Most hospitals have a no food/drink policy (ice chips anyone?!). I gave birth with midwives at a birthing centre - I actually ate light foods all the way through early labour which lasted about 15 hours (toast, some noodle soup, fruit, juice), and had some diluted juice and a cookie just before active labour really kicked in. Active labour started right away and I actually felt like I might throw up the juice and cookie, but I didn't - and I definitely didn't want to eat another thing, at all. I drank a little bit of water, I think, before giving birth 2 1/2 hours later. Food definitely wasn't appealing until after giving birth, and then I ate quite a bit!
Naomi, mom to Haven Noelle, Nov 27/07, &
Timothy Edison, Sept 2/09
