Elle TENS Plus (TENS machine for labour)

We are so excited to offer TENS machine hire for labour. We have purchased the ultimate in obstetric TENS machine to have during this exciting stage in your journey.

So, what’s the deal?

Simply pre book your TENS machine for collection around 4 weeks prior to your due date. You will have the machine for 8 weeks which should have you covered for your impending birth. If your TENS is not collected within 7 days of your collection date, your order will be cancelled. Your 8 weeks commences from your agreed collection date.

Local hire/pick up only at this stage.

Friendly email reminder 1 week prior to return date if not already returned.

Included in hire is everything you will need:

• 1 x Elle TENS Plus including contraction timer
• 1 x brand new reusable electrode pads set of 4
• Extra emergency set of pads provided (a charge of $25 will be charged if used, otherwise no extra charge if not used and returned in unopened packaging)
• 2 x brand new AA batteries
• 2 x leadwires
• Easy to read instructions

Cost of 8 week hire: $100.00

It is important to pre book your hire as we have limited machines.
Payment is required up front on hire.
Please read the terms and conditions.

Health insurance
Your private health insurer may provide some cover for your machine hire. The rebate available differs between plans and providers, but may be up to 100%!
After you have paid on pick up, you will receive an email invoice (within 24 hours) which you can submit to your private health provider.

So what is a TENS machine?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and provides drug-free pain relief. This can be used for all sorts of pain but has been found to be especially effective for pain during labour when using a specialised obstetric TENS machine.

A TENS machine sends small, safe pulses of electrical current via leads to electrode pads which are attached to your skin and held in place by a firm gel. The pulses pass through your skin and into your muscles and tissues. This gives you a gentle tingling or buzzing sensation. The intensity of pulses can be increased or lowered based on the pain being experienced.

How does a TENS machine reduce pain?
The TENS machine works to reduce your experience of pain a number of ways.

• Electrical pulses from a TENS machine prevent pain signals reaching the brain.
• TENS pulses release natural feel-good substances call endorphins, your body’s own natural morphine-like pain killers.
• It helps you feel in control of labour and feel less anxious.

• It offers a distraction from contractions
  

What does TENS feel like?
Many women describe the feeling of TENS as a tingling, or buzzing sensation. The obstetric TENS has specialised waves of this sensation that feels similar to a rumbling massage on your lower back.

When used correctly the TENS should never been painful, although the device is very powerful and can be uncomfortable if ramped up to a high setting too quickly. Correct use involves slowly increasing the intensity of the pulses as your brain readjusts to the sensation.

A regular TENS machine from a chemist or Physio is great for painful joints etc but is missing a vital function – the boost button! Without this element a TENS machine is not an obstetric TENS, and you can’t amplify the pain fighting sensation during contractions so it’s going to be nowhere near as effective for your birth.

When should I use a TENS machine?
You can use TENS from the very beginning of your labour. You could start using it when you’re getting regular contractions or backache. TENS is most likely to be effective in early labour, and is most effectively used during later stages of labour when applied early.

How do I use a TENS machine while in labour?
A step-by-step guide to using a TENS machine during labour:

• Check the machine is turned off before placing the pads on your back. It’s best to have another person such as your birth partner place the pads on your back for you. Do NOT place the pads on your abdomen.
• Place two of the electrode pads on either side of your spine, with the tops of the pads at about bra-strap level.
• Place the other two lower down, from just below your panty line up.
• Switch the machine on, starting with the controls at the lowest setting.
• Turn them up gradually as your contractions get stronger, or when the pain in your back gets worse.
• Press the boost button during contractions. The boost function results in more intense, wave-like tingling or buzzing sensations.
• Remember to turn off the boost button again when the contraction has ended. This is so you feel the benefit of the boost next time you have a contraction.
• Don’t give up straight away if you think TENS isn’t doing anything. You may need to keep using it for at least an hour before it starts to work for you.
• If the pads start to lose their stickiness, rub a few drops of water into the gel side of the pads before putting them back on. The more firmly the pads are stuck on, the better they’ll work.
• If you don’t think the pads are helping you after a while, take them off. You are in control of your labour and what is working for you. All other forms of pain relief, both medical and non-medical, are still open to you.

Test your Elle TENS Plus as soon as you receive it. Familiarising yourself with the unit and its functions will make for a more stress-free experience when your labour begins. If you have any problems or questions make sure you contact us ASAP so we can make sure you have everything you need for a great birthing experience.

When shouldn’t I use a TENS Machine?
Never use a TENS machine under the following circumstances, without talking to a midwife or doctor first:

• Before you are 36 weeks pregnant.
• When you’re in a shower, bath, or birth pool.
• If you have broken skin or a healing scar where you want to place the pads.
• If you have a cardiac pacemaker or a heart rhythm problem.
• If you have pain that you don’t think is labour pain. See your doctor or midwife if this is the case.
• On another part of your body than your lower back as pictures in the instruction manual.
  

What are the advantages of a TENS machine?

• You can keep moving around while using it.
• You can use it for as long as you want to and take it off if you want or need to.
• There are no lasting side-effects.
• It's safe for you and your baby.
• You don't need an anaesthetist, doctor or midwife to help you use it.
• It's portable and non-invasive.
• You control it.
• It's easy to use.

What are the disadvantages of a TENS machine?

• You probably won’t be able to put the pads in place without help.
• You may find it only gives you relief in the early stages of labour.
• TENS can’t be used in water, though you can still use it before you get in a bath or birth pool.
• If you want your birth partner to massage your back, they will have to work around the pads.
• You will not be able to use a heat pack on your back as it will erode the stickiness of the pads, you can use a heat pack on your lower abdomen instead

When during my labour do I use it?
It is recommended to use the TENS as soon as contractions become regular. This is likely to be before the contractions are really painful, but don't hold on to the TENS for later when you are feeling uncomfortable. It will work better if you begin to use it earlier rather than later, giving those pain-fighting endorphins time to build with the strength of your contractions.

Can I use the TENS machine with water?
No, you cannot use the tens machine in the bath or shower as the machine uses electrical pulses to stimulate your nervous system. However, the TENS can be used safely with any other pain relief method or medication. If you would like to use water as a part of your birth plan, we recommend using the TENS during early labour and progressing to water later, especially if you want to have a water birth.

Will my electrode pads stay sticky?
The electrode pads provided are designed to be re-usable, meaning you can take them off and then reapply them. Just be sure to pop them back onto the film they arrived attached to when you are not wearing them. Residual oil or moisture on your skin will start to erode the stickiness of your pads, so if you are in and out of the shower several times, or sweating, make sure to dry your back completely before reapplying.

You can 'revive' the stickiness of your pads by brushing over with a damp fabric cloth. Additional electrode pads are also available for purchase.

If I don't use my TENS, can I have a refund?
We understand that babies and birth are always unpredictable. If your TENS hasn't been collected yet, you can let us know to cancel your order without charge. However, since the TENS Hire is a service, if there is no issue with a faulty machine or if you choose not to use the machine or are unable to use it, we have provided the service and therefore cannot provide refunds.

Interested in hire of an Elle Tens machines? See the Elle TENS Hire Policy