Dignity Health | St. Rose Dominican | Reach | Winter 2020

StRoseHospitals.org  7 and said, ‘We’re having a baby.’ It was a nice moment.” Janell believes nitrous is a game-changer. “There is still a place for epidurals and other medications,” she says. “But this can bridge the gap between going unmedicated and more invasive procedures.” Take a virtual tour See what it’s like to deliver your baby at a St. Rose Dominican Birth Center. Learn more and take a tour at StRoseHospitals.org/baby . Why try laughing gas in labor? Nitrous oxide is not new to obstetrics. It has been safely used elsewhere for nearly 50 years and is common in places like the U.K. and Norway. Among the benefits, nitrous oxide: Does not interfere with labor, pushing, breastfeeding, or bonding with baby Is not an opioid Is easy to use Is controlled by moms Acts fast Is quick to recover from Allows women to stay upright, move around, and actively participate in the birth right as the contraction reaches its peak, providing the greatest amount of relief. Women may feel drowsy, light-headed, or a little silly when using it. If they don’t like the feeling, they can stop using it right away. It will be out of their system within a few minutes with no lingering effects. And they can move on to other pain relief options if they choose. Tiffany says the nitrous helped her think clearly in the midst of her labor. “I reached out to hold my husband’s hand and share a moment. I looked at him dreamily A small number of womenmay not be able to use nitrous. Talk with your doctor to find out if it’s right for you. Baby Stella is doing well, and someday Tiffany and her husband plan to give her a sibling. When that day comes, she’ll use nitrous again, she says. “If you’re going to have a natural birth with less medicine, nitrous is the way to go.” Tiffany Phuong and Stella