Birth Stories
Tayla’s toughest but most rewarding journey
Birth can be so unpredictable, but planning ahead helps you face whatever comes your way. Tayla showed incredible strength bringing little Charlie into the world. With her affirmations, her TENS machine, time in the water, and the support around her, she stayed calm and focused through every wave. Here’s her beautiful birth story. I went into labour at 4:45pm at 41+4, the day before my scheduled induction. Things started quickly, with contractions lasting around 45 seconds to 1 minute and coming every 2–3 minutes straight away. As soon as I began timing them, my app advised heading to the hospital. I decided to jump in the shower first so I could put my TENS machine on straight after. By 6pm, I called my midwife. Although my contractions were close together, they weren’t yet very painful, so she suggested monitoring for another hour and checking in again. I started using my TENS machine around this time and instantly loved it — it gave me something to focus on and a real sense of control. At 7pm, we began the 45-minute drive to the birth centre, and the TENS machine really helped keep me grounded during the car ride. By 9pm, my midwife checked me for the first time and I was 5cm dilated. I chose to get into the birth pool and stayed there until around 1am. My body had been involuntarily pushing for about an hour with no real progress, so I was checked again and found to be over 9cm, but with a small lip still not moving out of the way. At 1:30am, we made the decision to transfer to hospital by ambulance. This was a really challenging point for me, as I had to try to stop pushing and my mindset was shaken leaving my calm birth space. Once at the hospital, I used a remifentanil drip for about an hour, and shortly after I was fully dilated. At 3:38am, our baby boy Charlie arrived. It was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but everything fades so quickly once you meet your baby. During labour I really leaned on reminders like “the only way out is through,” “you never have to do that contraction again,” and “this feeling is temporary.” I’m so proud of what my body achieved, and I reached my goal of not having an epidural.
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Natalie Planned an Epidural… But TENS Got Her Through
Natalie’s story is such a great reminder that birth doesn’t always go to plan — and sometimes we surprise ourselves with what we’re capable of. After planning for an epidural, Natalie found her TENS machine became an incredible source of support during her fast-moving induction labour. I want to share some of my birth story. I was induced and because I have a low pain tolerance, I’d always planned to have an epidural. My induction started at 9am, but it took until 4pm before I started having more frequently contractions. At this point I started using the TENS machine to help me through the pain. The machine worked like a charm, I felt quite relaxed and tried to walk more to help with labour. I was 6cm dilated when my waters broke around 6pm. Within 10 mins, I was 8 cm dilated. I asked for epidural 10 times, but they said it was too late! I used the “boost” button on the TENS during the contractions pretty much throughout my whole labour. I was so surprised with how amazing the machine was. It helped to relieve pain and somehow, I managed to push through. I don’t think I could have survived without it. My baby arrived safe and sound. Thank you so much. Natalie
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Fleur’s Positive Induction Birth Story with TENS
We're so grateful to lovely mums like Fleur who share their positive birth stories. Thank you for sharing Fleur and congratulations on the birth of your bubba."I was booked for an induction and honestly, I was terrified. I’d heard so many stories about inductions being much more painful than spontaneous labour, so I wanted to do everything I could to prepare. I came across Natal Care Naturally and decided to hire their TENS machine, hoping it would help me cope with the induction pain.I used the TENS machine throughout the two days it took for my induction to progress into established labour — and I truly believe it’s what got me through those early stages. It helped me stay calm and in control when the contractions were building. I only took it off when it was time to get into the birthing pool, and by that point my baby was born within 2 hours!The TENS machine really carried me through the some of the hardest parts of labour and made such a difference to my experience. I’m so glad I chose to use it. - Fleur
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Divya shares her experience with TENS
Natural pain relief during labour When my labour began, I was determined to try and manage the early contractions at home for as long as possible. I started using the NatalCare TENS machine as soon as things became uncomfortable, and it made such a difference. The gentle pulses distracted me from the pain and gave me something else to focus on, which really helped me stay calm and in control. As the contractions grew stronger, I increased the intensity, and it was amazing to feel how much relief it brought. The boost button became my best friend during the peak of each contraction! It gave me a sense of control and helped me delay going to the hospital until I was further along. Looking back, I’m so grateful I had the TENS machine—it gave me confidence, helped me stay mobile, and made the whole experience feel more manageable. I’d recommend it to any mum-to-be looking for natural pain relief during labour. -Divya
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Keeley’s Calm, Powerful Water Birth Story
Keeley combined a TENS machine and hypnobirthing, ending in the waterbirth she wanted.
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More Than a Backup: Lauren’s Labour TENS Story
The TENS machine became Lauren's lifeline for a natural, drug-free labour.
