The Comb (Gate Control Theory)

The humble comb is a simple yet effective birthing tool that’s growing in popularity (and Birth Magic antenatal class clients all get one as a free gift!). Essentially, it works through what it known as the “Gate Control Theory”. Essentially, your nerve receptors can only handle so much input at once. By holding the comb and pressing its teeth into the palm of your hand, your brain registers this input above the input of your surges/contractions, reducing your perception of pain from them. Pretty cool science!

If you’re into acupressure, The Comb also works through applying pressure to acupressure points that run along the creases of the hands where the fingers join the palm, reducing pain perception and releasing positive endorphins.

I’d recommend using a wooden comb over a plastic one where possible, as the plastic ones can be a bit too pointy and cause skin damage if used over a long period of time. You don’t need to buy an expensive one!

The below video shows the basics of how the comb works and how to hold it. You can buy The Wave brand if you want, but it’s exactly the same as cheaper combs (and if you’re enrolled on one of my in-person antenatal classes, you’ll get one as part of your resources package!)

TENS Machines (Gate Control Theory)

This is another one that works using Gate Control Theory. A TENS machine is a machine where you attached sticky pads to your lower back which emit an electrical pulse, blocking/distracting your pain receptors from noticing the sensations of your surges/contractions.

You can often find them second hand on online marketplaces after people have bought them for birth, or you can rent them from Boots.

The only real con of these is of course you can’t use them in a water birth! As ever, I’d recommend having a go and seeing how you find it before you’re actually in labour.