How to Use a TENS Machine for Labour: A Central Coast Doula’s Guide
TENS Machines in Labour: What Every Central Coast Mama Needs to Know
TENS machines might not be for everyone, but if you're heading into birth, it's a powerful (and portable) tool to have in your toolkit. As a Central Coast doula supporting all different kinds of birth, I say it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Here's some of my top tips for using a TENS machine in labour, why it works, and how to make the most of it.
Plus, I go deeper into all pain relief options inside Birth Different—my online birth course that’s anything but boring! Check it out to learn more about how you can go in to birth empowered & educated.
⚡️So…What is a TENS machine?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It’s a small handheld device that sends gentle electrical pulses through pads you stick onto your lower back. It’s completely drug-free, non-invasive, super portable, and safe to use throughout labour. You can control the settings yourself or hand it off to your birth support person.
You don’t need to buy one unless you’re planning on having a bunch of babies (or lending it to friends). Most people hire one for around $60–$75 for four weeks.
Local Central Coast TENS hire (use MODERNDOULA affiliate code to save):
@motherly.doula__
@better_birth_doula
@physiozest
Online hire with MODERNDOULA discount code:
@blissbirth
So, let’s get into the tips…
one.
Start early.
Don't wait until contractions are super intense to pop your TENS machine on. Begin using it in early labour on a low setting to encourage your body’s natural endorphin release and to help your brain associate the sensation with your contractions. Then, you can increase the intensity as labour continues.
two.
Use the right kind of TENS.
Make sure you're using an obstetric TENS machine, not a regular sports recovery one. Obstetric TENS machines have a magic BOOST or BURST button, which is clutch for when contractions kick in—you can press it for extra intensity during each surge and you’re gonna love it!!!
three.
Pad placement matters.
Most people place the pads on their back as shown on the pamphlets (two higher up, two lower), but you're not locked in. If you’re feeling the strongest sensations in your hips or lower back, feel free to move the pads around to where you need the relief most, and feel free to shift them throughout your labour.
four.
Reuse like a pro.
You can turn the TENS machine off and on as much as you want. Keep the plastic backing sheets from the sticky pads so you can reuse them without them getting covered in fluff or losing stickiness. That way, you’re not stuck switching them out mid-labour.
five.
Use the TENS as a pain relief gatekeeper.
If you’re feeling like you can’t do it anymore, turn the TENS off briefly to help you feel a contrast and reset your mindset. Doing this is a great reminder that you CAN do this, and the TENS machine is your friend!!
six.
Train your partner.
Make sure your partner knows how to use the Boost/Burst button as well as how to change the intensity on the TENS machine. When concentrating on the TENS gets too much, you can hand it over to your partner to control for you which can keep you focused on getting through each contraction.
So… does it hurt?
Not really! Most people describe the sensation as a buzzing or tingling feeling. But heads up: if you try it when you're not in labour, it might feel a bit more intense!! During labour, though, your brain will be too focused on the task at hand—and the TENS becomes a super handy distraction.
Why doulas (and birth nerds) love the TENS
As a Central Coast doula, I always tell my clients that pain relief comes in many forms—and the TENS is one of the few that’s totally within your control. It's portable, non-medical, doesn’t interfere with movement, and helps many birthing people feel more confident going into labour knowing they have something to do when those early contractions begin. Plus, that handy boost/burst button is amazing for helping you feel like you have something to do each contraction, and can really help you feel powerful and in control.
Want to learn more about all your options?
We go deep into pain relief, hormones, and how to work with your body (not against it) inside Birth Different—my no-fluff, straight-talking online birth course.
Whether you’re planning a physiological birth, curious about what support actually looks like, or just want to feel like the main character in your birth story—you’ll find everything you need inside.