Acu-Comb Labour Comb

The Elle TENS Acu-Comb is a simple, drug-free labour comb that many parents find helps them cope with contractions. You hold the comb in your palm and squeeze during a contraction, so the teeth press into the pressure points along your hand while giving you something to grip and focus on. It is one of the easiest natural comfort tools to add to your birth kit, with nothing to set up and nothing to plug in.

How the Acu-Comb works

The Acu-Comb draws on two well-known ideas. First, acupressure: the teeth press into points across the palm and the base of the fingers, an area traditionally linked with comfort and focus. Second, distraction and focus: holding and gripping something firm during a contraction gives your mind and hands a job to do, which many people find helps them breathe through the peak. It works gently alongside your other choices, from breathing and movement to a labour TENS machine, warm water or gas.

Why parents choose it

• Completely drug-free and natural — no medication, no side effects.
• Simple and instant — nothing to charge or set up, just hold and squeeze.
• A focus point — something to grip and concentrate on through each contraction.
• Pocket-sized and portable — fits easily in your hospital bag.
• Works with everything else — a great companion to TENS, breathing, movement and water.

How to use it

Hold the comb across your palm with the teeth resting against the pads at the base of your fingers. As a contraction builds, grip the comb so the teeth apply firm, comfortable pressure, and focus on your breathing. Release between contractions. Use whichever hand feels best, and swap if you like. Many find it most helpful through early and active labour. For the full how-to and the thinking behind it, read does holding a comb during labour help and how the Acu-Comb uses acupressure.

Frequently asked questions

Does holding a comb during labour actually help?
Many people find it does. The combination of acupressure on the palm and having something firm to grip and focus on can help you breathe through contractions, particularly in early and active labour. It works best alongside your other comfort measures.

How do I hold the comb?
Across your palm with the teeth against the base of your fingers, then squeeze during a contraction and relax between them.

Is it safe?
Yes. It is a simple, non-invasive comfort tool. Use comfortable pressure and stop if anything feels sore. Always discuss your pain-relief plan with your midwife.

When should I start using it?
Whenever contractions start to need managing. Many parents reach for it in early and active labour and combine it with other methods as labour intensifies.

Can I use it with a TENS machine or other pain relief?
Yes. The Acu-Comb works happily alongside TENS, gas, breathing, movement and water.

This information is general only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your midwife about pain relief options for your labour.