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From Fear to Strength: Jeanne’s Birth Story
Brave Jeanne navigated labour on her own. The TENS helped her let go of the fear and experience the full rawness of giving birth.
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Midwife Birth Story: Fiona’s Natural Labour with TENS & Pool
Fiona steps us through her labour and explains when she bought in tools and techniques to help her progress. Being prepared for labour is key to feeling in control and having a range of pain relief strategies can make all the difference when your goal is a natural birth. Fiona used a swiss ball, TENS machine, hot water bottle, birthing pool, breathing techniques, movement (swaying and support), vocalisation, distraction and support from her birthing partner and husband. Congratulations on your natural birth Fiona and thank you for sharing your story. 1.45am - woke with first contraction - was contracting every 15 mins. Spent this time bouncing on my swiss ball, using my hot water bottle & facetiming my mum & sister in the UK. 6am - contracting every 3 mins by now and much more painful. Woke husband, applied TENS. Still using ball to sit on or kneel over, still talking to my mum & sister. 8.20 - called midwife. Now standing & swaying using husband for support + TENS. Still talking to my mum & sister. 9.20 - midwife here. I was 3cm dilated. She went back home with plan for me to call her when I felt like things were ramping up. 10am - I got in the pool & it felt soooooo good (Stopped talking to mum and sister around midday with plan to call them back later so they could see the birth). 13.10 - got out of pool to use the loo, had a show & had a bit of rectal pressure so called midwife & got back in the pool. 13.50 - midwife arrived. I was starting to struggle a bit more but managing to keep focusing on breathing and swaying in the pool with husband & midwife's support. 14.05 - starting to get distressed with contractions. Examined while in pool: 9cm dilated, head @ spines so still had a decent way to come down yet. 14.15 - contractions became unbearably excruciating. No particular urge to push but soooooo painful in my lower abdomen, felt like I was going to have an abruption or something. Became extremely loud and vocal, thrashing around in the pool like a possessed whale! Told husband to get in the pool with me as I felt I needed more physical support so he jumped in. 14.20 - midwife called for 2nd midwife to attend. While she was on the phone I started pushing (+ roaring very loudly) then I could feel the head & bag of waters on my perineum. 14.25 - baby born! (Membranes ruptured as head came out). 14.40 - 2nd midwife arrived. Husband got out of the pool & called my mum & sister 😅 15.00 - I got out of the pool with baby still attached to me. Helped over to sofa to deliver placenta. 15.15 - 3rd stage complete, cord then cut by daddy. Intact perineum, bilateral labial tears that don't need suturing. 15.40 - baby breastfeeding. I found the TENS so helpful and it contributed to a phenomenal birth experience that far surpassed my expectations of how amazing it would be! Thanks so much Fiona
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A Long Labour, a Strong Mother: Abigail’s Birth Story
Abigail enlisted a whole range of pain relief options to support her through giving birth to her beautiful baby Elijah. Read her full birth story now. "I recently hired a TENS from tens hire, after my friend Rachelle's recommendation. I used it constantly for more than 2 days straight during early labour, and also during active labour while in the birthing room in between using water as a pain relief. I found the tens genuinely helpful, and will certainly use it for future births! I was 38 weeks and 4 days pregnant. It was Sunday morning. Around 10 a.m. I felt some vague achy feelings in my lower tummy. I got up to use the toilet, and noticed a bloody show when I wiped. The mild achy feeling continued throughout the day, and was more noticeable when I was in a standing position. I was very comfy throughout the day, though, and visited my husband Luke at his work site, then came home around 1500 and was ravenously hungry, so ate lots of food. I wonder if my body was stocking up on energy, as it knew labour was imminent. I Started having period-like cramps at around 11 p.m. that night while lying in bed. I asked Luke to put the tens on me at 2am. The period cramps were coming every 5 mins or so and lasting around 10-20 secs. They were too uncomfortable and too frequent to really sleep in between. The tens really seemed to help, even just as a distraction from the discomfort. I kept the tens on, pressing the boost during the pains, which gave a pleasant pulsing sensation almost like a massage. I had some periods of dozing overnight thanks to the tens. Morning came. I slept most of day, as the period pains kind of stopped apart from tightenings at the front which happened infrequently throughout the day. The next day, the period cramps continued intermittently. I had to breathe through them, but they were very manageable and inconsistent. I did short walks on the street; pelvis-opening exercises from pregnancy fitness class; and bouncing on the Swiss ball to try and bring on labour. By around 6pm in the evening, the cramps began getting acutely uncomfy. I had been feeling very calm and positive, but the increased intensity made me start to feel a bit distressed, and I had a moment of crying. Luke called the on -call midwife phone, and she said we could come