News — Obstetric TENS
What Is a Labour TENS Machine?
Labour TENS LabourTENS Obstetric TENS TENS for labour pain
A Labour TENS machine (that’s Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, but let’s just say ‘TENS’ instead!) is a small, clever, drug-free device that helps manage pain during labour. It works by sending gentle electrical pulses through four sticky pads on your lower back — like a little “buzz” that helps distract your brain from contraction pain. These pulses work in two brilliant ways: They interfere with pain signals reaching your brain. They encourage your body to release endorphins — those amazing natural painkillers. TENS is a bit like giving your nervous system something else to focus on — which is why...
Can I use ANY type of TENS machine for my labour?
Labour TENS Obstetric TENS pain relief TENS TENS machine
The simple answer is NO. Not all TENS machines are created equal! Why do you need a TENS machine specifically designed for labour? 1. An Obstetric or Labour TENS has two settings. One setting will be at a lower level of intensity for when you're resting between contractions, and the other setting will be at a much higher intensity for when you are experiencing a contraction. The BOOST button on the side allows you to quickly move from one setting to the other. 2. With a Labour TENS you should receive 4 electrodes for application on your back. Other TENS...
Natural pain relief in early labour
Labour TENS Obstetric TENS pain relief birth Pain relief for early labour Preparing for birth preparing for labour TENS TENS hire TENS machine
Recently a friend told me about his wife going into labour. "We went up to the hospital, bags packed, ready to get the show on the road, but then we were told she hadn't dilated enough and we were sent back home," he told me. "She was so disappointed." It's a story that would be familiar for many first-time mums. Knowing when you've reached established labour is hard to gauge - and as the pain continues to escalate, you're not sure how much you can take before heading to hospital. But if your pregnancy is low risk, riding out the early stages...
Clarissa shares her beautiful birth story...
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"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...
Natasha shares her birth experience with TENS
birth Birth Story childbirth drug free childbirth giving birth labour Labour pain Labour TENS managing labour pain natural birth natural childbirth Obstetric TENS pain relief pain relief birth Pain relief for early labour Pregnancy Preparing for birth preparing for labour TENS TENS hire tens hire nz TENS machine TENS NZ TENS rental tenshire
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 sceptical 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...
Let customers speak for us
We used this TENS machine during my wife’s labour, and it was an absolute lifesaver. From the early stages right through to active labour, it provided consistent, drug-free pain relief and gave her a real sense of control over her contractions.
The machine was easy to use, even in the middle of contractions. The boost button was especially helpful when the intensity of the pain ramped up – it gave her instant relief and something to focus on. She said the gentle tingling and pulsing sensations helped distract from the discomfort and made things much more manageable, especially before heading to the hospital.
It’s compact, reliable, and the battery lasted the entire time we needed it. This TENS machine helped delay the need for other pain relief, and it made a noticeable difference in her overall birthing experience. Highly recommend for any expecting mums – a small device that makes a big difference
This is my second baby and my second time hiring TENS. For my first birth I made it to around 7cm before I needed gas as well. For this birth I only used TENS and a birth comb (also purchased from natal care naturally) until transition. I was handling the contractions so well with the TENS that I didn’t think to call my midwife until I started to feel the urge to push. Luckily we live close to the birthing centre. Within 45 minutes of ringing my midwife baby was here. I didn’t take the TENS off until I got into the bath to give birth. Highly highly recommend! Natal care naturally are also super efficient with their shipping. Product arrived quickly and with lots of helpful little goodies. The price is also so worth it!
I hired a tens machine and would do again as many times as needed. Great product, really helped me with the contractions. It is easy to arrange for the hire, the machine is easy to operate, great customer service. Very satisfied!
Loved using the TENs machine during labour, it really helped manage the pain relief.
This service was affordable and really easy to utilise.
Everything came so quickly and packaged nicely. The instructions of how and when to use were clear and "baby brain" friendly.
Will be recommending this service to everyone.
The TENS machine was a total game-changer during labour. It helped me stay calm and in control through each contraction especially in the early and active stages. I loved having something I could manage myself, this is the second time I’ve used the TENS for my pregnancy and I honestly don’t know how I would’ve coped without it. Highly recommend to any mama-to-be!
Popped this down my bra on a tissue once contractions ramped up and it sped things up so much!
Absolutely recommend this machine for natural pain relief ! First timer for home birthing and couldn't have been better with the TENS machine.
Totally worth the effort and money. Great Tens model comparing to the ones I used before. Thank you for providing this service!
I hired a tens machine to use during early labour with the intention of a hospital birth. This got me through 6hrs of contractions! Definitely worth it and helped so much. I used with my first child too and would use it again if we had a third!
Ordered for the second time for the birth of my second daughter. Amazing pain relief. The best service and so easy receiving the machine and sending back. Thanks again!
Definitely recommend! Would not have coped without it! Natal Care was so seamless to order from and send back to. Got my deposit back promptly too!
I hired the tens machine for my second labour and wish I did it for the first! It was so helpful for those early contractions, highly recommend. If you’re on the fence about whether or not it will be worthwhile, please do it :) I promise it will be worth it
Second time hirer for natural births and it’s been the best addition to get through those contractions.
Using the tens machine got me through 8 hours of my labour! Such a good tool for channeling the pain and allowing you to focus on breathing. Absolutely recommend hiring one, it was worth its weight in gold for me.
The TENS machine was fantastic as was the service. I accidentally turned the machine off mid contraction (user error not machine error) and noticed how impactful it was. I will never labour again without one. I wish all hospitals and birthing centres had access to these.