Jean Cotterman writes about the various IV regimes for keeping women
hydrated in labor.
According to the World Health Organization document 'Care in normal birth'
from 1996, there is no reason to withhold food or drink from a woman in
labor.
We have our problems and they aren't getting any smaller, but we still
really don't get too involved in what women are eating or drinking in labor.
We worry about the labor, and let them worry about eating and drinking.  We
don't even chart amounts unless they have renal failure or really severe
preeclampsia or whatever that is being called in English these days, I heard
'gestosis' last week in Vienna.

Even if they have an IV because they are having an epidural or pitocin
augmentation, if they want to eat and/or drink, they may do so as they like.
Few laboring women want to eat much, and those who are hungry, need the
food.
Rachel Myr
Kristiansand, Norway

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