Gas and air- is there a technique?

[doll_eyes]

Hi all

This is a total newbie and possibly a daft question, but is there a technique to using the gas and air to get the best out of it? Like should you use it before the contraction reaches a peak or do you use it as it's peaking? Like I said newbie question here! FTM obviously lol

 

[Allthingsgirly]

There was for me! When I was finally allowed the gas & air (I apparently wasn't in established labour to warrant me being able to have gas & air when I asked) I thought it was rubbish & didn't have a clue what I was doing with it or how to "suck on it correctly" it does take practise or it did for me anyways! But once you get that establishment for me I wasn't letting it go it was pure heaven I felt like I was floating on air & the things I was coming out with were hilarious! i could have laboured on gas & air alone it was that good for me each time I took it out of my mouth a contraction came so I sucked on it for dear life, I think I was sucking on it too much though as each time I didn't another contraction would come over me! I got very dry cracked lips with it though never experienced them being so bad before even the midwives commented on it & was asking if anyone had Vaseline

 

[J_Anne]

As soon as you feel a contraction starting, start puffing on it then by the time it's at it's peak you have a good amount in your system. You breathe in and out through it so don't take it out to breathe out. It takes a couple of goes to get it spot on but once you do you're well away! Take drinks with sports caps, you'll get very thirsty using it but you'll need to drink quickly in between.

 

[Mary Poppins]

Oh this is a fab question! I laboured too quickly to have any pain relief last time, but hoping that I may get some this time round! Hadn't even thought about technique etc but handy to consider ~ thanks x

 

[CARNAT22]

The MW will instruct you how best to use it.

I've used it with both births and can't remember what I did?

G&A helped with first but didn't do much second time

X

 

[girly2007]

It won't work if you puff it quickly, you need to take looong, sloooow breaths so a good amount gets in your system by the time itpeaks. You'll want to puff and pant on it quickly (I did anyway) but my husband reminded me to slow down and it worked. Xx

 

[flisstebbs]

Slow breaths and start early in the contractions.

Made me puke, but then I was gulping it down, and in a bit of a mess with synto drip giving me mega contractions at that point. I got through 2 days of normal contractions, and up to half the max dose of the drip before I needed anything other than hypnobirthing techniques. Epidural worked just fine though . The midwives looking after me were fab though and kept totally on top of it, and always had the right thing on standby when it was needed.

 

[doll_eyes]

Totally forgot id asked this questions. These replies are fab and i don't feel as clueless now lol xx

 

[Laura29]

I just gave birth second time with gas and air
Once they tell you you can have it just listen to your body
Once you feel one starting looooonnnnng sloooowwww deep breaths in and out don't take it out your mouth till you can feel it starting to slow off
To start with it made me feel like I'd been out and had 10 pints lol that tipsy feeling but everyone is different
And the best part of gas and air is that the tube you put in your mouth is frickin awesome to bite down on : )
Good luck xx

 

[Laura29]

Oooo and best advice I had and could ever give
Listen to your midwife really listen and follow what she says
They know what there doing and will take good care of you x

 

[MysticTeen]

Start sucking frantically as soon as the contractions starts so by the time the contractions reach their peak you will be happily out of it! I loved the gas and air. At first I hated it it scared me a little but I was encouraged to give it a second chance for a little longer and I quickly converted. It is amazing.

 

[ShowingPromise]

It didn't do much for me pain wise, but did act as a very good distraction! My mw kept reminding me to take long slow breaths in as you suck and then keep it in your mouth (between gritted teeth if needed!) and breathe out. The slower and longer the better for me as it focused my mind, but shorter breaths may work for others.
Just try and relax and if you do feel light headed try and slow down. Good luck!!

 

[sunflower87]

Nice long slow breaths and try to stay calm. It is great, I got to 7cms on gas and air before I lost control and couldn't get back to my calm space. I also had a house in the middle of the sea and yes I could definitely see it at the bottom of my delivery room bed with water everywhere haha

 

[mummywanabe]

I'm lucky enough that I work in a fracture trauma unit and teach people to use it before we pull their broken limb, it came in handy for me I found the best way was to seal your lips around it slow deep inhale and exhale slowly blowing back down the tube, don't go too fast it can make you dizzy and it wears off really quickly if you stop taking it so even just slow the breathing rather than stopping altogether