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Title: Mums-to-be advised to use comb during childbirth to try and ease labour pains

Source: Ryan, K. (2019). Mums-to-be advised to use comb during childbirth to try and

ease labour pains. Retrieved on August 13, 2019 from https://www.her.ie/life/mums-to-

be-advised-to-use-comb-during-childbirth-to-try-and-ease-labour-pains-476706

Summary:

The news article talks about using a comb to try and ease labor pains during

childbirth. It encourages mothers to bring a comb when packing their hospital bags. It was

stated in the news article that the teeth on the comb can aid in hitting acupuncture points

in the hands and distract the mother from the pain. It was also mentioned in the news

article that using a comb also plays into the gate control pain theory. This theory states

that the brain can only focus on a selected number of sensations and because the nerve

endings are closer on the hands, they reach the brain faster which will help the body

forget about the contractions.

After the post about using a comb during labor was spread, many mothers said

they had packed a comb in their bag and other moms-to-be admitted that they will use

the idea. The company suggested that anyone who is thinking of using the trick should

let the comb sit at the base of the fingers, with the teeth pressing into the palm of the

hand.
Reaction:

The labor and childbirth process is painful and it is good to know techniques on

how to lessen the pain that is being experienced. I agree on the idea of using a comb to

reduce pain during labor contractions since it will be very helpful for mothers, especially

for first time moms, whenever they think they cannot handle the pain. According to an

article written by Emily Neiman, RN, RM (2019) from the Ohio State University Wexner

Medical Center, there are different theories as to why holding a comb during childbirth

may help. One thought is that it is simply a distraction from pain. Another is that the teeth

of the comb hit acupressure points in your hand which can help decrease pain and the

third theory is known as the “gate control theory” which states that your mind can only

process so many sensations at once and that the comb gives your mind something else

to feel instead of just contractions.

Despite the usefulness of the comb during childbirth, some doctors, midwives, and

nurses are not letting mothers hold on to other things but only on the metal handles of the

delivery table. Still, using a comb as a technique during childbirth is very helpful for

mothers to fight off pain

Citations:

Neiman, E. (2019). Can holding a comb during labor help with pain management?.

Retrieved on August 13, 2019 from https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/comb-in-labor

Original article: Mums-to-be advised to use comb during childbirth to try and ease labour

pains by Keeley Ryan (August 11, 2019)

Yes, really.

Mums-to-be have been urged to use a comb during childbirth in an effort to ease labour

pains.

Packing your hospital bag when you are nearing the end of your pregnancy is, to many

expectant mums, the moment when you actually realize that this is really happening.

But besides all of the standard bits you are required to bring (and the ones it would just

be handy to have), it turns out there is one item to add to your list: a comb.

An American birth photography and videography company have said that the teeth on the

comb can actually help hit acupuncture points in your hands - and distract from the pain.

In a post on Facebook, Fox Valley Birth and Baby said:

"When gripped in your hands, a comb can help hit acupuncture points in your hands.

"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."

The post has gotten more than 14,000 comments since it was first shared last month,

with many mums saying they had packed a comb in their bag - and other mums-to-be

admitting they'll using the idea.

The company suggested that anyone who is thinking of using the trick let the comb sit at

the base of the fingers, with the teeth pressing into the palm of your hand.

And while this may not work for everyone, it would definitely be worth a shot.