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