How to set up and use your TENS
If you’ve just received your Labour TENS, we recommend testing it first so you can get familiar with how it works and check everything is working properly.
If you’re ready to set it up straight away, follow the quick start guide below. Full instructions are included with your unit or you can download the manufacturer's instructions below.
Quick Start Guide
1. Apply the electrodes
Follow the instructions on the electrode packet and place the four pads onto your lower back.
Don’t have the packet handy?
>ELECTRODE PLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS
2. Insert the batteries
Pop the batteries into the TENS unit.
3. Check the machine is off
Make sure the TENS machine is switched OFF and the BOOST button is OUT (not pressed in).
4. Connect the lead wires
Attach one lead wire to the top pads and the other to the bottom pads — either way around is fine.
5. Turn the TENS on
Press the pink power button to switch the unit on.
6. Start gently in BURST mode
Use the + channel buttons to slowly increase the intensity.
Your TENS will start in BURST mode, which creates a gentle pulsing or tingling sensation. Start low and gradually increase until you can comfortably feel it. It shouldn’t hurt — just feel like a pleasant distraction helping your body release natural endorphins.
7. Use BOOST during contractions
When a contraction begins, press the BOOST button on the side of the unit.
This switches the machine into BOOST mode, giving you a stronger continuous sensation designed to help block pain signals during contractions.
8. Release BOOST after the contraction
Once the contraction passes, simply let go of the BOOST button and the machine will return to BURST mode automatically.
9. Try different modes as labour progresses
Your TENS starts in MODE 1, which is ideal for early labour.
As contractions become stronger, you may prefer MODE 2, which offers a different and stronger stimulation pattern. Press the MODE button to switch between settings and use whichever feels best for you.
If you’re using an Elle TENS 2 or Elle TENS +, you can also explore the Opti-Max function for additional variation.
10. Adjust upper and lower pads separately
You can increase or decrease the intensity on the upper and lower pads independently to find what feels best for your body.
Watch our videos
Download Full Instructions
Manufacturer’s Full Instructions
Visual Quick Start Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
All the help you need
Setting up and using a TENS machine is simple. But there are some key details which can make all the difference. Watch our videos, read the helpful pages on our website and dive into the blogs and Birth Stories in our The Labour Lounge.