Using combs in childbirth?

apikailaa · 01-26-2007, 01:31 AM

Hi everyone! I have a client who is due very soon (EDD Feb. 06) and I am looking for alternatives to common pain management techniques. I have heard of using combs (squeezing them in your hands) during labor. Can anyone give me any more (detailed) info about this? I'd be SO appreciative!!!

CatieDoula · 01-26-2007, 01:47 AM

Take a simple black, barber-shop style comb and squeeze it in the hand with the teeth of the comb on the fleshy part of the hand just below the fingers holding the other side of the comb in place with bent fingers. I hope that makes a little sense!

AussieDoula · 01-26-2007, 02:03 AM

The hands have pressure points that help release endorphins along the creases where the fingers join the palm. Mamas can grip the comb when experiencing pain during contractions, pressing the teeth of the comb into the acupressure points.

Abbydoula · 01-26-2007, 03:54 AM

I like this article, because it illustrates how to hold the combs. You have to scroll quite a bit.

AussieDoula · 01-26-2007, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abbydoula

I like this article, because it illustrates how to hold the combs. You have to scroll quite a bit.

I love Debra!

DL · 01-26-2007, 02:54 PM

You can also check out this thread: Hair Pulling. The use of combs are first mentioned in post #9 and then in several posts after. I linked to the whole thread because since you are interested in finding alternatives, you might find this thread interesting.

mamamia2 · 01-27-2007, 04:46 PM

It looks like you got all of the info you were after. I just have to jump in here and say that the combs are what did the trick for my last client. She didn't let go of them for the last three hours of her labor. When I first read about it, I thought it was a strange idea, but it was actually really helpful.

Kim Trower · 01-27-2007, 05:21 PM

http://www.mothertomothercare.com/ If it doesn't come up, go to pics and then you can see it. A pic on my website of a client using combs during her birth. She loved them. I personally feel combs are hard to hold unless you have a big one like this mama...I do carry with me a wooden massage ball made in India that has little spikes all over it and it does the same trick but holding a round object seems a little easier than wrapping your fist around a thin barber comb.

DL · 01-27-2007, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kim Trower

http://www.mothertomothercare.com/ If it doesn't come up, go to pics and then you can see it.

Since I was there, of course I had to click through all the pics. Wow! Those are some wonderful photos, Kim! Very nice!

naturalbirther · 01-27-2007, 09:26 PM

What amazing pictures! That was so neat to see! MAkes me wish that i could have a homebirth!

(I'm high risk) Seriously, that looked so amazing...I teard up!

I love the pic of right after the baby was born...mom looks like a little girl surprised by the best b-day present EVER! And what a cool house!

Thanks for sharing! i was telling our breathing and relaxation class about the comes a couple night ago..can't wait to try it myself!
Ash

MothertheMother · 01-27-2007, 09:39 PM

I just love the look of amazement on her face. She really looks like she's wondering what just happened! And then the look of such joy in the next one. The pictures really tell their own story. Thanks for sharing

beautifulbirth · 01-27-2007, 11:49 PM

Yeah, I have to agree that these photos are awesome!!! Thanks for sharing, Kim!

earthangel · 03-17-2009, 03:12 PM

This website is by Debra Betts as referenced in the illustrations above. It includes a video showing how to use the combs.

http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/Acupressure/hand.aspx

mommy_quigg · 03-17-2009, 04:06 PM

Kim - wow!
At the last birth I attended, I didn't have a comb so I pulled out my small hairbrush and the mom loved using that during the contractions. She said it was a great distraction from the pain, especially when she was stuck in bed on monitors. I did notice, however, that she never asked for it. If she had to set it down, she wouldn't pick it up until I asked her if she'd like it and she really did want it, just seemed to forget about it until I mentioned it. I found that interesting.

DoulaCindy · 03-17-2009, 04:26 PM

I've never used combs. I'll have to try that. I usually squeeze the point between the mom's thumb and index finger really hard during contractions. Many really like this and will hold out their hands to me as they get a contraction. If dad takes over, they usually say "HARDER!" The dads are always scared that it is going to hurt them. I remember having to tell my husband that too! Works great when the dad is doing counterpressure and I can be in front of them applying the pressure.

Funny---my own OB, who I love to work with, was kind of in my way when a client started getting a contraction. She wanted the pressure applied in that spot, so I told the dr. to get the hand closest to him while I got the other one. He was like "I've never done this before!" LOL (Now I would never have told most doctors to do that, but I kind of have a special relationship with him and one of his partners!) They are the ones that I feel very comfortable asking questions. My dr. once showed me a velamentous (spelling?) cord and explained a bit about it. Just didn't want you ladies to think I was one of those doulas that told the doctor what to do!!