into the maternity unit. We arrived there at 7:30pm. I was examined by the midwife, and my waters broke all over the place during, as they had been bulging. I was only 4cm dilated, but my cervix was thin and stretchy. We were told we could go home, or settle into the birthing suite if we wanted. We went into birthing suite. I had had the tens on almost constantly since Sunday night. I took it off for the first time since then and went into shower. The warm water was soothing. As the contractions increased in intensity, I started to think I’d made a mistake thinking I could do it without an epidural! I started to say I didn’t think I could do this. I came out of shower and started on the gas. Thought it didn’t work, as I didn’t feel spacey/light headed like she said I would. I realised later that it definitely was taking the edge off. The midwife thought baby was slightly on a posterior angle, so suggested I lie down on the bed with one leg over the other to try and move him. I lay there, sucking on the gas for a while. Luke supported me, so I didn’t fall off. Luke suggested putting the tens back on me while I lay there because he thought it would help. It did. He was pressing the boost function as I had contractions. The pool was being filled while I lay down. It was rather peaceful. The room was dimly lit. I remember the sound of the running water was soothing. When it was filled, Luke took off the tens again, helped me off the bed and into the pool. Like the shower, it was instant relief of some of the pain. I stayed in the pool for a while. My contractions were intense and in my tail bone. Luke pushed on my lower back and tail bone area to relieve some of the pain. I sucked on the gas as if my life depended on it! I asked Heidi, the midwife, if I could have some morphine, and how effective would it be. She said it sometimes only takes the edge off, and that it would mean I would have to come out of the pool for a VE, and have baby monitored more frequently, so I decided it wasn’t worth it. I transitioned in the pool, and my contractions slowed right down. This was a relief. I had a chance to rest. It was a peaceful atmosphere. I was in the pool, resting. The lights were dim. My mum was in the room, and she and Heidi were chatting in a relaxed way. And Luke was beside me, outside the pool. It was a very calm and positive atmosphere. I had mentioned a couple of times that I felt like I needed to poo, but I didn’t want to leave the pool to go to the toilet. I put a finger in my vagina, and I was pleased that I could feel a soft hairy mound that was baby’s head! This was encouraging. Baby was coming closer! I pushed a couple of times in the pool, and then felt the head again. It had come down further. Heidi suggested getting out of the pool to push while standing holding onto the bed to let gravity help me. I got out of the pool, and stood holding onto the raised bed as I leant against Luke. Heidi and mum were behind me, verbally encouraging me. Mum was very positive and excited, telling me I could do it. Luke was telling me how much he loved me and how proud he was of me. I pushed while standing and sometimes l squatting halfway down. I felt so tired. I just wanted it to be over. I said to Luke that all I wanted was to have something to eat and drink, have a shower and go to bed. I knew I had to get the baby out first, though! It felt like an impossible task at times. I pushed when I felt a contraction come. I could hold the baby in place after I pushed by tensing my muscles, but when I relaxed them, it went back up. This happened for a while, and I was just so desperate to have it over, that I pushed to get the head out, as I was scared that it would slip back up inside me. I pushed as hard as I could, and the head and body slipped out! I remember feeling baby’s body - warm and soft and slippery. The relief was instant. I squatted down to hold baby, as the umbilical cord wasn’t long enough to bring baby up to me while I was standing. I heard Heidi mention ‘he’, and then I looked down, and saw that baby was a boy! We had kept baby’s sex a surprise. It was such a joyful moment! I was so relieved and elated. There was so much joy in the room. We had a son! Elijah John Philip Lane
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Jess’s Water Birth with TENS & Hypnobirthing
Like many mums-to-be, Jess was anxious about her upcoming labour. Here she shares the tools and techniques she used to keep her calm and drug-free during the birth of her baby girl... When I confirmed I was pregnant one of the first questions I googled was how much is labour going to hurt? I knew it was a bad idea, but I did it anyway. Antenatal classes help prepare you to some degree, but there are plenty of other things you can do to get ready for the big day. I had read that labour can take hours so I started getting my ‘toolkit’ of coping strategies together. I had read that natal hypnotherapy techniques can lead to less medical intervention and a better birth experience. Maggie Howell’s book ‘Effective Birth Preparation – a practical guide to a better birth’ (with accompanying CD) was filled with relaxation techniques and tips on how to remain calm. The overriding message was that a woman’s body is designed to give birth, and promoting a positive mental attitude helps pregnant women overcome that fear of the unknown. If all that sounds a bit hippy, don’t worry. The breathing techniques are designed to promote a sense of calm, and you are not actually being hypnotized - there is no Paul McKenna-style