TENS machine available for your labour
An effective way to offer extra support through labour is with the use of a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machine. This is a wonderful little device that women can use themselves at home, or bring to the birthing unit too.
Since the 1960s TENS machines have been used in hospitals to stimulate the nerves in the lower back through the use of small electrodes.* These pass a controlled current through to the nerves, which stimulates the release of endorphins and encaphalins - your body's natural pain killers. These block the pain message from being released to your brain, making the contractions more tolerable.
The TENS machine is a 'patient-controlled' device giving you a sense of control over your labour experience. It is drug-free pain relief at your finger tips. It has no effect on your baby. It has an instant effect on the intensity of your contraction, without any side effects.
You'd normally need to rent these for a few weeks, and pay a deposit, if you were hiring one from a business. Fortunately, my clients do not need to as I have now acquired a TENS machine for intrapartum use. If I am your midwife you are welcome to use it. There is no need to hold on to the unit for weeks while you wait for your baby, as I can give it to you when labour appears imminent and show you how easy it is to use. There is a hire fee of $30 to cover up-keep of the device such as batteries and electrode pad replacement Please ask if interested.
(*Wellington maternity units don't have TENS machines)
