Alicia, I know that the docs object to the moms eating/drinking in labor because of the potential for aspiration and the need for an emergency C/Section. What really gets me is that a mom can come in by ambulance for a prolapsed cord and they will do a C/Section anyway, regardless of when she has eaten last. We have moms who have dinner, go into labor, and deliver 2 hours later. No problem. Then there are moms who come in for an induction, may be in labor for over 24 hours and are NPO the entire time. Emergency surgery is done all the time without regard as to when the patient has last eaten. I'd love to see actual statistics on aspiration during surgery on a mom. First of all, what percentage of moms have C/Sections. Then what percentage are truly emergency in which they must be crashed with a general? Then what percentage of those have EVER aspirated? ARe we treating the population based on a "potential" that could happen in theory but seldom happens in practice? I'd love to compare those stats with the risk of prolapsed cord following AROM. I think docs and "conventional medical wisdom" chooses what they will be uncomfortable with. Personally, based on my experience in the birthing center, I'm very comfortable with moms eating whatever they want. They are great at self regulating! Jan Barger Wheaton, IL