work here. I started to listen to the CD in my final month of pregnancy and found the relaxation part great. I found I kept falling asleep before the end of the CD so it certainly helped de-stress, and the messages to slow your breathing seemed to be getting through. I wasn’t expecting to get through the whole birth on fresh air, so I hired a TENS machine to help with the contractions. The TENS machine transmits small (harmless) electrical pulses through your skin. The pulses are designed to stimulate the release of endorphins so your body can cope with the pain using its own hormones. These pulses also stimulate the nerves in your spine so the pain signals are blocked before they reach your brain. The TENS was very simple to use. It came with a boost button, so when a contraction came on I could press the boost and then press it again when the contraction subsided. Because the TENS was so effective I felt happy to stay at home for much of my labour and only went into hospital at 6am after using the TENS overnight. I was amazed that I had used the TENS for seven hours because it honestly felt much shorter. The midwives were surprised at how calm I was and there was only just time to run the birthing pool. Obviously because it relies on electrical pulses the TENS can’t be used in water and at first I was worried about switching it off in case things started to hurt, but the soothing effects of the pool really helped and my relaxation techniques kicked in. My baby was born after just an hour and a half in the water. I felt relaxed even in the final stages and it really helped me to remember the breathing techniques from the hypnotherapy. I feel very lucky to have had such an amazing birth experience. I would say natal hypnotherapy is definitely worth a go and using a TENS machine meant I stayed at home for much of my labour in a familiar environment. My new bubba seems to be a calm and contented baby so far and I like to ‘smugly’ think it had something to do with her positive, peaceful entrance to the world!
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Induction to Baby Matilda: A Calm, Supported Birth with TENS
When we welcomed our baby girl, Matilda, to the world we found the TENS machine we hired from NatalCare Naturally incredibly helpful during our labour. We were induced using the Misoprostol method. I took my first dose of Misoprostol around midday and started feeling tightenings around 10.30pm that evening. By around 3.30am in the morning the tightenings were too painful for me to sleep through. At around 6am I asked my partner to help me put on the TENS machine and started using it on the lowest setting. I found the sensation of the TENS machine provided a soothing distraction during contractions. My contractions continued to build throughout the day and we moved to the delivery suite around 10.30pm on Saturday night when I was 2.5cm dilated. I continued to use the TENS machine, up to the third or fourth setting throughout active labour, alongside gas and panadol. Because we'd needed to be induced we needed to have a monitor attached to my belly throughout active labour, which meant I was unable to move around into different positions or use the shower or birthing pool to help with pain management. I ended up needing to lie on my side on the bed so was really reliant on the TENS and gas to help me manage the pain of each contraction. At 4.31am our little girl was born happy and healthy via normal vaginal delivery. I think having the TENS machine made it possible for me to avoid other methods of pain relief and I'm really pleased that it supported me to have the birth experience I wanted to have. - Julia
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Unexpected Breech Birth: How Ruth Got Through with TENS
During birth, there's only one thing that's certain...there'll be some unexpected excitement! Everyone's birth story is different and we love hearing them all. Ruth was lovely enough to share her own adventure... Just after 2 in the morning my waters broke after no previous inklings. Shortly after that I went into labour, my husband was asleep and I didn't want to wake him so I had a go at putting the tens machine on myself I did a pretty good job, but it was great when my husband woke up and helped reposition it. After a couple of hours it was 5am and we gave the Midwife a call, and as everything was tracking along smoothly it was decided should come and see me after her first appointment in the morning... which would mean she was at ours around 9am... at this point I had not realised how far along in my labour I was and by 5:30 we called her back saying we needed her to come now. By 6 a.m. she was with us and did an examination to find that I was not only fully dilated but also my baby was unexpectedly breech. The tens machine and my labour up until now had been amazing, I was able to go up the levels as my pain required and I was able to have control over something where the rest of my body I did not have control over. I ended up needing an ambulance transfer to the hospital and when I got there I was met by a team of about 10 people ready to bring my little boy into the world. I was very lucky that I was able to give birth vaginally and by chance the only pain relief I used was the tens machine. After just less than an hour of pushing my son was born and I can hands down say that it was a tens machine that got me through it all... I think I ended up at level 13. I cannot recommend the use of the tens machine enough, I'll definitely be hiring it again.
