Birth Stories
Keeley’s Calm, Powerful Water Birth Story
Keeley combined a TENS machine and hypnobirthing, ending in the waterbirth she wanted.
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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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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 “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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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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We had a Q & A with new mum, Chloe
We had a Q and A with new mum Chloe Talk to us about how your labour started and progressed and how you managed through the contractions. I started feeling some niggles at around 2am and asked my husband to put the TENS pads on my back just in case they got worse. He then began recording my contractions down. At around 5am the contractions were a minute long and 3 minutes apart and my midwife arrived to tell me I was 4cm dilated and needed to head towards the birthing centre before traffic started. I would not have been able to get through the car ride without the TENS machine as it was around a 40 minute journey and by this time my contractions were pretty intense. By the time I got to the centre I was 7cm dilated and everything was happening quick and fast and I didn't have any time to ask for gas but was managing pretty well with the TENS in one hand and my husband's hand in the other. I was then able to manage my pain until the final moments before going into the water to deliver our baby girl. I cannot rave any more about the TENS machine and truly believe it made my labour easier. Because of it I was able to have a completely natural birth free from any intervention and injuries. What a magical introduction to pregnancy and labour! What else helped you during labour? I had my husband with me which was a huge support and he could see from the way I was using the TENS machine when I was having a contraction as I would press the button. He then knew when to hold my hand and offer encouragement as we has discussed before the birth. Would you have done anything differently for your labour? Nothing at all except drink more water when I started contractions so I didn't need an IV put in. What did you particularly like about the TENS? I liked how I could have the gentle bursts in the background when I was out of a contraction and had the choice to push the button to put the surge on and adjust the strength easily. It gave me something that I had control over when my body was doing everything else. How easy was TENS to put on? Any advice for other mums? My husband and I practiced using the TENS before labour so when the day came around he knew exactly where to place the pads and I knew how it functioned. I'd highly recommend using it beforehand and it's pretty good at easing back pain too! Any advice for moving through the intensity modes? Start low and go up! If you start too high it's way too intense. Starting low means you can slowly build up your threshold and use it to your advantage as the contractions become more intense. Any other general advice for new mums heading into labour? Go in with no expectations about what you want. Baby will have their own plan in mind and as long as they arrive healthy and happy that is all that matters! Did anything surprise you about your labour? I didn't expect for it to come on so quickly. I had the impression I would stay home for a long while before having to go out but am grateful it was a speedy process What/who were you grateful for? My midwife was extraordinary and completely calming during the whole process, my husband was solid as a rock and held me through the whole process and the tens and calm setting at the birthing centre made my labour beautiful.
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From 36 Hours of Labour to a Dream Birth — Jess’s Story
I wanted to share my experience of the TENS machine and my birth story with you.When my latent phase of labour started I put the machine on and used the Boost function during surges. This latent phase lasted for 36 hours with surges every 5-15 minutes and the TENS machine was excellent at building the endorphins and helping me breathe through the surges. Active labour lasted about 10 hours for me and as the intensity built I used a higher intensity setting which was excellent and helping me stay at home as long as possible. I only removed the TENS machine for showers which began to stop helping with the pain and intensity in this active phase. I arrived at the hospital 9cm dilated and my waters burst half an hour later - my husband and I cried with relief that we had come so far at home ourselves without requiring medication. We only added in gas once we arrived at the hospital. After 90 minutes of pushing with the TENS machine on our beautiful surprise (a girl) arrived. I kept it on throughout my stitches being done which along with the gas helped removed the sting from these. I would 100% use a TENS machine again for subsequent births and would recommend it to anyone. I believe it helped me have the natural birth I dreamed of. Thanks again for the great customer service! The courier should be collecting the parcel today!Kind regards,Jess
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Read our Q and A with new mum Kimberley
