Food and drink during labour

Breast milk is the best possible nutrition for your baby. Close contact with your baby – skin-to-skin bonding – not just in the first few hours of life, is the first step towards successful breastfeeding.

We do not restrict food and drink during labour, but food intake should be moderate, particularly during the active phase of labour. Labour is a physically demanding process, and if women eat during labour, they often feel unwell, feel nauseous or vomit. Furthermore, limiting food intake is important because labour can become complicated at any time and necessitate surgery under general anaesthesia, which is much less risky on an empty stomach. If a woman wishes to eat during labour, we recommend small portions of light food rich in fast-acting carbohydrates to provide energy. We do not restrict drinking; bottles with a spout are suitable.