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When Labour Took Days: Celia’s Story
We congratulate Celia on a beautiful birth & thank her for sharing her birth story with you.... Signs of the early latent phase started on the Wednesday morning. We were quick to put the TENS machine on and get my endorphins flowing from the get-go, as recommended by our midwife. Having not used a TENS machine until labour, I wasn't sure what to expect. I found myself distracted by the tingly sensation, but could only manage up to dial 2. This pain and the irregular contractions continued for the next 4 days, and I honestly don't know what I would have done without the TENS machine. Precious sleep was made more bearable with the constant vibrations. When Sunday finally rolled around, our midwife suggested a long walk to kickstart the active phase, as things were still slow to progress (I was frustratingly only 4cm by this stage!). So my husband and I did a big hike up to a steep lookout, and on the way up I was cranking up the TENS machine to dial 10, boosting as contractions became more regular and closer together. Less than an hour later I was in active labour, and used the TENS machine right through active labour to help me cope with the pain. The TENS machine was an absolute lifesaver and I would recommend it as a form of pain relief. I feel empowered by having given birth naturally, and the TENS machine definitely helped me deliver our sweet baby boy into the world. - Celia
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Mel’s Calm, Present Birth with TENS
After my labour with my first son, I found that the pain medicine I chose on the day (gas), made me very sick and dizzy and when it came to the birth of my son I was so 'out of it' from the gas that I felt like I missed so many special and important parts. This time around with my second son, I was determined to find some other form of pain medication where I could be fully in the moment and be aware of what was happening. I did some research and found the use of tens machine and that your company hired them out. I was 3 weeks out from my birth and the machine arrived over night. I was very impressed. On the day of labour, I attached the tens machine and increased the level as needed to counteract the effects of contractions. I could not believe the relief it provided and also to help with the dreaded lower back pain that comes with labour. I didn't even get to use all levels available on the tens machine, and was fully aware what was happening and why. I witnessed and even birthed/caught my own son due to not feeling sick or dizzy like I was with gas. I can not recommend a tens machine enough! Thank you. Mel M
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I Went From Googling Contractions to Holding My Baby
Lucy sent us her beautiful birth story to share — an unexpected labour, a fast progression, and how TENS helped her through it all. My labour began during the day on a Tuesday but I wasn’t really aware that it had begun and spent the day googling things like “what do contractions feel like?” As I’d never experienced them before! I continued on with my day just as normal and my husband and I even went to our regular pub quiz that evening but by the time we got home, I was starting to think that what I was experiencing was in fact at least the start of labour. We went to bed as usual and I tried to sleep but the contractions were getting more regular so I started timing them just to confirm - they were about 8 minutes apart at that point. After a couple of hours of trying to sleep with no luck, I woke up my husband and told him that labour was certainly underway and suggested it was time we got the TENS machine on. He helped me attach the electrode pads and we worked out what level was helpful for the contractions at that stage and we began to get excited about soon meeting our baby! The contractions steadily came thicker and faster over the next few hours and I was having to up the TENS power to get through as I waited to get to the point of calling the midwife to tell her things were all go. At 4:30am I finally did call the midwife but she didn’t believe me!! She advised me I was in very early labour and I’d likely give birth about this time the next day and I despaired at the thought of having to endure an entire day of these contractions. I had an appointment with her at 10am and she said she would see me then to check how I was progressing and that was that. Over the next three hours the contractions got stronger and closer together to the point where they were only about 2 minutes apart and with each one that came I thought to myself “I just can’t cope!” But using the TENS helped me to feel like there was something I could do to get through each time a contraction came, and it turns out I could cope and I could get through - because I didn’t have any other choice! At 7:30am my husband was getting increasingly uncomfortable with the stage I appeared to be at so he called the midwife again and spoke to her on speaker phone with me “mooing” away in the background and he managed to convince her to see us at 8:30am. That was a very long hour to wait! We made it to the birth centre after a very uncomfortable car ride in peak traffic and as my midwife arrived she told me not to make so much noise and to conserve my energy for the long road ahead! I couldn’t believe what she’d said but I also was mid contraction so simply carried on exactly as I needed to to get through. And then I felt very smug as she finally checked my progression and found I was in fact fully dilated and had gotten to that point all on my own at home, with the help of the TENS! From that point it was only a couple more hours before our baby girl was born and I still can’t believe that I did it! When you’re enduring labour and can’t control the contractions that are coming, I found the TENS machine so useful for the simple fact that pressing the boost with each contraction gave me something to do that helped me to feel like I did have some control throughout. I would definitely recommend TENS to anyone approaching labour. Lucy
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Ellen’s Powerful Natural Birth Story