We asked one of our lovely new mums, Kimberley some questions about her labour. Here's some of her advice for a positive, prepared labour. What techniques, tools and people helped you during labour? A: I had a bag of tricks at the ready after reading JuJu Sundin's book called 'Birth Skills'. I didn't end up needing many of them since my labour was so quick, but what I found helpful was my husband distracting me by counting, a heat pack on my shoulders, walking/stomping around the house, squeezing a stress ball, and listening to this calming music over and over again. What did you particularly like about the TENS? A: Ease of use and that it helped to be a distraction, and that I could move around with it. It didn't completely get rid of the pain, but it helped me to cope better. My waters broke at 7.20pm and shortly after I started using the TENS machine. It was fairly simple to use and was a good distraction. I held off on using the more powerful modes as I wanted to save them until the contractions were at their worst. But, I never needed them in the end, as my baby was born at 12.27am! Did you give birth at home, hospital or a birthing centre? What helped in your environment? A: Almost at home, but just made it to the maternity unit in time! At home I felt relaxed and safe and didn't have to worry about anything or anyone. It was just me and my husband. At the maternity unit, I felt well looked after by the midwives and they said encouraging things as I pushed. Would you have done anything differently for your labour? A: No, I don't think so. It went as well as it probably could have. I do wish my midwife could have been there for the birth, but sadly she was helping with another emergency birth at the time! She did arrive afterwards to do the paperwork, which I found really comforting since we built a nice bond over my pregnancy. Any other general advice for new mums heading into labour? A: Be prepared with lots of tools at your disposal, as you don't know what you'll like when in the moment. I thought I would want to bounce on my Swiss ball, but turns out I hated that! I also was imagining a water birth at the maternity unit, but the bath didn't fill up fast enough for me to be able to use it. I just let my body do what it wanted to do, and was amazed by the progress I made. I think it helped to try and stay calm and upright as much as possible (use gravity!). Also, not sure if it actually helped to spark labour, but the day my waters broke I had done an hour of aquajogging and eaten some dates! Did anything surprise you about your labour? A: That it was so fast, and that it started with my waters breaking. What/who were you grateful for? A: My lovely husband, who has been super supportive both during labour and after. And that I had an uncomplicated fast first birth which gave me a beautiful healthy baby daughter. Also, I am grateful for my wonderful midwife and the midwifery system that we have in NZ, which allows continuity of care and provides a lot of support to expecting mums (and also postpartum). Thank you so much for sharing Kimberley.
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Hayley's Labour with TENS, Acupressure & Hypnobirthing
Pain relief during labour is on most pregnant women's minds. Everyone's tolerance to pain is different, and as such our need for pain relief will vary. Thankfully there is a whole range of pain relief options available to women in New Zealand; some are widely available; some you may need to arrange in advance. Remember you may have a substantial number of hours in labour so it makes sense to have a 'toolkit' of pain relief options ready before you go into labour. Here, Hayley has shares her birth story and describes how she coped with pain using acupressure, TENS and hypnobirthing techniques. I went into labour on Saturday morning and fairly quickly my contractions worked up to 3 minutes apart and 60 seconds long. My husband had been using acupressure up until this point during contractions but we then decided to try the TENS machine for the first time (my labour started two weeks before my due date so we hadn’t had a chance to try it out!), and immediately felt relief due to the distraction of the currents. I was then able to labour at home and then hospital for the next six hours before delivering our baby girl Ruby using hypnobirthing techniques completely naturally and drug free! What I mainly found helpful about the TENS machine was actually pushing the start and stop button for each contraction as it gave me something to focus on and also a way for me to feel like each contraction was only for a certain about of time, allowing me to use hypnobirthing techniques to control the pain. Hayley
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How I used TENS through Labour, an Ambulance Transfer & Birth
This positive birth story shares how one mum used a Labour TENS machine from early labour right through to active labour and birth — including during a hospital transfer and ambulance ride. From labouring at home to trying a water birth, she explains how TENS helped her stay calm, focused, and cope naturally with contractions. My sister recommended using a labour TENS machine - she used it with her fourth baby and said it made a huge difference. I felt contractions start at about 9am, and my husband helped me set up the TENS. I used it at home for about 2.5 hours before heading to the hospital as my labour progressed quite quickly. It was so easy to use and move about, and the unit is much smaller than I'd anticipated. Also, I wanted to try a water birth, so I took off the TENS to get in the birthing pool. By then the TENS seemed to have done its job with allowing my natural endorphins to build up, and I was able to handle contractions in the water without the machine or any other pain relief. As labour progressed my midwife decided to transfer us from the primary maternity unit to the hospital as a precaution due to meconium in my waters. Once out of the birthing pool the TENs was easy to reattach. I used it during the 1.5 hour ambulance ride and during active labour while pushing. I was amazed at how effective it was, and I liked having something to focus on during labour - mainly anticipating a contraction and pushing a button! I had my beautiful daughter at 6:37pm. Even with a few unexpected complications and being moved about, I'm grateful that we could use the TENS machine so easily. I honestly think I've had worse period cramps than when labouring with TENS. Thanks NatalCareNZ for the great service you provide!
