Practice using the teeth of the comb to massage yourself before you actually go into labor. Have your birthing partner practice as well.

A birthing comb is a regular ol’ hair comb. What makes it a “birthing comb” is how you use it. Any comb with teeth (not a brush) will work. Some mamas like the feel of a smooth plastic comb, while others like the natural feel of a wooden comb. In most cases, an epidural gives complete pain relief. It can be helpful if you are having a long or particularly painful labour. Pain relieving: The gate control theory states that your brain can only focus on a few sensations at the same time. By squeezing the comb into the 'Laogong' acupressure point on your palm it acts as a distraction, diverting your brain so your body can adjust to the pain.Throughout time women have employed different methods of pain relief to help them get through labor and delivery. Don’t worry if the first pressure point you try doesn’t seem to help or makes things worse. Let your body tell you what you need and apply more or less pressure as needed. We know this was a really concerning change for our patients, but we are pleased to report that we now have the equipment in place to make Entonox available and will be reinstating its use from today.

It takes about 20 minutes to work after the injection. The effects last between 2 and 4 hours, so would not be recommended if you're getting close to the pushing (second) stage of labour.’ The comb works by providing a distraction, acupressure, and gate control theory. Distraction methods have been shown to reduce “perceived stress during labor” and not impact the length of labor. Acupressure works by providing pain management as the comb’s teeth press onto specific points on the hand. Additionally, the gate control theory suggests that by using a birthing comb, the brain is redirected to focus on the sensation in the hand, rather than the sensations of labor, thus reducing the perception of pain. Don’t be caught off guard if she gets upset at you when you try to use the comb — it’s not you, it’s the experience. Remain supportive and flexible to the birthing person’s needs. How to Choose a Birthing Comb Yes! Birthing combs can be easily incorporated into any birthing plan. Whether you’re at home, in a birthing suite, or in a hospital setting, combs are easy to use.The teeth of the comb can put pressure onto specific acupressure points. The points lie along the creases of the hands where the fingers join the palm. This is usually more useful when the labor sensations have increased and you need to concentrate on getting through each contraction. They also help release endorphins into the body. Now, I also saw an opportunity to give YOU something to focus on. The comb is the perfect spot for some guidance and reassuring words. I etched the phrase “It’s not pain, it’s power” . This is one of my favourite birth quotes because I believe its important to reframe how we talk and think about birth. The word pain has negative connotations and is something we experience when something is wrong. Birth is not one of those events. Contractions/surges/waves… whatever you call them, they are the power of your body working towards moving your baby out in to the world. They are incredible. They are your POWER.

Their advice read: "The nerve endings in your hands are close to the skin’s surface therefore the pressure signals they send to the brain can override the pain signals being sent to your brain from contractions or surges." The trust says that it is part of its support for individualised and personalised approaches to labour for families, ensuring all women’s preferences are supported.

No gas and air

This is a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide gas. Gas and air will not remove all the pain, but it can help reduce it and make it more bearable. It's easy to use and you control it yourself.’ 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 at one minute may not work later! That’s why I recommend having an arsenal of natural pain management tools and strategies at the ready. This includes: