Jan: I'm sure that one of the main objections physicians have to mothers eating during labor is the concern about potential aspiration should they need to have an emergency C/section under general anesthesia. Sadly, the chance of a C/section is at least in part increased by the unnecessary use of high-tech interventions (at our institution, a Level 3 facility, there is a 30% C/section rate), becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. I would love to hear suggestions on how to convince doctors to let go of the routine NPO and IV practice for the women having low risk of labor complications. Alicia. [log in to unmask]