Pregnancy

6 Women Thoroughly Enjoying Their Labors, Because Laughing Gas

ByMaria Guido August 6, 2014August 6, 2014

Boston hospital began offering laughing gas for pain management for laboring women this week. What I want to know is – why isn’t this option at every hospital, everywhere? I’ve spent the better part of an hour watching women laugh their way through labor and I feel totally robbed.

Nearly 50 percent of women giving birth in Finland and Canada, a full 50 percent in Australia, and 60 percent in the United Kingdom, avail themselves of nitrous for pain relief, and have for generations. But even though it’s cheap and easy to use, only 1 percent of U.S. hospitals were offering it in 2011.

I’m all for it. We’re way too committed to the “experiencing the pain of labor” thing in this country if you ask me. These women are having a blast. Good job, Boston hospital. Hopefully many more will follow. Bill Camann, an obstetric anesthesiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston says, “It’s just never been a part of the regular regimen used in this country. And you know, old habits die hard and people are set in their ways, and for no good reason.”

The following women are having a damn good time during their labors. I love it.

1. “Can you tell I don’t do drugs?”

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMCA4-fwmU]

2. “I was a little too high on that one.”

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ59jOixas0]

3. “There’s a big, huge-ass smile on your face right now.”

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pQ-Fi-qwho]

4. “Say hello to the camera!”

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i36mOLfrodU]

5. No quotes, but they’re listening to “Sexyback,” which is awesome.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C4nmGcHd7g]

6. “More laughing gas, please.”