something & get a little bit of energy.

[mrsberman]

I'm the kind of person who has to eat when I want to or my stomach will start to hurt. When I played softball I would bring food out on the field with me and I would eat in the dugout. When I was in labor, all I wanted to do was eat. I felt weak I needed a snack, but the hospital said no food. Next time around I'll bring snacks. I like the idea of having something just in case I feel I need it.

[Marissamom]

I really didn't want to eat while in labor. I woke up at 6am in labor and didn't even think of eating, at about 10am I threw up dinner from the night before, and threw up about every 30-45 minutes for the additional 3.5 hours until DD was born.