Hello, I would like to respond to the conversation about NPO mothers, and
starving babies.  This is just another version of the American physican who
doesn't understand physiology, and doesn't trust the process of
breastfeeding.  Ask him for some research.  It doesn't exist.
I like the comments about feeding the mothers.  Thank you again, Kathy
Dettwyler.  At my hospital, in Phoenix, Arizona, our midwives let their
patients eat whatever they want all through labor.  The mother naturally is
not interested in food as labor progresses.  Oral fluids are not restricted,
unless we're concerned that she may need a cesearan section. Midwifery
patients only have an IV for medical indications, and many of the physician's
patients do not have IV's.  The physician's patients have clear liquids,
although I think they believe the mom is having sips and chips.  (H2o and ice)
I have been there almost 25 years, and no one has died yet.  As far as I
know, all the other hospitals in this area limit fluids to ice chips, or
clear liquids.  It is a common component of medical management.  What women
need to do is do their homework about the labor process.  Some are doing
that, but more need to open their eyes to see how normal labor can be.
I have also heard pediatricians tell a mom whose baby has been NPO for 24
hours because of respiratory complications, that the baby is really hungry,
and colostrum won't be enough, so they should supplement. Just another
version of medical ignorance of the lactation process.  I am so glad to see
the incredible support and awareness of breastfeeding, mothering, and the
birth process on Lactnet.  It give me goosebumps sometimes.  Thank you all!
Shirley Morris, RN, IBCLC, LMT, Craniosacral Therapist, MOM, Director of
WellSpring for Life,
and integrative wellness center.

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