Labour Lounge
Your go-to space for understanding your options and feeling confident using TENS when it matters most. Explore real birth stories from parents who used TENS during labour, along with supportive guidance to help you approach birth feeling calm, confident, and connected to your body as you welcome your baby into the world.
Birth Stories
This beautiful photo say it all
So much love and gratitude, and a happy, healthy mum and baby. Thank you Joyce for sharing your story. Our family was blessed to welcome a new member on 2 June through a normal vaginal water birth. We had been praying for another baby and were overjoyed to welcome our son after six years since our firstborn. This pregnancy felt quite different from my first, as I experienced a range of health concerns and general discomfort along the way. Because of this, my midwife highly recommended using a TENS machine for labour, so I decided straight away to hire one — and I’m so glad I did. The TENS machine was an absolute game changer for me. I started using it in early labour and kept it on right through to getting into water. It really helped me stay grounded and manage the pain, and it got me to the point where I felt ready to get into the water for my water birth, which was a huge relief. My advice would be to put the pads on early in labour so you can get used to the sensation before contractions intensify, and don’t hesitate to turn it up as things progress. It helped me stay in control throughout. Apart from the TENS machine, I only needed a small amount of gas during my nearly 13-hour labour and delivery. The service, instructions, and ease of use were excellent, and it made such a difference having something so simple yet so effective. I highly recommend it to other mums wanting a natural and effective way to cope with labour pain. Thank you to Natal Care Naturally for providing such a valuable service during such a special time for our family.
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Induced and ... Incredible!
Induction can feel overwhelming when it’s not part of your original birth plan. So many mums worry that it means losing control, more pain, or letting go of the birth experience they hoped for. Nikki's beautiful story is such a powerful reminder that even when birth takes an unexpected turn, you can still feel strong, supported, and deeply empowered. 🤍 My first birth was always planned to be an unmediated experience. Originally the plan was to use TENS and my birth comb through active labor and move into the water for transition/pushing phase. Unfortunately, when my water broke at 2am there was marconium present, which led to a fully monitored urgent induction - ruling out the opportunity of a water birth. In consultation with my midwife and OB, it was decided I would be induced with continuous monitoring using a Pitocin (Oxytocin) IV drip, increasing every 30 minutes. Within the first 2 hours the contractions became intense and I began using the TENS machine. This was a game changer for my labour - the sensation helped to relax me and created a focused pattern through each contraction. I continued to use the TENS machine throughout the entire labour as my main pain relief. Within 45 minutes I had gone from 3 to 10 cm with contractions 30 seconds apart. This was an incredibly intense and tiring experience. My sister-in-law operated the TENS machine, my husband massaged my back, I held a birth comb, and used gas during this 45 minutes period. Once I began pushing the only relief I had was the TENS machine, which I couldn’t be more thankful for the relief it provided. Within 40 minutes our baby boy was born At 3:08pm. Nikki
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Tayla’s toughest but most rewarding journey
Birth can be so unpredictable, but planning ahead helps you face whatever comes your way. Tayla showed incredible strength bringing little Charlie into the world. With her affirmations, her TENS machine, time in the water, and the support around her, she stayed calm and focused through every wave. Here’s her beautiful birth story. I went into labour at 4:45pm at 41+4, the day before my scheduled induction. Things started quickly, with contractions lasting around 45 seconds to 1 minute and coming every 2–3 minutes straight away. As soon as I began timing them, my app advised heading to the hospital. I decided to jump in the shower first so I could put my TENS machine on straight after. By 6pm, I called my midwife. Although my contractions were close together, they weren’t yet very painful, so she suggested monitoring for another hour and checking in again. I started using my TENS machine around this time and instantly loved it — it gave me something to focus on and a real sense of control. At 7pm, we began the 45-minute drive to the birth centre, and the TENS machine really helped keep me grounded during the car ride. By 9pm, my midwife checked me for the first time and I was 5cm dilated. I chose to get into the birth pool and stayed there until around 1am. My body had been involuntarily pushing for about an hour with no real progress, so I was checked again and found to be over 9cm, but with a small lip still not moving out of the way. At 1:30am, we made the decision to transfer to hospital by ambulance. This was a really challenging point for me, as I had to try to stop pushing and my mindset was shaken leaving my calm birth space. Once at the hospital, I used a remifentanil drip for about an hour, and shortly after I was fully dilated. At 3:38am, our baby boy Charlie arrived. It was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but everything fades so quickly once you meet your baby. During labour I really leaned on reminders like “the only way out is through,” “you never have to do that contraction again,” and “this feeling is temporary.” I’m so proud of what my body achieved, and I reached my goal of not having an epidural.
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Natalie Planned an Epidural… But TENS Got Her Through
Natalie’s story is such a great reminder that birth doesn’t always go to plan — and sometimes we surprise ourselves with what we’re capable of. After planning for an epidural, Natalie found her TENS machine became an incredible source of support during her fast-moving induction labour. I want to share some of my birth story. I was induced and because I have a low pain tolerance, I’d always planned to have an epidural. My induction started at 9am, but it took until 4pm before I started having more frequently contractions. At this point I started using the TENS machine to help me through the pain. The machine worked like a charm, I felt quite relaxed and tried to walk more to help with labour. I was 6cm dilated when my waters broke around 6pm. Within 10 mins, I was 8 cm dilated. I asked for epidural 10 times, but they said it was too late! I used the “boost” button on the TENS during the contractions pretty much throughout my whole labour. I was so surprised with how amazing the machine was. It helped to relieve pain and somehow, I managed to push through. I don’t think I could have survived without it. My baby arrived safe and sound. Thank you so much. Natalie
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Tens Talk
The postpartum tool you didn't know was a postpartum tool
A Labour TENS machine doesn’t stop being useful once baby arrives — many people find it continues to be a simple, low-effort support during postpartum recovery.TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) works by gently interrupting pain signals to the brain and encouraging the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relief. It’s widely used in clinical settings for acute and post-surgical pain, and research supports it as a safe, non-invasive option that can help reduce discomfort alongside other pain relief.After a caesarean birth, you can use TENS around the upper or lower back to help ease postural strain, tension, and general post-op discomfort. Clinical studies show it can reduce pain and, in some cases, reduce the need for additional medication in early recovery.It can also be helpful for common postpartum aches like back pain, sciatica-type nerve pain, pelvic discomfort, and afterpains as the uterus contracts. A 2026 systematic review found TENS was more effective than routine care alone for early postpartum perineal pain, especially in the first hours of use. While effects vary, it’s a gentle, drug-free option many people like having on hand while their body heals.
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Can I use a TENS machine from 37 weeks for pain relief?
By 37 weeks pregnant, it’s very common for you to start feeling the physical strain of late pregnancy — especially lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, hip discomfort, sciatica, Braxton Hicks, and general muscular aches. There are often limited pharmaceutical pain relief options available for these everyday pregnancy discomforts, or you may prefer not to take medication during pregnancy, which is why many mums look for safe, drug-free ways to help you cope during those final weeks. A TENS machine works by sending small electrical pulses through your skin to help block pain signals and encourage the release of endorphins — your body’s natural pain relief chemicals. Research around TENS use in late pregnancy (from 37 weeks) has shown particularly positive results for lower back pain and pelvic girdle pain, with studies finding meaningful reductions in pain intensity and improved mobility for many women. Evidence around Labour TENS also shows it is considered a low-risk, non-invasive pain relief option when used correctly, with no evidence of harm to you or your baby in healthy term pregnancies. For many women, the biggest benefit of using a TENS from 37 weeks isn’t necessarily removing pain completely, but helping your discomfort feel more manageable while you stay mobile, rested, calm, and relaxed toward the end of pregnancy. As always, if you'd like to use your TENS from 37 weeks, if you have any concerns, check with your midwife first. A few important safety notes: Do NOT use the TENS machine in water. Always remove it before entering a bath, shower, or pool. Do NOT use a TENS machine if you have a cardiac pacemaker. Do NOT use a TENS machine if you have epilepsy. Do NOT place the electrode pads on the abdomen, head, face, neck, across the heart, or over areas with metal implants. Only use the electrodes on unbroken skin. Stop use immediately if irritation occurs and seek medical advice. Check with your medical adviser before using if you have a heart condition, unexplained pain, metal implants, or any concerns at all. TENS should NOT be used before 37 weeks of pregnancy unless under medical supervision. If you’d like to use it earlier for back pain, please check with your midwife first. It is safe, however, to test the TENS on a low setting for a short time on your arm or your partner’s arm.
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Where do I place the electrodes?
Correct placement is key to making your TENS effective at blocking pain signals. Here's a quick run-down: 1. Clean and dry your skin – this helps the pads stick. 2. Peel pads carefully – hold the pad, not the wires. Keep the backing for storage and future use. 3. Top pads (CH1): Place ~4 cm either side of your spine mid-bra line. 4. Bottom pads (CH2): Place ~4 cm either side of your spine, mid-panty line. Placing the electrodes is not an exact science and everyone's back is different and everyone's needs are different. It's ok to move the electrode pads up or down to get the most effective relief. Ask your birth partner to read this information — they’ll need to know where to place the pads during labour!
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What’s the best TENS machine for labour?
Which TENS machine is best for labour? Choosing the right TENS machine for the best pain relief during labour is important. Learn about how TENS helps give you control over your pain relief during labour.
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Natural Birth Hub
Why movement matters in labour
Labour is a process that works best when your body has space to move and respond naturally. The way you position yourself during labour can make a real difference to how your baby descends, how your contractions feel, and how supported and in control you feel throughout the experience. One of the simplest yet most effective strategies is staying upright and active wherever possible. Labouring in upright and active positions can help your baby move down more easily while also providing comfort and easing pain. There are many ways to stay upright: walking, rocking your pelvis, using pillows for support, slow dancing with your partner, sitting and swaying on a birth or peanut ball, kneeling and leaning, or using a birth sling for support. Focus on moving, working through your contractions, and pushing in the positions that feel most natural and comfortable for you. Staying upright and active during the first stage of labour is linked with shorter labours and less need for pain relief, while pushing and giving birth in upright positions is associated with lower pain levels and a more satisfying birth experience. Lying down during childbirth can work against the labouring body. It is great for brief moments of rest and gives the mother a chance to catch her breath, but try not to stay flat for too long. Trust your body to guide you into the positions that feel right — it can make labour feel more manageable and help things progress more smoothly.
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Who support you matters
Ultimately, who is present during your labour should be based on your wishes. Take some time to think about who will support you through each stage of labour and make this clear to your birth partner before labour.You might choose to have just your birth partner and midwife (and perhaps a doula) with you, or, depending on your culture, beliefs, and preferences, you may want to include whānau or other trusted support people to surround you during labour.In a Māori whānau, the people present are usually those closest to you and chosen by you, guided by whānau, tikanga, and whakawhanaungatanga (connection and relationships). This often includes your partner, mother, sisters, aunties, kuia (elder women), and sometimes other trusted whānau members. The presence of whānau is about more than support — it reflects the understanding that birth is a collective, family event, not something you experience alone.Choose the people who make you feel safe, supported, and truly at ease during labour. Whether it’s a small, private space or a room filled with whānau, what matters most is that you feel grounded, connected, and cared for. When your support circle reflects your values and wishes, it can positively shape your entire birth experience.
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Does induction hurt more? How to feel in control & prepared
If you’ve found yourself Googling “Is induced labour more painful?” — you’re not alone.It’s one of the biggest worries mums have when induction is mentioned. Not just what will happen, but how it will feel.And the honest answer is:It can feel more intense — but that doesn’t mean it has to feel overwhelming or out of control.With an induction, sometimes contractions can start more suddenly, become strong more quickly, and have less of a “break-in” period. But it’s not just about pain, it’s about how quickly things can build and how supported and prepared you feel.In spontaneous labour, your body gradually builds its own rhythm. Hormones rise slowly, contractions space themselves out, and your body has time to adjust.With induction, that natural build-up is often shortened. That’s why research shows induced labour is linked with higher rates of epidural use and further interventions — not because mums “can’t cope”, but because the pace can be more intense.But here’s what some mums don’t realise.You can prepare for this.Start pain relief early — not when things feel overwhelmingOne of the most powerful tools here is a TENS machine. Using it in early labour (including the induction “ramp-up” phase) can help your body release natural endorphins and stay calmer as things build.Understand your induction methodThere are different methods of induction in New Zealand and each feels different. Knowing what’s coming reduces fear massively.Stay involved in decisionsFeeling informed and included can genuinely change how labour feels.Keep your environment calmLow lighting, movement, and support all help your body work with labour, not against it.Induction doesn’t have to feel like something happening to you. With the right preparation, it can still feel grounded, supported, and manageable.
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Visualisation is POWERFUL!
Visualisation is a powerful, natural way to manage contraction surges. It’s frequently used by professional athletes to naturally enhance their performance, so why not in this highly physical performance!By mentally rehearsing birth, you prepare your mind and body to respond calmly and confidently. Instead of the unknown feeling overwhelming, it becomes something familiar, and that alone can reduce fear and tension.During pregnancy, take a few quiet moments to picture each stage of labour. Imagine how you’ll breathe, how you’ll move, and how you’ll stay relaxed as sensations build. See yourself coping, staying grounded, and working with your body.When labour begins, bring your focus inward. Visualise your cervix softening and opening with each surge. Picture your baby gently descending, your body guiding them down. Keep coming back to your breath—slow, steady, and rhythmic.You can also reframe contractions through imagery. Imagine each one as a wave, rising and falling, carrying you closer to meeting your baby.These small mental shifts can make a big difference to how labour feels.For even deeper relaxation, pair visualisation with a calming audio or have your birth partner guide you through it.Practise now, so it feels natural when you need it most.
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