According to the medical literature the risk of aspiration with a properly intubated client is practically nil and that they have done studies which show that withholding food does not decrease stomach contents below 25ccs which is the amount to reduce the risk of aspiration. Also, aspiration is a worse complication, the more acidic the stomach contents are so an empty stomach is more acidic than one with food in it. It drives me crazy how they starve women in labor. I snuck her crackers when I could. Very easy to digest foods are good, miso, yogurt, fresh-squeezed fruit juices are great, I had one mom use ginseng, it really seemed to make a difference.
Carbohydrates are good, whole grain toast with fruit spread - just a bite here and there.
We frequently ask moms to have grape juice included in their birth supplies. It is easily digestible and a good source for quick energy. In light of recent evidence on the benefits of grape juice in preventing heart attacks, I might now question its use during labor. According to a John Folts, M.D., University of Wisconsin Medical School, red grape juice slows clotting. It was a freebie at the store where I get my chlorophyll.