Here is what you need to know about TENS and how it might be a part of your birth plan - no matter the path you go down. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, and is a safe and effective drug free method of pain relief during labour. TENS blocks pain signals from getting to the brain and help to boost your bodies natural pain relieving hormones called endorphins.
TENS isn't just for one type of labour, It's the chameleon of pain relief, ready to adapt to whatever birth adventure you're embarking on. Let's talk about how TENS can fit into your birth plan.
Planning a drug free birth?
TENS has your back (literally) with its drug-free goodness, giving you that extra oomph to ride those waves of contractions like a pro. The earlier you use it the better, as its pain fighting power increases with time. TENS blocks pain signals from getting to the brain and helps to boost your bodies natural pain fighting hormones (endorphins). The magic of TENS for a drug free birth is that it can be easily combined with other tools such as massage, breathing techniques, a birth comb and is portable enough to use in almost any position.
If you're planning to use the shower or bath for a certain stage or labour, TENS is the perfect tool to use before and after. Just make sure you remove your TENS before you use water - you can pop it on again after you're dry.
Thinking of going the medicated route?
No problem! If an epidural or gas is part of your birth plan TENS can still be your trusty sidekick. TENS works great for early labour while you're still at home or in the car and is the perfect option to keep you in control before your epidural.
TENS is safe in combination with other pain medications such as gas or morphine and can work well if you're trying to delay your epidural or waiting on one.
What about c-sections?
Planned or unplanned, if your birth takes you down the path of a C-section, you can discuss with your health professionals how you might use TENS to assist with after-birth pains as well as post-operative pain. There is some new evidence to suggest TENS can also be helpful to improve incision-site healing as well.
So, whether you're birthing at home, in a hospital, or somewhere in between, consider TENS as part of your birth plan.
It's a versatile option that can help you navigate the twists and turns of labour and postpartum with a bit more comfort and confidence. Here's to a smoother birthing experience – with a little help from Birth Bestie and TENS.
If baby bumps, childbirth and becoming a new mum are your thing (which we're pretty certain it is! 😉 ), keep an eye on our blog and follow us on instagram for more.
Check out our TENS machine hire if you'd like a drug-free method to cope with labour pains at home, on the go or at the hospital.
Feedback is always welcomed – what other topics would you like us to cover? We're here keep you informed and hope to make your journey to motherhood easier, one blog post at a time!
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