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Is TENS safe?

When applied correctly, TENS is safe for the use in labour and does not cause any side effects to you or your baby.

How and when do I book my TENS?

Book your TENS here - HIRE

You can book your TENS as far in advance as you like. We strongly advise booking at your earliest convenience, as unfortunately we don't have a machine for everyone. 

Select the date on the booking calendar for when you will be 36 weeks pregnant - and then you're all booked in!

 

What are the differences between the 3 TENS machines available for hire?

Having trouble deciding on the right Labour TENS machine for you? 

Below is a side by side comparison of our labour and maternity TENS devices to make your selection easier.

What are the advantages of a TENS machine?

• TENS is non-invasive and therefore allows freedom of movement including walking around.
• It won't directly interfere with your labour.
• You can use it for as long as you want to and take it off if you want/need to.
• There are no lasting side-effects and its completely safe for you and your baby.
• You don't need an anaesthetist, doctor or midwife to help you use it.
• It can be used at home,  they are highly recommended for home birth
• It's portable and non-invasive.
• TENS can be used on its own or in conjunction with some other form of pain relief.
• Easy to operate and fully controlled by mum.
• Focuses your attention and provides you with a sense of control in managing your labour pains.

 

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 prior to getting in a bath or birth pool.
• If you want your birth partner to massage your back, they will have to work around the pads.

 

When do I start using my TENS machine?

Pregnancy

TENS machines have been proven to be effective at reducing lower back and pelvic girdle pains experienced during pregnancy.

If you have approval by your midwife or Doctor (or allied health professional) you can use your TENS machine for these pains prior to 37 weeks gestation.

Prior to Labour

We advise that you test your TENS machine from 37 weeks gestation to ensure the machine is functioning correctly and that you familiarise yourself with how to use the device.

You can practice using this on yourself, your birth partner or a friend. It is fine to use the electrodes that are supplied in your pack and then reuse these for labour, as they can be reused up to 20 times!

Labour

It is best to use your TENS machine at the beginning of your labour, as it is believed that the longer the device is insitu, the more effective it will be at reducing pain and creating endorphins.

TENS is most likely to be effective in early labour and you may still need other forms of pain relief as your labour progresses. You may find that the TENS works better at relieving your backache than other types of pain relief. However every woman's labour and birth is different.

TENS therapy can be stopped at any time during your labour, and does not have any residual effects. For example, you could stop it if you wanted to get into the bath or remove the electrodes to have a back massage. You can then place your electrodes and TENS back on.

Postpartum

Some mums experience horrible after birth pains, so reuse your birth electrodes and place your pads over your uterus!

 

When NOT to use a TENS machine?

Never use a TENS machine under the following circumstances, without talking to a Midwife or Doctor first:

• Prior to 37 weeks gestation unless in consultation with a midwife, doctor or other allied health professional.
• When you are in the 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.

 

Can I combine TENS with other pain relief methods for childbirth?

Yes, you can still use heat packs, massage, gas.  You can not use TENS if you are in the shower or bath.

 

What if I don't use the TENS in labour?

As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we cannot provide any form of refund if the TENS machine is not used in labour.

 

Private Health Rebate

If you have private health insurance, you may be able to claim the cost of your labour TENS hire or purchase. This will be dependant on your level of cover and who your health care provider is.

Please check in with your insurer so you understand their requirements for a smooth claims process. The best place to find out what rebate you might be entitled to is through your own insurer.

We are now a BUPA recognised provider and can provide a compliant receipt

for your TENS hire or purchase! Please email us hello@mamaanditens.com.au for and we can update your receipt to include our BUPA provider number.

Be aware, that the person answering the phone may not know what a TENS is but they will be familiar with 'Health Aids' or 'Appliances' which is sometimes what TENS is categorised as.

When you place your order with us, you will automatically receive a PDF copy of your invoice that you can forward to your private health insurance company.