TENS Rental
What is a TENS unit?
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a method of non-medicinal pain relief that can safely be used throughout labor. The TENS unit itself is a small, handheld device that attaches via lead wires to electrodes that are placed on your back. You have full control over the machine at all times and can turn it up or down as needed to help counter your pain.
These little machines are incredibly effective pain relief tools and I am happy to be able to offer them for rent to my non-doula clients.
“No joke, that little machine helped with my pain level even while pushing. I am so glad that was an option.”
So how does it work?
TENS provides pain relief in a number of ways. The tingly “pins and needles” sensation distracts your mind from the rest of the sensations (pain) you may be experiencing. It also serves to decrease anxiety by giving a sense of control; after all, you are the one in charge of turning the unit up or down.
There are two theories of pain relief that are thought to apply to TENS. The Gate Control Theory suggests that there are “nerve gates” that control whether pain signals are allowed to reach the brain. It is thought that the electrical impulses from a TENS machine close these “gates” and don’t allow as many pain signals to reach the brain.
Additionally, the Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Control Theory may be at play with TENS for pain relief. In short, it is thought that “pain inhibits pain.” By sending these tingly electrical impulses to your brain, it is flooding the system and making other labor pains seem less intense.
Ready to rent?
Note: $40 of the cost is a security deposit and is refunded upon return of the unit in good, working condition.
Let me answer those questions
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Every rental includes a brief how-to video, to ensure you know when and how to use the system.
One Elle TENS unit with neck lanyard
Four reusable electrode pads (new for each client)
Two lead wires
Two AA batteries (plus a spare set)
Quick reference guide
Carrying pouch
Sanitizing wipe (don’t worry, I disinfect it thoroughly again between clients!)
Prepaid return label
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The rental is on sale for $80 (typically $90!), which includes a $40 refundable security deposit.
Once the kit is returned in good working condition, $40 will be refunded.
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Place your reservation early to ensure that a TENS kit is available for your due date! Only a limited number of units are available.
Units are to be used once you’ve reached 37 weeks gestation.
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Yes! These machines are designed to work unobtrusively within hospital settings, including with fetal monitoring.
The pads will need to be removed during epidural placement. Sometimes epidurals leave a small area of the body where you can still feel pressure or pain. Placing the TENS pads in that area may help manage that pain if you don’t want to have the epidural redone.
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Research shows us that TENS during labor measurably reduces pain and increases maternal satisfaction. Studies have shown that TENS provides pain relief on par with injectable opioids.
I recommend learning more from the following:
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TENS units are safe for both pregnant person and baby, assuming all precautions are followed. Precautions and contraindications include:
not using the unit before 37 weeks (unless your provider explicitly okays it)
not using in or near water
not using if you have a cardiac pacemaker or suffer from epilepsy
not using on broken or agitated skin
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I get it, life is BUSY. If you need more time with your TENS rental, additional time can be purchased in my shop for $15/week.
Pro tip: these machines can also help with postpartum pains (such as sore back or hips) and even injuries your partner may have.