Nitrous oxide is very much alive and well in Vancouver BC, and probably most of the rest of the province.  We use the 50% variety and it is scavenged (women use a mask that has suction attached to decrease risk of second hand exposure) I don't believe that it affects baby and his ability to breastfeed as it is so short acting.  It is not used in the same way as a dental office.  The woman has full control of how much she takes and it is used in the way that Rachel Myr has described.  When I was teaching RN's their advanced perinatal clinical course, I did give them the opportunity to try it, so they knew what it felt like.  I would describe the effect as the feeling of being very drunk and it takes effect about 30 seconds after commencing breathing and is gone just as quickly.  I feel it is a good analgesic for short term use, it can be enough to take the edge off of pain and prevent the need for any other narcotics/epidural. It also provides a focal point.

Cordelia Merritt
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