Using The Wave Comb in Pregnancy, Labour and Postpartum – A Doula’s guide!

I first discovered The Wave Comb before my second birth, a Doula I followed on Instagram raved about it and I thought it looked great so I took the plunge – I am so glad I did!

That comb helped me persist through 3 days of prodromal labour at home, the transfer to hospital, stayed in my hand through triage, into the birth pool and out again, and accompanied me to theatre to have a tear stitched and my retained placenta removed.

After I had my baby, it also stayed by my side through after pains, breastfeeding issues, anxiety and indigestion!

When I first started The Smart Doula, I set up a community birth bag, I loaned this to friends, family and anyone in need. 

Now I include a comb in my Birth Kit I let local clients borrow from!

Everyone raves about the Wave Comb, and that original comb is very special to me as I feel like it has absorbed a lot of oxytocin over that time (metaphorically of course)! The beautiful wood certainly now has a new smell, infused with essential oils that have helped many a women through birth. 

The comb is something that I recommend to every virtual doula family I work with, no matter what type of birth they are planning, it is so versatile!

Here are the things I have learnt it can be used for outside of the obvious contractions pains!

Using the Wave Comb in Pregnancy

Squeezing the comb is brilliant for relieving anxiety, and for many women, especially after loss there are many anxiety inducing moments, having the comb at your side can make things seem less scary.

• Take it with you for Ultrasound Scans
• Bring it along to midwife and consultant appointments

Pregnancy can sometimes also be uncomfortable, using the Gate-Control theory the wave comb can help distract your brains from some of those sensations.

• Clutch it when you are feeling nauseous 
• Hold it if you have indigestion or heartburn
• Use it to help relieve round ligament pain or sciatica 

If you make an informed choice to have a sweep at the end of pregnancy you can hold your comb to help you cope with the sensations associated with it.

Using the Wave Comb during Labour

Its original purpose! The wave comb is a small transportable tool that can help you cope with contractions without the need for other pain relief or alongside other pain relief tools.

• Use it in early labour at home, whilst sitting on your birth ball, watching TV, having a shower or a bath (its waterproof unlike a TENs machine!)
• Keep it in your hand if you transfer to hospital, it can accompany you into the car and on the walk through the carpark!
• It can be by your side in Triage, before other pain relief options will be available.
• Use it alongside other things like Gas and Air once you have your own room, or in the birth pool.
• Take it with you on walks up and down the corridor (I did this one!).
• If you choose an epidural you can hold it to help you stay still during its placement.
• It can stay in your hand throughout pushing.
• Use t to help with the ‘ring of fire sensations’.
• Keep it in your hand whilst you are birthing the placenta.

Using the Wave Comb if you are having an Elective Caesarean

If you make an informed choice to have an Elective Caesarean, you might feel disappointed that you wont get to use any of the things you have already bought, but good news, the Wave Comb will still come into its own!

• Use it to help with any anxiety you may feel when walking down to the theatre.
• Hold it to help with the sensations of having an epidural placed.
• Have it in your hand to help you feel calm until you hear your babies first cry or see them over the drape!

Take your Wave Comb with you for an induction

If you choose an induction, the comb may be more important than you think!

Whilst you wait in the antenatal ward for your induction to start you can hold it to help with any anxiety you are feeling.

If you are having cervical checks or having a pessary inserted holding the comb can help you cope with any associated discomfort. 

If you have your waters broken you can hold your comb throughout the procedure,

Using the Wave Comb immediately after birth.

For many women once they have had their baby there is a period of calm (the golden hour / hours). During this time though there may be a few things that the comb can still help with!

• If you choose to be checked for tears you can grip the comb 
• If those first latches or feeds are painful you can have the comb in your hand (do seek breastfeeding support though!)
• If you have to have a repair of a tear using the comb alongside gas and air can be helpful.
• If you have to go to theatre for any reason, the comb can help you deal with an anxiety you are feeling.
• If you have afterpains.

Long term uses.

The Wave Comb can be your companion throughout early motherhood and beyond!

Any situation where pain relief or anxiety relief would be helpful is a situation in which the comb can be put to use!

Who am I?

I am Charlotte, The Smart Doula, I work primarily as a Virtual Doula helping families feel supported and make informed and empowered decisions throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

I am based around Leeds and if families are local to me I carry our antenatal and postnatal support in person.

You can find out more about me at my website: www.thesmartdoula.com