WOMEN in labour are being offered a new form of "pain relief" – squeezing a hair comb.
The technique helps mums-to-be "cope with contractions", according to Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust's maternity department.
An Instagram post on the trust's account (@sash_maternity_) about the "hack" has caused a backlash.
In the post, a spokesperson said: "Holding a comb in the palm of your hand during labour can help you cope with contractions or surges.
"There are acupressure points which lie in the crease of your palm.
"When the comb is tightly gripped, this pressure distracts your brain and supports the body to release endorphins (feel good hormones)."
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The concept is based on the 'pain gate control theory', which suggests the brain can only focus on a limited number of sensations at one time.
"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 added.
"Other methods that work on this theory include TENS machines, massages, sacral pressure and heat packs."
The advice, first posted six days ago, was praised by many as a "game changer".
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One mum said: "I did not believe a comb could help me through contractions, but to my surprise, it really did.
"Of course, along with the help of the amazing midwives, too."
A second wrote: "I'd have been lost without my combs.
"I just used cheap plastic ones from Boots and they did the job just fine. Definitely recommend this to all my mama-to-be friends."
While a third added: "It was incredible at helping me manage my contractions.
"I birthed my second baby in June – 9lb 2oz – with just the comb and gas and air, and it was magical."
But the post also sparked furious backlash among expectant mothers who criticised the lack of "real" pain relief.
One commented: "Why don't we just give birthing people adequate pain relief? There's an idea."
Another parent said: "On behalf of me and the PTSD that I still have from the lack of pain relief, kindly shove the comb."
And a third wrote: "No, this is 2023. You have no excuse not to follow evidence-based medicine for pain relief."
The trust said the "birth comb" method is one of many used to help families during labour.
"There are lots of different pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to pain relief in labour, and this has been described as a distraction technique rather than a method of pain relief," it added.
"We are sure this is not for everyone and different things will work at different stages of labour, but this is a technique we have been asked about and [we are] keen to share what local families have been telling us.
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"We have a full range of pain relief options available 24/7, from birthing pools to epidurals.
"As always, please discuss with your named midwife or your specialist for more information about a personalised pain relief and support plan for your labour."
Pain relief in labour
THERE are many different types of pain relief available during labour.
Speak to your midwife or doctor about which one will be best for you and include it in your birthing plan.
However, it's important to keep an open mind as you may find you want more or less relief than you had initially planned.
Self-help techniques
- Learning about labour through asking questions and going to antenatal classes
- Breathing deeply
- Keeping moving (e.g. walking or rocking backwards and forwards)
- Bringing a partner or friend for support
- Massages
- Having a bath
- Taking paracetamol
Medical relief
- Gas and air (Entonox) – a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide gas to relieve pain and anxiety
- Pethidine injections – synthetic opioid to help you relax
- Epidural – a type of local anaesthetic which numbs nerves
- Remifentanil injections – an opioid analgesic to reduce contraction pain
- Water – a bath or pool can lessen painful contractions
- TENS machine – transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Alternative methods
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Homeopathy
- Hypnosis
- Massage
- Reflexology
Source: NHS
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