A midwifery practice dichotomy on oral intake in labour.
OBJECTIVE
to assess the views and practices of midwives regarding oral intake in labour for women with low-risk pregnancies.


METHODS
an exploratory survey design including open- and closed-ended questions.


METHODS
four hospitals in Sydney, Australia.


METHODS
89 practising midwives who provided care for labouring women.


RESULTS
midwives were divided on the issue of what and when labouring women should, or should not, be allowed to eat and drink. The views and practices of these midwives were influenced by the accepted practice in the hospital in which they were employed and the types of midwifery models in which they have practised.


CONCLUSIONS
there is insufficient conclusive research evidence to support any stance on oral intake for labouring women. Most information purported by supporters of oral intake is based on anecdotal evidence and assumptions based on the physiology of the body. 'Nil by mouth' policies have never been researched while clear fluid policies are based on research performed with non-obstetric patients.


CONCLUSIONS
without reliable research evidence for the management of oral intake for labouring women no hospital practice or policy is valid. This leaves midwives with the responsibility of deciding what they believe is the best management for the oral intake of labouring women in their care.
Parsons
Myra
M
23 Mansfield Road, Galston, NSW 2159, Australia. parsons5@bigpond.net.au
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000523:psychology; D008880:Midwifery / Q000592:standards*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D009517:New South Wales; D009721:Nurse Midwives / Q000592:standards*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D011247:Pregnancy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires