07/26/2026
Rachel here to show you another tool we use for clients both in and out of the hospital: Nitrous oxide! (Aka Laughing Gas)
According to the Journal of Midwifery & Womenâs Health, âNitrous oxide labor analgesia is safe for the mother, fetus, and neonate... It is simple to administer, does not interfere with the release and function of endogenous oxytocin, and has no adverse effects on the normal physiology and progress of laborâ (Rooks, 2011).
By not disrupting the release of oxytocin, nitrous oxide:
𩵠Does not affect infant alertness during the early bonding period known as the Golden Hour
𩵠Does not affect breastfeeding
𩵠Does not increase the need for neonatal resuscitation
â ď¸This is not medical advice. Always talk to your own provider. Nitrous oxide is not recommended for patients who have impaired consciousness, cannot hold their own mask, or have a diagnosed vitamin B-12 deficiency. â ď¸