What is a Birth Comb?
A birth comb is a small comb that you hold in your hand during contractions. It is essentially a drug-free comfort measure that may provide some natural pain relief. Also called a labour comb or acupressure comb, it presses against your palm when you close your fingers around it. That pressure gives you something else to focus on while breathing through each surge. It doesn't need batteries or a complicated setup, and you control the grip. Find out more in our full guide to birthing combs.
How It Works
Two ideas are commonly used to explain birth combs: gate control theory and acupressure. Gate control theory describes how touch signals can influence pain signals within the nervous system. However, this does not mean your brain can only process one sensation at a time because pressure from the teeth may offer a competing sensation and a focus for your attention.
The grip also presses areas of the palm related to acupressure points. That said, evidence for acupressure during labour is largely scientifically unproven, and endorphin release from gripping a comb has not been definitely established.
Sometimes, TENS machines and sterile water injections are explained using similar pain-modulation theories. A comb differs because its value comes from the comfort you find in using it and how it can mitigate pain naturally.
How to Use It During Labour
To use the comb during labour, place it across your palm with the teeth pointing towards the skin where your fingers meet your palm. Then close your fingers around it and gently squeeze as the contraction builds.
Keep the pressure comfortable, including at the peak. Then combine the grip with slow breathing before slowly releasing as the contraction eases. Rest your hand between surges.
It is a good idea to practise this before labour, so you recognise a comfortable grip without thinking about it. You don't need to find an exact pressure point or squeeze hard enough to hurt.
Why Not Just Use a Hairbrush?
You can try a regular comb if it fits comfortably in your closed fist. Ideally, look for one with smooth, rounded teeth and spacing that spreads pressure without scratching or breaking skin. That said, a hairbrush is usually bulkier, and its bristles may bend rather than give steady palm pressure.
A dedicated labour comb, on the other hand, has a unique design with a convenient shape. It generally has a more comfortable size, smooth edges and a grip you can easily release.
Drug-Free, and It Works Alongside Everything Else
The comb can be one of several comfort measures you can try in early labour or as contractions intensify to achieve drug-free pain relief. You might combine it with breathing, movement, massage or other pain management options.
It does not replace gas, an epidural or medical care, but rather can complement them.
Packing It in Your Labour Bag
Keep the small, lightweight comb somewhere you or your support person can find it quickly when needed.
After birth, consider using our postpartum recovery packs, a postpartum peri bottle, or disposable postpartum underwear.