Here’s Ellen’s experience of her fast-moving labour and how TENS helped her achieve the drug-free birth she hoped for. I'd love to share my positive birth story with you to help convince others of the amazing benefits of using the TENs machine during labour. My TENs machine arrived on the Monday and I had baby on the Friday so not a lot of time to play with haha! Thank goodness I ordered it when I did. On the Thursday night I had a small show followed by my waters breaking about an hour later. I only felt a small twinge down the side of my belly at this stage. By about 11pm I had mild period like cramps so I hopped into bed. I couldn't sleep though as I was too excited and nervous! By about 2am I hopped out of bed and the pain had increased slightly to a mild cramp. I had read to start using the TENs in the early stages of labour to reap more benefits so sitting in front the mirror I placed the 4 pads on without too much trouble actually! I started off quite low and immediately loved the feeling of the continuous pulses to ease the pain. I stayed out in the lounge watching TV and coping fine on my own. By about 5am the pain had changed to more of a pressure low down on my belly and they were now more definitive contractions so I began to use the boost mode during them. Using the boost mode through a contraction was highly effective, taking my focus away from the area of pain and easing my whole body through those moments of intensity. I found it so helpful to focus on switching between the two modes and it helped take my mind away from what I was feeling. By 7am contractions had become really intense and I was getting pretty vocal. I had ramped up the level to about a 1/3 and found it very effective. At this point I phoned my midwife as I was thinking I should be heading in soon. As this was my first baby I didn't know what to expect from my labour and what established labour would feel like let alone gauge how far along I could be. I decided to jump in the shower and was so scared to take off the TENs as I didn't know what a contraction would feel like without it. I didn't last long in the shower and was relieved to get the TENs back on and in business. At 9:30am we left home to head to River Ridge East Birth Centre. It was the worst ride of my life, made worse by road works and speed bumps but again it was super helpful to hold the unit and switch between the modes as a way to keep myself focused. We arrived at River Ridge at 10am and as I wanted a water birth the TENs was removed at 10:15am when I hopped into the pool. I laboured in the pool for 1.5hrs and birthed my daughter at 11:40am without the need for any other pain relief. The TENs machine was instrumental in my labour and me achieving my dream of having a drug free delivery. The TENs was everything I had hoped for and more. I will 100% recommend using the TENs machine for labour especially for those wanting to take the natural path. I will absolutely be using the TENs machine for my future births and will feel so confident knowing that I'll have effective and hassle free pain relief. I found hiring the TENs pain free. Jane runs a highly organised and efficient business. The TENs machine was accompanied with easy to follow instructions and was itself a high quality, reliable product. 10/10 - Thank you so much! Happy new mum, Ellen
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Nicole’s IVF Miracle Birth with TENS Support
Here’s Nicole’s experience of her second birth and how she relied on TENS again to help her manage labour and stay in control as she welcomed baby Baxter into the world. I had used a TENS machine with my first birth and it was so good at managing my pain through labour. Particularly as by the time I got to the hospital there was no time for any alternative pain relief. I knew I would want the use of one with my second pregnancy and was glad to find Natal Care Naturally services of hiring these out. When the machine arrived I was impressed how the technology had changed in 5 years and quickly told my husband it was his job to know how it works. I did not want to be thinking about it when labouring. My labour started at 1am (typical awkward time). Knowing I had the TENS machine I wanted to hold out for when contractions became more frequent and intense. I woke my husband at 2:30 and said things were a go (last labour was 5 hours so was thinking it would ramp up quickly and needed to get hooked up to the TENS machine asap). We started with just two pads on the lower back as I wanted to save some “juice” for when things got serious. I love how I can control the intensity and I did not dare go about 33% power until I was at the birthing unit. It really helped manage the initial stages of labour. When we got to St. George things had really heated up and I was now using the machine to 66% power. It really is a great distraction from the contractions. My husband was quite keen for me to try the booster mode but having not practised with the machine I was a little scared as even at 66% power it was pretty efficient. But baby (who turned out to be a kg heavier than my first) struggled to engage and so things lasted longer than my first and as a result were a little more painful then I remember. So it was time to hit that booster mode. And I never looked back. Had the TENS on until I birthed my baby boy and given the gas sometimes makes me a bit nauseous or can be a bit of a nuisance when trying to focus on pushing, the machine was great. Would (and have) recommended to all my mum to be friends. On 23 March, we welcomed baby Baxter. We are all smitten with our IVF miracle baby that has now completed our family. - Nicole
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Lara’s Water Birth Story with TENS Support
Welcoming baby Lara into the world! Such a beautiful birth story. My little bub was due on the 15th of May, and like many first pregnancy did not come on that day. Instead on the 18th of May early in the morning I started to go into spontaneous labour. From about midday on the 18th my contractions were regular and I knew that this was it, they weren’t fading and instead getting gradually more painful. That’s when I popped on the tens machine and I used it for the remainder of the day. It really helped with getting me through all the cramping and back aches I was experiencing. That evening my midwife came to assess my progress and do a stretch and sweep, I was 2cm dilated at that stage. From the stretch and sweep things really picked up! I increased the intensity of the tens machine with almost every hour to help with the pain, the boost really did it for me, it helped me to breathe through the pain. After midnight my midwife did another assessment and I was around 6cm dilated, it was time to go to hospital. I continued to use the tens up until I got to hospital and got into the shower. After showering I laboured in the birth pool for a few hours before returning to my birth room where I gave birth. The only pain relief I had was the tens machine, water submersion and paracetamol (to bring my temp down from being in the pool). My little girl Lara was born via vaginal birth on the morning of the 19th of May at 8.29am. I really believe that the tens machine helped me to breathe through each contraction and build endorphins so that I could let me body do it’s thing. Thank you for providing such a great service and easy instructions!
