WHY USE A TENS UNIT?

TENS Units are a non-pharmacological method of pain relief, where 4 electrode pads are stuck to your lower back, which sends mild, electrical pulses through the skin, during labor, many women find it to be soothing and distracting from the sensations of contractions. Through a device that hangs around your neck, you yourself are in charge. The TENS Unit releases a low-frequency electric current through the skin which stimulates your body’s endorphins. You can increase the continued setting and give yourself a BOOST when having a contraction. 
 
When these sensory nerves are stimulated they naturally block the body’s ability to perceive pain and help to release your own natural painkiller. This technique is called the “pain gateway theory”.

For our clients in Washington DC, Maryland, and Norther Virginia, we started renting out the TENS Unit since 2021 and most of the clients they LOVE it. It helped them tremendously during the pre & active labor stage.

They all said it was definitely helpful. Some said: "I don't know what I could have done without it", another one had Prodromal labor and used it already for a few days. The 3rd one said: "it distracted me through every contraction". 

If you plan for an unmedicated birth and you change your mind during labor, an epidural is an option, which makes you hooked to the bed. Only a few hospitals do have Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) and a possibility is the use of Nubain/Fentanyl/Demerol which makes you drowsy. 

Many clients like to be in control. A TENS Unit gives you some control. And, you can still move around. 

We see a TENS Unit as a tool in the toolbox. We have had clients who eventually choose for an epidural but because of using the TENS Unit, they could delay it.

TENS UNIT RENTAL


RENTAL INCLUDES:

·      1 OBI TENS or Elle TENS Unit
·      A neck lanyard (always wear it around your neck)
·      1 set of leads
·      2 sets of batteries (2x2)
·      Instruction manual
·      Alcohol swaps to clean the skin
·      Carrying case
·      4 electrodes (are for individual use) good for 30 times.
 
 $75 Per device for 6 weeks
Including 4 electrodes & I put them in the mail for you.

* Plus a $75 deposit which you get back when you send the TENS Unit back. 

Leave a message via contact; and we will reach out to you!
A Clients Feedback:

"We ended up borrowing a TENS unit last minute while I was already in labor at the hospital. I’d been laboring for several hours without one, so when it arrived I could feel the difference. As I felt a contraction begin to rise, I turned up the intensity on the TENS, which distracted me from other sensations. One other bonus was that I didn’t have to use words to communicate that another contraction was coming: as I reached for the remote Doula Nathalie and my husband knew it was time for their support again. Having the TENS prolonged the time I was able to labor upright before getting the epidural. I’ll absolutely plan on having one at my next birth".

-------------

"The TENS Unit was amazing for my early labor experience. The stimulation helped negate the pain of my contractions and really felt nice. I was able to control the intensity of the stimulation depending on how intense my contractions were, which also was a huge plus since each one was different. As the contractions grew in intensity, I could adjust accordingly. A small price to pay for comfort and control during the marathon of labor!"

---------------


"I highly recommended the TENS! I can't imagine having gone through my long labor without it. It certainly helped with delaying other pain management tools. Also it was particularly useful during my intense back labor."

​---------------

During labor the TENS Unit was the most valuable tool in my labor toolbox. I had an induction, and the TENS Unit was fantastic since it mitigated the pain and gave me something to focus on during the contractions. I had never used a TENS Unit before labor, but it was very simple to figure out and use. I highly recommend the device and can’t imagine going through labor without it!

HOW TENS UNITS WORK

Contraindications:
  • You can’t use the TENS unit before 37 weeks.
  • You can’t use it when you have a Pacemaker.
  • You can't use it if you are familiar with seizures.
  • You can't use it if you have a skin wound or rash or when you have metal in your body. 
  • You can’t use it while using the shower or the tub (it can't be in touch with water).
    But, you can discontinued at any time, if you want to get into a pool or shower. 

Make sure your care provider knows that you are going to use it!
Studies: