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5 Ways to Turn Pain into Power
For generations, pain has been front and centre in how we talk about childbirth. It’s in movies, in TV dramas, and often in the stories passed from one woman to another. But pain doesn’t have to define your birth experience. There are ways to prepare — physically, mentally, and emotionally — so you can move through labour feeling calmer, more confident, and more in control. A helpful idea to understand is the Fear–Tension–Pain cycle. It explains how fear causes the body to tense, which increases pain. That pain then fuels more fear — and the cycle continues. The good news...
How does a TENS machine help during labour?
TENS works by stimulating the nerves in your lower back — specifically the ones responsible for touch and pressure — which helps block out pain signals trying to reach your brain. It’s a bit like your nervous system can only handle so much at once… so when you’re feeling the pulsing of the TENS machine, the pain signals from your contractions have a harder time getting through. Even better, the machine helps your body release endorphins — your natural feel-good hormones. These are like your body’s very own pain relief system, and TENS helps kick it into action. And it’s...
When Should I Start Using a Labour TENS machine?
The sweet spot is early labour — as soon as you feel things starting to ramp up. Using the Labour TENS early gives your body time to build up endorphins and helps you get used to the sensation before contractions become more intense. So, when you know you’re in labour, pop it on, turn it on a low intensity and take your time cranking it up. Remember, you don’t need to wait until you're in hospital or fully established in labour — it’s actually more effective when started earlier. You can always pause it if you decide to hop in...
What Is a Labour TENS Machine?
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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...
Let It Out!
Vocalisation is a natural and powerful way to manage contraction pain during labour. It encourages relaxation, stimulates endorphin release, and helps women cope with the intensity of childbirth. By embracing vocalisation, women can navigate labour with greater comfort and confidence. Why Vocalisation can work wonders Vocalisation helps relax the body, especially the jaw and facial muscles, which are key to facilitating cervical relaxation and easing labour. Low-pitched sounds, such as humming or moaning, help to open the mouth and release tension, creating a more relaxed environment for both the mum and baby. Tips for Using Vocalisation Go Low and Slow:...