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Nicole’s “I Wasn’t Sure About TENS…” Birth Story
Nicole wasn’t totally convinced about TENS at first… but by the end of her labour she was seriously impressed! Here’s how it helped her stay calm, comfortable, and in control through her natural birth. When considering my birth preferences, I wanted to have a natural labour without medical intervention, unless medically required. My midwife recommended TENS to me and I must admit I was skeptical at first, wondering if it would be worthwhile. I went on the Natal Care website and read the reviews from other families and decided to give it a go, given the minimal investment required. The machine arrived promptly with clear instructions and a seamless returns process. The instructions and reviews indicated the earlier the TENS is used, the better. So, when my waters broke, my partner promptly helped me attach the electrode pads and I started using the machine. I started on a low pulse rate and increased this as my labour progressed. When a contraction came, I would use the boost button to help reduce discomfort and provide a distraction. After 11 hours of manageable labour, we went to the hospital and I was assessed and found to be 8-9cm dilated... much to everyone's amazement. I felt proud that I has managed to get this far by creating a relaxing environment at home in addition to using TENS. As labour progressed, I continued to use the machine. During this time, I also made use of water therapy in the shower. We removed the TENS machine for this, but later reapplied it and was able to continue to benefit until the birth of my baby. As things got more intense, I passed the machine to my partner who was able to use read my body language and adjust the machine on my behalf. In terms of other pain relief, I also made use of gas at the hospital. As a first-time mum, my experience with TENS exceeded my expectations. I would thoroughly recommend TENS as a natural means of managing labour pain.
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Josua’s Birth Story: Strength, Turns, and an Unforgettable Finish
From early labour at home to a highly emotional delivery, Frieda shares how she moved through each stage with determination, support, and trust in her body and baby. I was fast approaching 40 weeks of pregnancy when my midwife offered me a stretch and sweep, which I decided to take. To her surprise, I was already 3cm dilated, which made me feel empowered knowing my body was already progressing. A few days later, still no labour, and I was feeling discouraged despite trying everything to naturally encourage things along. My midwife offered another stretch and sweep, and this time I was about 4cm dilated, which gave me hope again. Not long after, I woke early in the morning to contractions and quickly realised this was it. I began timing them and could really feel them in my hips. Sitting was uncomfortable, so I lay on my side, which helped. I showered, packed my bag, and we set up the TENS machine on my back. I started on a low setting and used the boost with each contraction, which helped me stay calm and focused while listening to gospel music. I was comfortable at home but eventually made my way to hospital. When I arrived, I was shocked to be told I was already 8cm dilated. I continued using only the TENS for pain relief and increased the intensity as things progressed. Later, I combined it with gas, which helped further. I moved into the water for my planned water birth and continued labouring, but after some time I still didn’t have the urge to push. I pushed with each contraction, but progress stalled. My waters were broken to help things along, and I continued pushing, but baby’s heart rate began to drop. An obstetrician confirmed baby was positioned with his brow presenting, not the crown, and despite attempts to turn him, it became clear he needed assistance. I was taken to theatre, where I received an epidural and later a forceps delivery was recommended. With each contraction, I pushed with support from my husband. Hearing him say, “I can see him!” gave me the final strength I needed. Our baby boy was born and placed on my chest, and it was the most overwhelming and emotional moment of my life. I needed stitches afterward due to a significant tear and blood loss, but was reassured everything that could be done had been done. While my birth didn’t go exactly as planned, I feel incredibly empowered knowing I gave it everything I had for a natural birth and that interventions were needed for safety. We are beyond grateful for our healthy baby boy, Josua, and feel deeply thankful for how it all unfolded. Frieda
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A beautiful home birth
I have a two-year-old daughter who I birthed using pain relief in hospital but without TENS machine (I had not heard about its benefits). During my recent pregnancy, a friend of mine recommended I hire a TENS machine to use during labour. Two weeks ago, I birthed a beautiful 10lbs baby girl! The birth started at 2am and from my first contraction I used the TENS machine. I managed a beautiful home birth with no medical pain relief at all. I kept the TENS machine on all time, and boosted it during every contraction. What a difference it made! Not only did it give me control being able to press the boost when contractions came and went, but the relief from the contraction pain was incredible. I will recommend TENS to every up and coming mother. I don't know what I would have done without it. It made the world of difference and is worth every dollar to hire and more. - Michaela ( from Hamilton)
