Birth Combs for Labour: How They Work and Their Benefits

The humble birth comb has become one of the most talked-about natural labour tools, and for good reason. It's tiny, inexpensive, completely drug-free, and it works on the same principles as a TENS machine. Here's what a birth comb is, how it helps, what the evidence actually says, and how to use one. It's general information, not medical advice, so always talk to your midwife about what's right for you.

What is a birth comb?

A birth comb is exactly what it sounds like: a small, sturdy comb that you hold in your palm and grip during contractions. That's it. You hold it so the teeth press gently into your palm, and squeeze during each surge. It costs very little, slips into any labour bag, and there's nothing to set up, charge or plug in.

How does a birth comb work?

Gate control theory

This is the same principle behind a TENS machine. The gate control theory of pain suggests your nervous system has a kind of 'gate' that can only let so much through at once, and your brain struggles to focus on two competing sensations at the same time. When you grip the comb, the firm pressure and sensation in your hand competes with the pain signals from your contraction, helping to 'close the gate' and dull what reaches your brain. You can read more in our guide to how a TENS machine works.

Acupressure

Your palm is home to several acupressure points used in traditional practice for pain and relaxation. Gripping the comb presses across these points, including the Lao gong point in the centre of the palm, which is traditionally linked with calming anxiety and encouraging your body's own endorphins. So a comb gives you a gentle acupressure effect at the same time as the gate-control distraction.

Focus and a sense of control

There's a third, very human benefit: the comb gives you something to grip, focus on and control during each contraction. Having a physical anchor to squeeze, then release as the surge passes, helps many women stay calm and feel more in charge of their labour.

What does the evidence say?

Honestly, the comb itself hasn't been formally studied in clinical trials, so let's be clear about that. But the two principles it works on are well grounded. Gate control theory is established pain science and underpins TENS machines. And acupressure in labour does have some supporting evidence: a Cochrane review found that acupressure probably slightly reduces the intensity of labour pain, and probably reduces the caesarean rate, both with moderate-certainty evidence, though the researchers noted the overall evidence base is limited and more high-quality research is needed. In short, a birth comb is a simple, very low-risk way to apply these principles, and a great many women find it genuinely helpful.

How to use a birth comb in labour

• Hold the comb across your palm with the teeth pointing inwards, sitting at the base of your fingers, and curl your fingers around it into a loose fist.
• As a contraction builds, grip and squeeze to a firm but comfortable pressure. Ease off and rest your hand between contractions.
• Breathe slowly and steadily as you squeeze, letting the comb be your focus point.
• Use one hand or both, and swap hands if one gets tired.
• Choose a smooth comb with rounded teeth, and never squeeze so hard that it hurts or marks your skin. The pressure should feel grounding, not painful.

The benefits of a birth comb

• Completely drug-free and natural, with no side effects for you or your baby.
• Tiny, inexpensive and portable, so it lives easily in your labour bag.
• You stay fully in control, setting the pressure yourself with each contraction.
• It gives you a focus and a physical anchor to grip through each surge.
• It works anywhere, including in the shower, bath or birth pool. Unlike a TENS machine, a comb is waterproof, so it's perfect for water births or when you step into the shower.
• It pairs beautifully with other comfort measures like breathing, movement, warm water and a TENS machine.

Where to get a birth comb

We sell birth combs at Coastal Birth Co. for just $10, and it's yours to keep. Because a birth comb and a TENS machine both work on gate control they pair beautifully, and the waterproof comb has you covered for the moments your TENS has to come off, like in the shower or birth pool.

The easiest way to get one is to add it to your labour TENS hire: simply tick the birth comb option when you book, and we'll pop it in with your kit, cleaned and ready, delivered across South-East Queensland from Tweed to Brisbane. Just after a comb on its own? Get in touch and we'll happily sort one out for you.

A few things to keep in mind

• A birth comb is a comfort tool, not a medical treatment, and it doesn't replace medical care or pain relief.
• Use a smooth, sturdy comb with rounded teeth, and keep the pressure firm but comfortable.
• As with any comfort measure, it works best as part of a wider toolkit, alongside movement, breathing and water.
• If you're unsure whether it suits you, have a chat with your midwife.

References and further reading

• Cochrane review (acupuncture or acupressure for relieving pain during labour)
• Cochrane review (TENS for pain relief in labour)
• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (non-medical pain relief during labour)
• healthdirect (pain relief during labour)

Frequently asked questions