Many moms add “birthing combs” to their hospital bags for pain management. Find out what a birthing comb is, and how to use it, in this article.
If you haven’t already added a comb to your hospital bag, you may want to add one — and it’s not for your hair! More and more moms are adding “birthing combs” to their hospital bags for pain management… but I know what you’re thinking, mama! What is a birthing comb and why do you need one?
We will also answer all your questions here:
- What is a birthing comb?
- How do birthing combs work?
- What kind of birthing comb do you need?
What is the birthing comb?
A birthing comb is a regular hair comb. What makes this “birthing comb” is how you use it. Any comb with teeth (not a brush) will work. Some moms like the feel of a smooth plastic comb, while others like the natural feel of a wooden comb.
When you hold a comb, keep the teeth pointing below where your fingers meet your palm. When you feel a contraction coming, close your fist around the comb and let the teeth touch your palm. Use as much or as little pressure — whatever feels best to you.
While this won’t make your contractions go away, it does give you something to focus on — a distraction.
Why Do Birthing Combs Work?
There are several reasons why birthing combs work:
1. Interruption
The first reason is that it’s just a distraction. Learning show that distractions can help ease both pain and mental stress during childbirth. Although the distraction methods did not have any clinically significant effect on the length of labor, it did significantly reduce “perceived stress during labor” and that is something to celebrate!
2. Acupressure
Birthing combs can also help manage pain because the teeth hit an acupressure point in your hand.
Watch this video to see how to find your hand pressure points:
3. Gate control theory
A third explanation for why birthing combs work so well is because of “gate control theory of pain.” According to this theory, your mind can only process so many physical sensations at once. The “gate” refers to your nervous system that allows pain signals into your brain or rejecting pain messages in your brain. Obviously, we’re trying to close the gate on painful labor contractions!
The idea is that if you are experiencing a painful sensation, then the non-painful stimulation will help “close” the pain gate. In this case, the contractions are your painful sensations, and the comb is a non-painful stimulation that helps close the gate, so your brain focuses on the comb rather than the contractions.
In other words… by using a birthing comb, the comb forces your mind to feel something other than just contractions.
Can You Use a Birthing Comb for Labor?
Yes! Birth combs can easily be incorporated into any birth plan. Whether you’re at home, in a birthing suite, or in a hospital setting, combs come in handy.
Fun fact: some moms can use birthing combs in other situations to help reduce pain naturally! One mom shared this story:
“I used a birthing comb during my first breastfeeding sessions when I was dealing with cracked nipples and bleeding blisters. The comb gave me something else to think about!”
How Can I Relieve Labor Pain Naturally?
Holding a birthing comb is just one of many tools you can try during labor. What works for one mama may not work for you, and what works for you one minute may not work later! That’s why I recommend having an arsenal of natural pain management tools and techniques at the ready. This includes:
- Hypobirthing techniques
- Affirmation
- Pantennis Balls
- Birth balls
- Breathing exercises
- Shower (the heat and pressure are amazing!)
- Labor tub
- Visualization training
- Massage
- Listening to music (rock, classical, spa sounds — whatever works for you!)
Your doula or midwife may suggest additional methods. You can also read this article for more guidance on managing back labor.
what about you
Have you ever used a birthing comb before? Share your experiences below.
