Hi there! -This might be a bit off the wall but I'm 31 weeks pregnant and my thoughts are now firmly with the arrival of my baby.

So far I've viewed the prospect of labour as THE ultimate enduro - event, only I can guarantee I'll come first in this one and the prize will be totally out-of-this world.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or knowledge on the use of energy drinks during and recovery drinks after giving birth?

Torq do a great range of natual products and I'm considering buying some of their recovery drink which they describe as

... 'post-exercise nutritional formulation designed to repair, recharge and refuel fatigued muscle tissue after heavy exercise'

As all the ingrediants are natural I thought this sounded great, but does anyone think there's any reason why I should take care or approach this with idea cautions?

I can't help you on the labour bit but the recovery drink is really good.

Try emailing Torq direct from their website - i'm sure Matt from Torq will answer any questions.

Good luck with it all!

Also can't answer any questions about labour but the Torq recovery drink is indeed excellent and both flavours taste ok. I prefer the chocolate orange one.

I use the Maximuscle recovery drinks and they really are very good. I ached like crazy after a weekend falling off the bike, took one Monday lunchtime and by Monday evening the aches had gone.

As for childbirth, yes it is going to be tiring but we women have been doing this for centuries :-) and you'll be amazed at what a wonderful machine the human body is for repairing itself. My labour was quite short abt 5 hours in the end, and yes I was tired for a few days afterwards but I remember more the elation of having a perfect little baby girl. I didn't think extended labours i.e. of 12 hours plus took place anymore??

I'm sure the drinks will do you no harm and they will also give you extra calories that you will need for feeding the baby.

Good luck

Caroline

I have to say that during my first there was no way I was up to eating/drinking anything and the tea and toast I was given afterwards at 3am was like manna from heaven but it was fairly short about 6hrs.

2nd time round I was in labour for 27 hours in total followed by an emergency cesear so there came must have come a point when this was potentially on the cards and I was not allowed anything - in fact I ordered my Sunday lunch of Roast pork (it was Mothering Sunday!) and it was given to my husband who sat there and ate it in front of me. However again I don't remember actually wanting anything to eat during this time either.

Mind you these were 17 and 15 years ago respectivly!!!!!!

Liz - There is probably no problem certainly with using them after the birth - you do need a huge number of calories to recover and breast feed I think its about 3,000 extra per day but I'd discuss it with your midwife for during the labour and if she is OK just go with the flow. What more excuse do you need to eat as much cake as you like as long as you eat a good healthy diet alongside it.

As Caroline says it is a natural process and the body is designed to recover quickly from childbirth, it is amazing to think but it does actually work.

Thanks for your replies. I think I'll mention it to my midwife and see what she thinks. I was thinking of using the Torq flavourless energy drink to keep me going but we'll see - it might be the last thing I want!

I'm already thinking of all the lovely soft cheeses and various other foods that are on the 'banned' list in pregnancy and if I'm going to be needing an extra 3000 cal a day for breastfeeding then bring on the cheese...!:0)