TENS Unit Services
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Frequently Asked Questions​
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What is a TENS unit?
TENS stands for, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. TENS is a safe, non-pharmacological method of pain management with many benefits and no harm to mother or baby.
A TENS unit is a hand-held, battery operated device that connects lead wires to four stimulating pads that are placed on the laboring mother's back. Electrical impulses stimulate nerve fibers just under the skin creating a prickly, or tingling type of sensation.
Studies have shown that women were less likely to use an epidural with the TENS unit, and were more likely to use one again in the future. A study that investigated the use of TENS for back pain in labor found that "Tens has a specific beneficial effect on pain localized in the back."
(Ref - Bundsen, et al , 1981; Carroll, et al, 1997; Thomas et al, 1988)
Like laboring in a tub, TENS is not going to work for everyone, but it's nice to be able to offer it as an additional coping tool for those looking to minimize other interventions.
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*You can find more information on TENS at Evidence Based Birth here.
How does a TENS unit work?
A TENS unit works in two ways. By creating gate control, the stimulation provided by the TENS travels faster to the brain than the discomfort of the contractions. It acts as an interrupter to the pain signals from contractions. The sensations created by the TENS travel on faster nerve fibers than those contractions use, so the brain sort of has a choice of which to pay more attention to. More often than not, it will choose the thing that feels best and the less desirable feeling will be dulled. A TENS also increases natural endorphins, which are known as nature's painkillers. Utilizing the TENS in early labor can help increase the likelihood that it will be an effective means of coping with pain.
What are some of the benefits of using a TENS in labor?
A few benefits of utilizing a TENS in labor are:
- No harm to mother or baby
- Is controlled by laboring mom and/or support team
- Can be used for long periods of time
- Allows freedom of movement & continued active participation of labor
- Reduction of labor discomforts, particularly back labor
- No loss of other sensations or mental function
- Can be used in conjunction with narcotics and nitrous oxide
- Reduces request for epidural
Is your TENS only good to use for labor?
No way! Using a TENS can help physically and emotionally in those first post-partum weeks, too. Those after-pains are NO JOKE, and incorporating a TENS into recovery can help ease those discomforts.
Can everyone use a TENS for labor?
Most moms can use a TENS safely. However, there are a few instances in which the TENS cannot be used. Those include:
- If the mom has a pacemaker
- Those with a history of epilepsy or seizures
- If there are open wounds that would interfere with the placement of pads
- Those utilizing an epidural and/or internal fetal monitor
- Those laboring in water (but these are easily taken on and off before and after water use)
- Moms who have not yet reached the 37th week of pregnancy (unless labor has begun)
What do I need to do to use your TENS unit?
If you are a birth client, the use of this tool is complementary during birth. If you wish to rent the unit to have prior to our meeting for labor, you may rent the unit (if available) 2 weeks prior to your EDD. You will just need to have the consent form completed from your care provider and sign and return the TENS unit contract.
What does the TENS rental include?
Rental include:
- An in-person or virtual meeting with you and your birth partner to discuss the TENS unit kit and demonstrate use
- 1 Elle TENS unit with batteries on neck lanyard
- Two extra batteries
- Two lead wires
- One set of electrodes (4 pack)
- Carrying pouch
- Instructions for use
- Free pickup by me after your birth or post-partum rental contract ends
How do I contact you about more information?
You can reach me at bydesigndoula@gmail.com. I am happy to help answer any questions you have!
How much does a TENS rental cost?
Rental cost is $100, due prior to drop-off. Once the unit is returned, and if it is in the condition it was delivered in, $25 will be returned to you.
Jamie Cain Photography