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Prepared, Positive, Empowered: Rebecca’s Birth Story
We thank Rebecca for sharing her experience with TENS. So beautiful to hear her using natural tools and techniques to work with her body - distraction is a powerful tool! My midwife and antenatal class had recommended a TENS for non-medical pain relief (avoiding medical interventions was my strong preference, given how light headed morphine can make me and how keen I was to labour in the birthing pool, which would not be possible with an epidural). When the day came I'd had 30-odd hours of non-painful contractions before my waters broke at 9.30pm. My husband and I continued watching a movie, but by the time it finished an hour later it was clear that I was definitely in labour. We moved to the bedroom and set up the TENS on my back. Having a task to complete as each contraction came, rose, and subsided was terrific for my concentration - it really helped me focus on what my body was doing and gave my conscious mind a task to complete that it knew would help the process. Within three hours my contractions were fast and strong, and I was relieved to find that the TENS pads were sticky enough to withstand putting on my shoes and coat and the drive to the hospital. By the time we arrived I was 6cm dilated. I kept the TENS on while the birthing pool was filling and then reluctantly relinquished the device. By that point my body knew how to handle the contractions and I could feel the progress baby was making towards being born. I was calm and knew the pain was worthwhile. I'm certain that beginning my labour with the control that the TENS machine gave me kept me in that positive headspace. Happily that lasted until after baby was born at 5:30am. - Rebecca T and baby Sam
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A unplanned home birth for Nikki!
Nikki had a wonderful unexpected home birth. With the help of TENS, her capable husband and a 111 operator, she did it! Thank you so so much for the TENS. It arrived just in time for our baby who arrived 3 weeks early. A quick labour which resulted in an unplanned home birth (with just my husband to help deliver and 111 on speakerphone) meant the TENS was my only form of pain relief. It was amazing and the boost button really helped with the contractions. I can’t believe I had my baby with just the TENS machine but feel amazing for it! Thank you so much Jane! It made the world of difference to my birth experience. - Nikki P
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"This was my dream birth"
Teri's dream birth! This was my second pregnancy and after a lengthy and complicated birth with my first I was fairly apprehensive as my due date approached. My midwife recommended trying a TENS machine this time around and passed on Natal care as the service to get it through - my gosh I am glad she did! My waters broke at midnight and I had regular but very mild tightenings through to the morning. At around 7am we were heading out to drop off the toddler to her Nans and I put the TENS machine on. It was great advice to start using it early in labour, this really worked for me! I had the machine on the lowest setting and when a contraction started, I pressed the boost button which was just fantastic! Being able to actively do something each time a contraction started was really empowering for me - that boost button was a life saver! It also soothed the pain of the contraction brilliantly. After dropping off the toddler, I laboured in a dark room with candles as light and played my favourite podcasts in the background. I spent the majority of the morning kneeling over a yoga ball and with each contraction I pressed my boost button on the TENS and breathed through to a count of 4 in and 7 out. This was all I needed through to midday when my midwife came and checked in, I was 4cm dilated and progressing quickly. When my midwife checked me more of my waters popped and she told me to stay home a little longer and then head to the birthing unit when it felt right. An hour and many boosts later it was definitely time, we got in the car and I felt the baby drop into position and felt the urge to push. At this point I turned the boost on permanently for the 20 min drive and that along with quick deep breaths got me through the journey! We arrived at the birthing unit and through the contractions got inside, quickly got the TENS off and hopped in the birthing pool, I pushed with my contractions and 10 minutes later our little boy came into the world at 2:15pm. This was my dream birth, a shortish labour where I felt in control and finishing with a waterbirth. I feel very blessed to have had this experience! I am so grateful to have had the TENS on hand and will be recommending it to everyone!! - Teri, Sam & bubs
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