A regular old comb can help ease labour pains, says birthing expert

Here at Babyology we know quite a lot about navigating the challenges of labour, but this interesting technique took us by surprise.

Comb it out

The idea of using a comb to help push through labour was a brand new one to us and at first glance seemed a little silly.

Shared by Fox Valley Birth and Baby on Facebook, this method apparently has a couple of benefits and when you really think about it, it actually makes a lot of sense.

Not only that, women who have actually used this technique say it really does work.

Huh? What are you even talking about?! you might be asking.  We’ll let the folk from Fox Valley explain.

“When gripped in your hands, a comb can help hit acupuncture points in your hands,” Fox Valley Birth and Baby explained in their post.

“It also plays into the gate control pain theory. This theory states that the brain can only focus on a select number of sensations. Because the nerve endings are closer on your hands they reach your brain faster. Helping your body forget about the contractions.”

Updating the post a little later, the FVBB team explained the best way to grip the comb for effective results.

“For those who have asked how to hold it – having the comb hit at the base of the fingers (across the palm of your hand),” they clarified.

Tried, tested and … true!

Commenters on the Facebook post were all about this interesting method of distraction/pain relief.

“I do this when I get a tattoo!” one wrote. “Totally works!”

“Yes!” a mum agreed. “My doula have me little plastic hedgehog with sharp spikes to squeeze … it was the most helpful thing during the whole labour!”

“Combs are also great for when your breast are engorged with milk,” another Facebook commenter suggested. “Comb towards the nipple, it feels very relieving and helps get milk out and lumps etc.”

“It totally worked with me!” another comb fan posted. “I had my second baby completely naturally just by breathing evenly, moving and gripping a comb throughout my labour.”

Who. Knew?!