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Welcome to the world Matilda Grace!
New mum, Hannah, shares her advice for a positive labour... During early labour I started having intense contractions. My husband had the TENS machine ready to go. He put it on me and instantly I felt relief. The TENS machine was very easy to set up and put on. I would recommend having your birthing partner apply the sticky pads and to do this as soon as your contractions start to make best use of your machine. I continued using my TENS through the rest of labour, gradually increasing the strength and using the booster as the contractions got stronger and closer together. I laboured at home for 12+ hours (it was a long one!) before heading to the hospital to give birth to Matilda. I am really pleased I was able to spend so much of the labour in the comfort of my own home with the TENS. Throughout labour I used hypnobirthing breathing techniques to help me through. My partner also set up our diffuser and applied essential oils to my stomach and back to help me through. I’d definitely recommend a combination of tips and tricks to get through your labour eg massage, breathing techniques, essential oils, but definitely the TENS! It really helps to distract you when the contractions hit! I truly feel like I could not have gotten through my labour without the TENS! And now we have our gorgeous little Matilda Grace. She was born after 28 hours of labour as she was positioned awkwardly - but our beautiful 3.7kg girl is now safely in the world and we love her sooo much! Thanks for the much needed help, NatalCare!
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Why I Used TENS Again for My Second Birth
We’re so grateful to share this beautiful birth story from Jules, who used a Labour TENS machine in both of her labours and found it incredibly effective for managing contractions. TENS was recommended to me by a friend late into my first pregnancy and I arranged to hire a unit at the last minute. My son decided to arrive 8 days early so I was lucky the unit arrived on the day I went into labour! My contractions started at 6pm, and I stayed at home using TENS for around 7 hours before heading to the hospital at around 1am. I continued to use the TENS in the hospital and I couldn’t believe how effective it was at controlling the pain. My son arrived after being at hospital for only around 3 hours. Because TENS worked so well for me for my first labour I decided to hire one again for my second labour. My second labour started at 11pm with contractions 5 minutes apart. I phoned my midwife at midnight and she suggested giving it another half an hour to see if the contractions became more intense before potentially heading to hospital. The TENS machine was so effective I could hardly tell that the intensity of the contractions were increasing, and in the end went to hospital at 2am on the basis that the contractions were 3 minutes apart, not because of the level of pain. I used TENS until the very last stages of labour and had my daughter at 3.48am. I know I am lucky to have had straight forward births, but I also cannot imagine dealing with the contractions in the same way without TENS. I really believe it made a huge difference to both my labours and I’m very grateful to NatalCareNZ for their awesome service :-) Jules
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Dustin’s Fast Arrival: A TENS & Water Birth Story
We’re sharing this beautiful story from Jahnea about the speedy arrival of her son Dustin, and how she used a TENS machine throughout her labour before moving into a water birth. My water broke at 5:30pm. I had only just sat down after a tiring day wedding dress shopping with my friend. I was two days past my due date and finally had done all the things I needed to. I felt a funny twinge and thought that I needed to pee. So I took myself to the toilet and water rushed out as soon as I reached the bathroom. I did for a moment think I had wet myself. Every time I moved my legs some more water came out and I clicked that it was indeed my ‘waters’! I called my husband and mum and they were soon home. We quickly put the tens machine on just after 6pm. I had fairly strong contractions and enjoyed the relief from the tens machine. By this time my contractions were coming pretty fast and strong so we decided to call the midwife and meet her