Nitrous Oxide during labor - DC area availability?

[Anonymous]

I can't imagine this helping significantly with the pain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can't imagine this helping significantly with the pain.

Well, good thing we can rely on feedback from previous users and SCIENCE, not just your imagination.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't call the undocumented claim that this isn't offered for profit reasons "science", especially not with all caps.

[Anonymous]

Reviving this post - I am newly pregnant after TTC for 5 years! I had PPD after my first and am looking for a different birthing experience this time. Any updates on places that offer nitrous gas in the area? TIA!

[Anonymous]

INOVA Alexandria offered it previously, but when I gave birth in April it was no longer an option because of Covid. Not sure if that is still the case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:INOVA Alexandria offered it previously, but when I gave birth in April it was no longer an option because of Covid. Not sure if that is still the case.

I was just clicking through their website, and it seems like all mentions of it have been scrubbed.

[Anonymous]

WHC had it before covid. Not sure what the status for it there is now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:WHC had it before covid. Not sure what the status for it there is now.

They have it! Currently 30w pregnant and I’ve been told it’s available.

[Anonymous]

I gave birth at Inova Alex in 2018 and I don’t recall it being an option. I might have asked while in labor, can’t remember. But after being on pitocin for an entire day, I just wanted the epidural so I could rest. But I’m glad it’s available at at least one DC area hotel for those who are interested.

[Anonymous]

It was offered to me in CO for all 3 of my births. Didn’t end up using it but it did seem like a good option to have. I didn’t realize this wasn’t common countrywide

[Anonymous]

It was an option at Inova Alexandria in 2019 when I gave birth there, but I never tried it. Someone told me she found it super disorienting.

[Anonymous]

I’m surprised people go for this. When I have gotten it I’ve found it to be hallucinogenic but not pain relieving. It’s helpful for anxiety (I have terrible dental anxiety) but I doubt it would touch childbirth pain.

[Anonymous]

It is common in other countries. My gf gave birth in UK and it is completely standard. Allows woman to have complete control over muscular effort and positions throughout labor.

[Anonymous]

It won't help at all. I'm Canadian and have watched my sister and 3 friends use it during labor and it doesn't seem to be effective in terms of pain relief. Shortly after they're all getting the epidural.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m surprised people go for this. When I have gotten it I’ve found it to be hallucinogenic but not pain relieving. It’s helpful for anxiety (I have terrible dental anxiety) but I doubt it would touch childbirth pain.

I liked it, but I think that's a fair assessment. I have tried it twice. Once, very early on in a painful induction -- it didn't cut it and I went on to get the epidural.

The second time labor went much more smoothly and I used it during transition. It took the edge off and helped me mentally get through to the finish line. I didn't want it for pushing and tossed it aside (a bonus of nitrous is that it wears off right away).

I've heard others comment that people who like it tend not to use it until near the end (after all -- you would be waiting a long time for an epidural if you asked for one at that point). That squares with my experience.