Your birth plan & the TENS machine
Where does TENS sit in my options?
Using a TENS in labour isn’t about replacing other pain relief if that's not what you want, it’s about adding another option.
Many people use TENS in early labour at home, especially if they want to stay comfortable before heading to hospital. It can be used alongside heat packs, acupressure, movement etc.
Once at hospital, you can continue using your TENS through active labour, many even use just this through transition, pushing and even in the early postpartum hours.
If you decide to use further pain relief such as gas, pethidine or an epidural, TENS doesn’t prevent that. It simply supports you while you’re deciding what you need.
You don’t have to commit to a specific birth plan, you just need options available.
Keep reading on to learn more now, or you can ask a specific question.Stick on
Attach the re-usable electrode pads to your upper and lower back.
Switch on
TENS sends small pulses through the electrodes which feel like small vibrations.
Boost
Click the boost button during each contraction for a flood of extra sensation that cancels pain.
Support
The pulses interrupt the pain signals travelling to your brain, giving instant support.
How does the TENS Machine work?
A labour TENS supports you in four ways:
Is it safe to use during labour?
Ask a specific question
Used for decades in hospitals and home births worldwide.
Provides pain relief support without medication.
TENS has no known harmful effects when used as directed.
Should I hire or buy a TENS for labour?
Most people choose to hire instead of buy.
When you hire, you have it ready before your due date. You only pay for the time you need, and you’re not left with something you may use only once and the "I'll just try it out" stakes are much lower.
It’s typically more affordable, often saving up to $200 when comparing to other obstetric machines.
Hiring simply gives you flexibility during a time when flexibility matters and it also means you get a machine that's designed for labour, this is something that really matters.
HOLY GRAIL. I finally got my natural birth i dreamed ofI will FOREVER be an advocate for the TENS machine during labour!! I’m not joking this machine is what got me all the way through labour right up to holding my baby. I had the natural birth I always dreamed of having after a traumatic first labour and birth. If you’re on the fence just get it, i don’t know what i would have done without it
T.F
I absolutely loved the tens machine! Made my labour so much more manageable and helped so much with the pain! I have recommended to everyone and will continue to as it really helped me feel in control and helped so much! Don’t hesitate, definitely get this as it will change your labour experience!
Ashleigh C.
The TENS Machine was a miracle worker for my labour as I was induced my contractions where so strong and it was exactly what I needed! Couldn’t recommend The Birth Store enough! Thank you x
R.L
Amazing
This was my 8th natural birth, First time using a tens machine. I rate it 1000% it helped me manage my contractions to a comfortable level. Worth every dollar. I’m even considering purchasing one now.
Kimese H.
How does our TENS Hire work?
Ask a specific question
Book on our website.
We will send it to arrive on or close to the first day of your hire period.
We'll remind you when it's time to send it back in the prepaid satchel.
Got More Questions?
We've got answers!
What do I get in my hire?
Your TENS hire comes with everything you need to use it, including batteries, electrodes, wires, a lanyard, carry case and a pre-paid return satchel so that returning it is super simple.
Do you ship TENS machines Australia-wide?
We ship our TENS machines Australia-wide, with fast delivery available to all states and territories and local pickup available in Midvale, Perth WA.
This includes deliveries to every state and territory in Australia: Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, the ACT and Tasmania.
Our delivery partners service major cities and regional locations across the country, including Perth, Darwin, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart.
Delivery times vary depending on your location, but we aim to get your TENS machine to you as quickly as possible so you’re ready well before labour begins.
Our Toll Priority service generally delivers our machines within 1-2 days for all major Australian cities.
Are the machines tested and cleaned?
Yes! Upon receiving the TENS machine back we sanitise the machine and wires with hospital-grade cleaner and the bags are washed in a hot wash with a hospital-grade sanitiser and then line dried.
We then test your machine, using all functions to ensure they're working. So when they're ready to go back out they're clean and in working order.
Should I hire or buy a TENS machine?
Hiring a TENS machine is a great option if you:
- Are only planning on one or two more babies
- Want to try it out first to see if it works for you
- Don’t want to have to worry about safely storing the machine between pregnancies
- Always want the latest technology for labour
- Don’t think you’ll use the machine outside of birth
You may wish to consider purchasing if you:
- Are planning on three or more babies
- May use the machine in between pregnancies
- May use the machine's pelvic floor function (Elle TENS Plus only)
When should I order my TENS?
How long can I hire my TENS machine for?
You can hire for 4, 6 or 8 weeks.
We recommend those who are 36 weeks pregnant or earlier select an 8-week hire, this will give you 4 weeks on either side of your due date.
If you're due sooner than that, you may find a shorter hire period is right for you.
How do I send it back to you?
Sending back is very easy, in your hire is an included pre-paid satchel to make returning seamless and hassle-free.
This satchel is already labelled and addressed, and just needs to be packed, sealed and taken down to be posted.
We do recommend taking it to a post office versus dropping it in the box, so you can get a receipt and we know you held up your end if something goes wrong on it's way to us.
What if I do not get to use my TENS machine in labour?
We highly recommend adding an 'Untouched' TENS Money-back Guarantee to your order, it covers you for non-use of the machine. See the product description for full information on the guarantee and eligibility criteria.
If you've not ordered the Money-back Guarantee and you don’t get to use it for labour, it doesn’t mean it is totally useless to you; TENS machines have been shown to naturally help improve all types of pain.
Should you feel it is not something you can find a use for at all, you can send it back as planned whenever you are ready before the end date, though we, unfortunately, cannot offer a refund in these circumstances if the machine has already been dispatched and the money-back guarantee hasn't been purchased.
