N02 (Nitrous Oxide)-Safe for Laboring Women?

I heard the rumors and horror stories about laboring women's hysterical reactions to being subjected to continuous Nitrous Oxide (NO2): their screams, their being strapped down and losing unconsciousness. But then...through the ICAN tweets I read about this fascinating position statement by the American College of Nurse Midwives and their support of the use of NO2 in labor. I learned that these horror stories were not a result of N02, but a result of a dangerous mix of morphine and scopolamine (the mixture causing a sedation so deep the women had strange dreams and did not remember giving birth, a phenomenon known as "Twilight Sleep").

I had no idea that this gas was being used in other developed countries with little complaints from the mothers or birth professionals about any complications to mothers & babies. Wow. After reading this I would definitely support the safe administration of NO2 in very small doses for laboring women as an alternative pain relief to an epidural and narcotics (both of which, frankly, suck -the epidural due to it's lowering of blood pressure and slowing down of labor, and the narcotics because they aren't very effective at pain relief and cross over into the baby's bloodstream), as long as it was done safely and not continuously.

With this being said, I don't think there is any possible pain relief out there that effectively totally limits labor pain with only minimal risks to mom & baby, but I believe anything low-risk treatment that makes the laboring woman feel less anxious, safer, and more intune with her laboring body is the best "pain" relief. There is something so empowering about giving in to the contractions and knowing, in full-confidence, that you CAN give birth, you were made to do this, and that it will eventually end, and end with such a beautiful beginning.