EATING AND DRINKING IN LABOUR

Eating and Drinking in Labour

Eating and Drinking in Labour: Should It Be Allowed

Introduction

Eating and drinking in labour is a controversial issue for some women. However, most women wish to eat and drink in early labour. Although some women do not want to eat, particularly in the later stages, but midwives do understands the implication of eating and drinking or fasting in labour. Hence, it is important for the midwife to be effective in her role encouraging women to eating and drinking in labour. This essay aim to reflect on the skill practiced in meeting the need of a labouring woman in encouragement to eating and drinking in labour. A woman looked after will be called Kate for the purpose of this essay. We will explain the physiological effect of restricting eating and drinking in labour. The policy on eating and drinking will be discussed. A review of what have been learnt from available evidence on eating and will be analysed. A conclusion will be drawn. The Gibbs cycle (1988) will be employed as a reflective framework. Smith (1995) explained that reflection is an intellectual and affective activity through which individuals explore their experiences in order to develop new understanding and appreciation. Confidentiality is maintained throughout by not disclosing the identity of the woman. Pseudonym will be used. This complies with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) code of Professional Practice (2002) which states that information should only be disclosed through consent if required for public interest by court order.

Analysis

Kate was a 22-year-old primigravida. She was very overdue and was admitted on the labour suit at 5 a.m. She was induced with prostin. Kate was encouraged to eat and drink regularly at her early stage. A little snack every hour and drink was encouraged at her early stage of labour. It was explained to her to eat and drink so that she can store up plenty of energy for the work ahead of her. She was encouraged according to the practice recommendation of the unit to eat food like carbohydrates, which are especially good for labour because they guarantee a long, slow release of energy to help with contraction. She was encouraged to choose from cereals, pasta, bread, potatoes, bananas, and rice. She is also encourage to drink yoghurt, soups and water and advice to avoid fizzy drink as well as acidic fruit juice such as orange or grapefruit. There was no progress in Kate induction, and totally four doses of prostin and syntox infusion was administered, with no effect. On vagina examination at 1500 p.m she was one 1cm cervix dilated. Kate's water was also broken at this stage. Kate was discouraged eating and drinking from this point on. We followed the unit practice recommendation that women should be informed of the possible risks associated with oral intake during labour. Kate was informed of the possible risks associated with oral intake during her labour because she is not progressing in her labour and might ...