Stable wooden birth comb for active pain management that doesn't bend, no matter how hard you press. How to use the birth comb? Hold the comb in your hand so that the teeth are in your palm. When a contraction comes, squeeze it as tightly as feels comfortable for you. How does the comb help with labor pain? 1. Distraction A 2017 study showed that distraction from labor pain to another (significantly weaker) pain can significantly improve the birth experience. Your perception of pain and stress level is reduced. 2. Acupressure There are important acupressure points in the hand. The relevant points for childbirth are where your fingers transition into your palm. 3. Gate-Control Theory This theory from 1965 states that the receptors in the brain can only perceive a certain number of pain stimuli at the same time.