Mums say this comb hack helped with childbirth pains

There’s more than one way to use the humble comb. It’s long been a favourite on DIY websites and those weirdly watchable life hack videos. The comb can work wonders in de-fuzzing knitwear, hammering nails and if you can believe it, untangling hair. It’s the eternal life hack tool.

A Wisconsin-based birth coach and photography business recently posted a comb hack to their Facebook, and it’s received praise from mums all over the world.

According to Fox Valley Birth and Baby, holding a comb during labour can help women cope better with the pains of childbirth.

‘When gripped in your hands, a comb can help hit acupuncture points in your hands,’ the post reads.

‘It also plays into the gate control pain theory. This theory states that the brain can only focus on a select number of sensations. Because the nerve endings are closer on your hands they reach your brain faster. Helping your body forget about the contractions.’

The post has received more than 20,000 comments, as well as several mums-to-be vowing to bring a comb into the delivery room.

Women have also shared similar pain control measures in the comments, such as squeezing a ‘little plastic hedgehog with sharp spikes’ or having partners, sisters and mother-in-laws ‘create pain elsewhere’ by digging ‘fists’ into the back of their backs.

According to some users, the power of the comb in pain control extends beyond childbirth.

‘I do this when I get a tattoo,’ wrote one user.

‘Next time I have a painful poop I’ll use the comb trick,’ wrote another.

The photography business suggests that the comb sit at the base of the fingers with the teeth pressing into the palm of the hand.

It might not work for everyone but next time you’re facing a painful situation, it’s worth a try.