Labor TENS Unit

Why Use a TENS Unit for Labor?

What is TENS?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation—a popular, non-invasive method for pain relief during childbirth. The device uses four adhesive pads placed on your lower back to send gentle electric pulses into the skin, which feel like a light tingling sensation.

How It Works

By delivering these mild electrical impulses, the TENS device helps interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. This natural method eases contractions without medication or major side effects. It works by stimulating yourbody’ss natural pain-blocking mechanisms (like endorphins), offering expectant mothers a drug-free alternative for managing discomfort.

Key Features & Benefits

• Customizable Relief: The unit includes adjustable intensity settings and a special "boost" button to handle stronger contractions.
• Full Control: With a portable control unit you can wear around your neck, you stay in complete control of your comfort levels throughout delivery.
• Empowering & Effective: Many people find having direct control over their pain management deeply reassuring.

Note: TENS units aren't just for childbirth—they are also widely used to manage certain types of chronic pain. Consult your healthcare professional to see if this option is right for you.

The TENS Unit is Easy to Use

What Our Clients Say

Most of our clients LOVE using a TENS! Those who try it consistently share how helpful it was for managing contractions:

• “I don’t know what I could have done without it.”
• “It distracted me through every single wave.”
• Another client relied on it for several days while navigating prodromal contractions.

Why Choose TENS Over Other Options?

Choosing pain medication during labor, such as an epidural, can restrict your ability to move if you desire a natural birth. Only a few hospitals have Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas). Another possibility is the use of Nubain / Fentanyl / Demerol, but these make you and your baby drowsy. A TENS device may be a good idea, as it gives you more control.

Simple Steps to Use Your TENS Unit

Using the device is straightforward! Follow these quick steps or check out the video below:

• Before you place the pads on your back, please make sure that the machine is turned off.
• Place two electrode pads on each side of your spinal cord, at the level of your bra strap.
• Place the other two lower down, at about the level of the dimples on your lower back, just above your bottom.
• Switch the machine on, starting with the controls at the lowest setting.
• Use the boost button at the peak of each contraction.
• Remember to turn off the boost button again when the contraction has ended.
• Moving around during labor helps you feel in control and makes the TENS more effective.
• If the pads become less sticky, add a few drops of water to the gel side before reapplying them.
• If you don’t think the pads are helping you after a while, take them off. You are in control of your labor and of what works for you.
• All other forms of pain relief, both medical and non-medical, are still open to you.

A Tool in the Toolbox: We view TENS as just one instrument for comfort. Many of our clients who eventually chose an epidural were able to comfortably delay it for hours thanks to early TENS support!

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