at the Birth Care Centre. On the way I was able to turn the level up on my tens machine. When we got there another contraction hit when I was walking into the lift and I still remember the ‘kick’ from the tens machine, and the tingling feeling! I had it turned up pretty high but was loving it! Once in the birthing room and after being checked by a midwife I decided to move into the birthing pool. My baby boy Dustin arrived at 7:30pm. He was a healthy weight at 4.24kg. I had to push his head and his shoulders out! I was very relieved to finally have him out and to meet him. I had a very small tear which the midwife stitched, and I got on with enjoying my baby! Jahnea
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From First Contraction to Home Birth: Julia’s Arrival
We’re sharing Toni’s beautiful birth story of her daughter Julia, which unfolded into an unexpected, and beautiful home birth. The birth of little Julia went so much better than I could have possibly imagined. Being our first bub we weren't sure what to expect during birth and having heard our fair share of horror stories, I had become pretty nervous in my last weeks of pregnancy. I certainly didn't expect to birth at home and without any medication at all. My first contraction was at about 2:30am, at least the first one to be strong enough to wake me up was. From then, I was having contractions every 40-30mins or so, but managing (somehow!) to fall asleep in between. I got up around 5:30am and not much later my waters broke in a gradual trickle (not a massive gush like in the movies!). After that, the contractions quickly became stronger and closer together (about 10mins apart). I called my midwife, Bec, she would be with me within an hour. My husband, James, helped me get the TENS machine on and get it to an appropriate setting for how I was feeling. By the time Bec arrived, my contractions were 3mins apart. I was kneeling on the lounge floor with my head on the seat of our couch. There was no way I was getting in the car, so after being on the fence about home birth vs birthing unit, the decision when the time came was a no brainer, I wasn't going anywhere! I gave birth to our wee Julia at 1:49pm on her due date the 1st September, having not moved from my spot by the couch. Throughout labour, James took charge of the TENS machine. He increased the settings a few times and pushed the boost button for me with each contraction. Besides the TENS machine, some lower back massage by mum and some cold face cloths, these were all we needed to bring Julia into the world. I was so pleased to have not required any interventions or medications. Although, this being our first baby, I am unable to compare birth while using a TENS machine to birth without it, I would definitely use the TENS machine again next time and would recommend it for all expectant mothers to include as part of their birth plan. I couldn't have hoped for a better birthing experience! Toni
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Libby’s Calm and Positive Birth with TENS
Libby shares her beautiful birth story and reflects on how amazing it felt to labour with minimal pain relief and in a relatively relaxed frame of mind. My son Jay is my first child, and my labour was only around 7 and a half hours long — with 5 and a half of those spent at home thanks to my Labour TENS machine! I may have been in early labour for a few days because I woke at 1230 midnight and my waters broke. Within 15 mins I was having 45-second contractions every four minutes and they kept on coming on stronger and stronger. I got my husband to attach the TENS machine at 2.30am and at first, I was not sure if it was helping so I took it off. OH BOY WAS IT HELPING!! I stayed at home until 5.30am with the TENS machine. At this point, the contractions were coming a minute on, a minute off and they were sore! We called the midwife and headed to the hospital where I was fully dilated and within half an hour I was beginning to push. My son was born 1.5 hours later and it was an amazing feeling to have laboured with minimal pain relief and in a relatively relaxed frame of mind. The TENS machine helped me to stay at home for the majority of the labour which, I believe, brought my son to me so quickly. I recommend this product to all my friends who are about to give birth!
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