A midwife has labelled an Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) call to limit the use of laughing gas “ridiculous”.

ANZCA is advocating for a reduction in the use of nitrous oxide, which is used for pain relief more than 50 per cent of childbirths, due to its environmental impact.

A recent report estimates the use of nitrous oxide during a four-hour labour creates a carbon footprint which is the same as driving a car 1500km.

Midwife Cath Curtin says she “just can’t believe” the push to reduce nitrous oxide use during labour.

“Nitrous oxide is safe … it doesn’t go through to the baby,” she told Neil Mitchell.

“This is a really … important tool for women in labour.”

Press PLAY below to hear why midwife Cath thinks the push is “ridiculous”