When you hold a comb, keep the teeth pointing just below where your fingers meet your palm. When you feel a contraction coming, close your fist around the comb and let the teeth press into your palm. Use as much or as little pressure — whatever feels the best to you. A practitioner will help you learn where and how to apply pressure. They will also go over important safety information and help you choose a comb that’s right for you. Some PBS medications are restricted and require prior approval from Medicare before a doctor is able to prescribe them on the PBS. This prior approval to prescribe grants the doctor the Authority to prescribe the desired medicine and have it funded under the PBS. While this won’t take away your contractions, it does give you something to focus on — a distraction. This difference is beneficial to a woman in labor because you do not need a professional to apply the pressure — you can do it yourself or have your partner do it.

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. 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.

The NHS advises individuals to speak to their midwife or doctor to find out what’s available to them, but these are some of the options. You can see the NHS’s full guidance here The comb can help hit acupuncture points: According to another theory, when held tightly, the teeth of the comb hit acupressure points at the base of the finger. When this happens, pain can be effectively abated By holding the comb with the teeth pressed against inwards to your palm it can distract you from the pain of your contraction and actually naturally help ease the discomfort of labour. Keep the teeth pointing just below where your fingers meet your palm. Offering distraction from pain: According to one theory, holding a comb is just a way to distract the mother from pain

Recommendations: Talking with other people who have used birthing combs during their own birth experiences is probably the best thing you can do if you want to figure out which comb to buy. Although everyone’s experience is different, word of mouth is always helpful. 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.

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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. Note: Please note that you won’t need the comb until active labor. You’ve got to wait until your contractions become strong enough. Wait until it turns so strong that you can’t take away the focus from the pain. Use the comb at this point. Is There Anything Else That Can Help With Pain Management During Labor? Each of these points is supposedly connected to another point in the body where you may feel pain or discomfort during childbirth. Applying pressure to the points is supposed to relax the area of the body that it is connected to. Practice Applying Pressure The idea is that if you’re experiencing painful sensations, then non-painful stimulation can 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. This little number is also perfect if your birthing plans change, engraving quote can be changed but pricing may differ. Bulk buy is available at a discounted rate. Please enquire and Laura will be happy to help.

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 CombReflexology Comb for Labour + Birth in pearl or tortoise shell made from eco friendly cellulose acetate (highly biodegradable) and imprinted with our signature Seasons of Mama mantra

Gate control pain theory: According to this theory, the brain is capable of focusing on only a few sensations at once. Due to the closer proximity of your nerve endings on your hands, they reach your brain faster. By focusing on these sensations first, the brain will be able to temporarily overlook contractions As you near your due date, review your birth plan with your doctor and discuss all your pain-relief options. Many moms say complementary strategies were helpful whether or not they ended up also using medications like an epidural. The hospital reinstated the use of gas and air in late September, writing in an official statement: ‘On Wednesday 5 July, we took the difficult decision to temporarily suspend the use of Entonox (a gas and air pain relief method) in our maternity services at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.If you'd like to use any of these methods, it's important to discuss them with your midwife or doctor and let the hospital know beforehand. Most hospitals do not offer them for pain relief during labour. If mama wishes to labour/birth in water, she will need to remove her tens but thankfully will have this tool as a constant support during contractions Prescriptions must be written on an Authority Prescription Form, and the approval number must be noted on the prescription. Pharmacists cannot dispense the item as a pharmaceutical benefit unless it has been approved by Medicare Australia (indicated by the presence of the approval number). Here’s what experts have to say about activating pressure points during labor and how it may help you. What is acupressure? That being said, be sure to consult with a certified practitioner ahead of time. There are some points that pregnant women should avoid putting pressure on.