TENS is a safe and effective means of combating pain during the process of childbirth. It works by sending comfortable, gentle pulses to the nerves through four electrode pads placed on the skin. It utilizes the Gate Theory of Pain Control by gently stimulating your sensory nerves to suppress or block the pain signal to the brain. When these pain signals are blocked, it becomes more difficult for the brain to register the sensation of pain (or it opts for the more pleasant pulsing sensation).

Endorphins (often referred to as the body’s natural opiates) are produced naturally by the body to manage pain. High endorphin levels can make you feel alert, attentive, and even euphoric after birth, as you begin to get to know and care for your baby. In this early, postpartum period, endorphins and the hormone oxytocin are believed to play a role in strengthening the mother-infant relationship. TENS can promote the release of endorphins through a comfortable tapping sensation that results in pain relief even after the unit is turned off.

The Elle TENS has two main settings: burst and boost. During a space between labour contractions, the machine should be left on “burst”. When a contraction begins, simply press the boost button on the side of the unit for a surge of extra power for pain relief. After the contraction ends, simply press the same button again to return back to the “burst” setting.

Babycare TENS make only the highest quality products known for their excellent design and ease of use. Babycare has an active medical device license with Health Canada for the Elle TENS, and has been shown to be effective for labour and afterward. The Elle TENS can help you to remain in control, stay alert, and considerably reduce drug intake. Most importantly, there are no known side effects for you or your baby.

$65 including a set of pads

Pick-up is from 37 weeks, and rental is approximately 4 weeks.

The Elle TENS can be worn any time you are not in the water unless you have epidural or spinal anesthesia in place. It can be worn with an external fetal monitor in place and can be particularly useful in situations where mobility is limited or the baby is in a posterior or asynclitic position. Even if you are planning for an epidural, a TENS machine can help you to relax and manage pain in the earlier stages of labour, before you are ready to be admitted to the hospital, and later while you are waiting for the anesthesiologist.

Yes, they are designed for labour. However, do not use before the 37th week of pregnancy unless under medical supervision, as the pads are placed over sensitive pressure points on the back that could possibly stimulate labour if your body was getting ready. If you suffer from epilepsy or have any doubts whatsoever consult a medical professional. If you use a pacemaker you should not use a TENS machine

There are no known side effects for you or your baby.