Our darling son was delivered by my partner, in our home, on our own - with the TENS machine - boost mode activated!
I had heard about TENS machines in many different places during pregnancy but it wasn’t until a good friend of mine said how much her Elle TENS got her through early labour that I thought to prepare one. She sent me the link and I ordered it that afternoon. It was shipped over the weekend and arrived within days - so happy with the service and the gift pack is super thoughtful.
I am still basking in gratitude with how my birth went. We had planned for a home birth, it was our first pregnancy but I wanted to lean in and trust my body, whilst at the same time being open to whatever we needed to do or wherever we needed to go to safely deliver our baby.
My contractions began at 5pm and that’s when the TENS machine went on (I was unsure if this was the real deal so figured we may aswell try it out and make sure it works well/we know how to use it!).
Sure enough this was labour beginning, contractions were 10mins apart until about 8pm, when I first notified my midwife.
She advised to eat, drink my electrolytes, heat packs, TENS etc.. and that we could have a baby in the next 24 hours.
I vomited up my dinner at about 9.30pm, notified my midwife and she mentioned that’s a good sign of oxytocin - she was going to get some sleep but advised to contact her once my contractions were 2-3 mins for 30 mins or if I need to.
Contractions continued sporadically, some 7mins apart, some 9mins and some 3mins.
At approximately 1am I asked my partner to start filling up the birth pool. I didn’t know how I was going to survive contractions without the TENS and it’s amazing Boost button… but something in me thought it may be time.
Whilst he was occupied doing so, the next contraction came and was much different to those before - I couldn't 'not' push. I was in disbelief because I hadn't lost my mucus plug or waters yet, however during this contraction I removed my underwear and there was my plug. I called out to my partner to call the midwife and tell her to come immediately - I had read that when you can’t not push, baby is coming, but I was also in disbelief because it was so early. I am a first time mother and was prepared for a marathon!!!
My partner called the midwife, I can hardly speak at this point but I detail to her that I can’t not push and she lets us know she is on her way.
My partner stays with me and the next contraction comes and I feel with my hand as the sac comes out and as it does my waters break and my darling sons head follows through.
I would say my TENS machine Boost button had been on since that first different contraction when everything changed.
My partner navigated my breaths and we rested, then in the next contraction our darling son was delivered by my partner, in our home, on our own - with the TENS machine - boost mode activated. Our midwives arrived moments after!!
Honestly a surreal and magical experience.
I feel truly blessed - I am very grateful that my dear friend suggested the Elle TENS and sent me the link to order.
The picture captures the moment our son was born.
Couldn’t recommend the Elle TENS enough!!!
Ellie
