I’ve not written a blog in a while so I figured I’d come back with some helpful info about using a Tens Machine.

I have attended many births where a TENS Machine has been used and it has proved to be a very useful form of pain relief, especially during early labour.

Did you know, it’s also really useful AFTER birth as well?

If you’re looking to buy or hire a TENS Machine– How would you love to get 10% off the price to get started?

I have a coupon code (yup, it’s an affiliate link – which means we’ll both benefit if chose to go via my link below to hire or buy one)

Use the code: 10LILLIANCRAZE at checkout

and GO HERE to check out the TENS machines.

If you’re looking for a non-medical form of pain relief with zero side effects, a TENS machine is a great choice. TENS machines are predominately used during the early stages of labour and are particularly good if you’re experiencing lower back pain.

They’re completely portable which means you can carry them easily with you as part of your birth equipment. It can be used at home and in hospitals and once the pads are attached, you’re free to move around.

The only downside is they can’t be used in water.

TENS stands for: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (I had to look that one up!)

What does a TENS machine Look like?

Inside the pack will be the handheld battery-operated device which comes with a set of wires and four sticky pads. These pads attach to your back (as seen in the photo below) Each wire is connected to each pad and then attached to the handheld device. It also comes with a handy neck strap so you can let go of it from time to time and not lose it.

How does it help during labour?

On the device, you’ll find a BOOST button (you can control the power of each electrical current using the up and down arrows) When you hit the boost button, this triggers small electrical impulses from each of the pads on your back. These electrical impulses reduce and disrupt the pain signals to the brain and spinal cord when you have a surge/contraction.

Using the TENS machine is also known to relax your muscles and relieve the pain in your lower back. It can also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are your body’s natural painkillers!

They shouldn’t be uncomfortable or painful to use. When attached you’ll experience a prickling sensation in the spots where the pads have been applied. Remember, you’ll be in charge of controlling the intensity using the buttons on the device and the boost button.

But does it actually work?

It’s important to note that A TENS machine won’t suit everyone, some women love it and others not so much. It is most effective during early labour and as your contractions become more frequent and intensive, most women stop using the Tens Machine.

It’s important to know that hospitals do not provide TENS machines. If you are looking into using one as part of your pain relief methods, I would suggest getting one, even if you don’t end up using it.

You do have the option to hire one from BABYCARE tens and if you use the code 10LILLIANCRAZE at checkout you’ll get an instant 10% off your order.

As for it actually working, it is based on The Gate Control Theory in which pain signals can be sent up to the brain to be processed to accentuate the possible perceived pain or attenuate it at the spinal cord itself. Explained more here!

So how can a TENS machine help you AFTER birth?

You can use a TENS machine postnatally if you are experiencing afterpains or some post-operative pain following a caesarean section. It works in the exact same way as how you would use it during labour, it’s brain disruption!

Here’s a useful blog on the Babycare TENS website that provides information for using a TENS machine after childbirth – GO HERE

It’s also great if you have period pains or cramps or any back pains you or someone else might be experiencing.