One of the most exciting parts of working with pregnant women is helping them prepare for the biggest physical event of their life – labour!
Researchers suggest that the energy demands of labouring women are similar to those of marathon runners! With first labours lasting an average of 8 hours and up to 18 hours, it is important to keep your energy up.
Whether you are planning for an unmedicated birth or not, it is great to be prepared before your due date, so you have appropriate food and drinks on hand.
Traditionally, eating and drinking was discouraged in hospitals. But latest research shows that fasting during labour is unnecessary, particularly if you have a low risk labour.