Home Birth - Gas and Air

[JoD]

I am planning a home birth for my first child in early March. I have been told that only two canisters of gas and air will be available (each lasting 1.5 hours) and that's it. When I asked why it was limited in this way I was told "because that's all we'll be able to get" and that if I thought I wouldn't be able to get by on this perhaps I should re-consider having the birth at home.

Can anyone offer any advice about whether this is common practice, whether 3 hours is going to be enough or if it will be possible for me to get hold of further supplies of entonox independently?

It seems ridiculous (and a waste of NHS resources) that I might have to transfer to hospital purely to obtain more g&a.

I have a meeting in a couple of weeks to discuss the home birth in more detail so would be grateful to find out what others think. Thanks.

My view of G&A differs from pupuce because I have seen it being very effective and helping women avoid injectable pain relief or epidural. Agree ieth pupuce it needs to be used properly to be effective. Sometimes women try it and stop after a cfew puffs. I encourage them to try it again until they have experienced it's effect. Mkaes you feel a bit drunk. Once mastered properly it can be very effective.

That's it..... this why the Brits love gas and air.... it's the binge drinking culture.... ONLY JOKING!

gas and air was useless with dd1, but i felt very out of control with her birth anyway. but found it excellant with dd2.

This is very interesting info. JoD - sounds like we just need to shout if the gas and air is helping and supplies are running short!

I certainly found it invaluable first time round - it just about brought me from being totally out of control, throwing up everywhere and sobbing - to being some way in charge of the situation!

Am (perhaps foolishly) quite excited about giving the whole labour thing another go ... 7 more weeks and counting!

Whaaaat! I asked my midwives to bring plenty since they ran out first time and so they did. Never heard of it being rationed. Will read other responses now.

Well, I'm sure some women manage well without gas and air but it was incredibly useful to me, both times (both home births). It probably was a crutch but who cares?! I really panicked during my first birth when it ran out (leaky canister) and so it was important to me to have plenty the second time. The midwives didn't question my need for reassurance that they wouldn't run out.

And agree that for some women it's nice to know there's pethedine there just in case but I'm sure that most times when the woman thinks she needs it she's in transition and so close that she doesn't really! I didn't have it available either time (didn't know I could first time, didn't really think about it second time) though. There's a big thread aboutit somewhere, search on pethedine (sp?)

When I had a homebirth with my 2nd pregnancy the G&A ran out and my second birth partner had to rush to the hospital twice for further supplies. I could tell it was running out and got very panicky as I found it such a relief. I would be horrified if I was told I couldn't have anymore this time round (due in 5 weeks) but have bought an inflatable pool so maybe the water will help more.

I absolutely loved G and A, even my mum who was my birth partner had a blast when the midwives weren't looking. I live in Spain now and it doesn't seem to be available here. So for my next pregnancy i'm seriously thinking of buying some. I wonder if you can fly it over on easyjet, hahaha.

During the birth of my son last year, I had gas and air on hand. When it came time for the canisters to be opened (i waited until I REALLY needed it), the midwife blew the top off. I mean, the canister was flying all over my house!. My husband and midwife were fighting with it like a bear and a pole cat. As I hung on to the spindles of my staircase in absolute shock and horror, and obviously severe pain (7cm dilated) I decided the midwives were incapable and I felt totally alone. I had to give up my idea of homebirth and went to hospital where I was given the full cascade of every intervention you can imagine, ending in the final insult of a caesarian.

My point??? Make sure you get the canisters opened BEFORE you need them. Just make sure they are full, that your midwife can actually open them and that they are full. My homebirth was the first in 12 years in my area and I dont think my midwives knew how to open a canister of g/a, due to lack of practice.

Dont leave anything to chance!!

I used a birthing centre for my birth and although the G&A was lined up outside I never touched it. I had TENS at home and them a pool at the Birthing Centre.

Midwife offered once, I said no and that was that.

Also, remember that in childbirth, when you feel you cant take any more pain, when it is truly unbearable, you are probably about to pop. This is nature working its magic.

Sorry to hear about your bad experience alwayssaythanku - sounds awful. Thanks very much for the really useful advice. I'll make sure that DH takes responsibility for making sure the canister is opened in time. Thanks again.

Thanks again for all of your advice. Had an antenatal appointment yesterday and my midwife said that the policy on g&a canisters has now changed and that they now provide 5 for home births. Although it seems as though 2 may have been enough, at least now I won't worry about it running out.

How are you getting on Pidge?