The NHS has shared an unusual suggestion to assist expectant mothers in managing pain.
- The NHS trust is advising women to bring a comb to alleviate labor pain.
- The maternity ward claims that the pain relief method detracts from the experience of giving birth.
Under guidance from the health service, women who are in labor are being advised to grip a comb in order to cope with the pain.
The unusual approach was proposed by the maternity department of Surrey and Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust as a method to alleviate pain.
In a post on its Instagram page, it said the alternative ‘birth comb’ method can help women cope with contractions when giving birth.
It asserts that this is due to the brush stimulating ‘acupressure points’ located in the palm’s folds, diverting attention from pain and triggering the production of pleasurable hormones.
The trust’s alleged ‘labour hack’ received a variety of responses.
The maternity department of Surrey and Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust shared a post on Instagram, featuring a picture of a comb, providing information about a potential method to alleviate the discomfort caused by labor contractions.
The Surrey and Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust, as shown in the picture, clarifies that the technique can serve as a form of ‘diversion’.
The trust stated in its post that when a comb is pressed in the palm of your hand, it creates pressure that “distracts your brain” and aids in the release of endorphins in the body.
It stated that the ‘hack’ is derived from the ‘pain gate control theory’, asserting that the brain can only concentrate on a limited number of sensations simultaneously.
According to the post, the nerve endings in your hands are located near the surface of your skin. As a result, the pressure signals they transmit to the brain can take precedence over the pain signals sent during contractions or surges.
According to the trust, additional techniques that are effective based on this theory include TENS machines, massage, applying pressure to the sacral area, and using heat packs.
The post ends with a picture of a woman in the process of giving birth holding onto a comb and advises women to make sure they include one in their hospital bag.
The suggestion, initially shared six days ago, has received mixed reactions from people.
A suggestion was made by a social media user, questioning why birthing individuals are not provided with sufficient pain relief.
Someone else commented: ‘Speaking for myself and the ongoing trauma I experience due to the absence of adequate pain management, please forcefully insert the comb.’
Some individuals argued that applying pressure on a comb served as a helpful way to divert attention from the discomfort experienced during childbirth.
Someone stated that they were skeptical about a comb being able to assist them during contractions, but they were pleasantly surprised to discover that it actually did help. They acknowledged that the incredible midwives also played a significant role in their experience.
Another person stated: ‘I would have been in a difficult situation if I didn’t have my combs. I simply used inexpensive plastic ones from Boots and they worked perfectly fine. I highly recommend this to all my friends who are expecting.’
The NHS suggests various alternative methods for pain relief during labor, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy, hypnosis, massage, and reflexology.
The health service points out that the majority of these methods have not been proven to effectively alleviate pain.
The maternity department of Surrey and Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust clarifies in their post that a comb is used as a means of distraction rather than providing pain relief.
The statement mentioned that there are numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods available for alleviating pain during childbirth.
The trust recognized that using a comb may not be suitable for everyone and that various approaches to relieving pain may be effective at different points during labor.
However, this is a method that we have been inquired about and are eager to disclose the feedback received from local families.
The trust explained that the Instagram post was shared to provide information on how women can make choices and take control during early labor, promoting personalization and decision-making without interference.
Emily Neiman, a nurse-midwife at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, has previously explained that holding a comb may work for some women during labour.
In an article published in 2019, she stated that the reason behind its impact is believed to be its ability to divert attention, acupuncture, or the brain’s limited capacity to process multiple sensations simultaneously. Consequently, it serves as an alternative sensation to perceive instead of experiencing contractions.
Ms Neiman classified the hack alongside breathing techniques, walking, and utilizing a birthing ball during labor.
