In this thesis, I argue that the prohibition of eating during labor and women’s feelings about their experiences can serve as an important vector for a broader analysis of how power and authority in the birthing room impact women’s comfort and stress levels during childbirth. Four women from various backgrounds were interviewed about their childbirth experiences overall and regarding eating during labor, and the interview transcripts were then coded for a variety of themes. Initial results indicate varying individual experiences , but overall, when these women felt informed and included in the decision-making processes, they were more relaxed and had more positive feelings about their births.