09/02/2022
From our friends at Bliss Birth
๐๐ผ๐ ๐ฑ๐ผ ๐ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐ง๐๐ก๐ฆ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐น๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป ๐น๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ฟ?
A step by step guide to using a TENS machine during labour:
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Check the machine is turned off before placing the pads on your back. Itโs best to have another person such as your birth partner place the pads on your back for you.
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Place two of the electrode pads on either side of your spine, with the tops of the pads at about bra-strap level.
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Place the other two lower down, from just below your panty line up.
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Switch the machine on, starting with the controls at the lowest setting.
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Turn them up gradually as your contractions get stronger, or when the pain in your back gets worse.
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Press the boost button during contractions. The boost function results in more intense, wave-like tingling or buzzing sensations.
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Remember to turn off the boost button again when the contraction has ended. This is so you feel the benefit of the boost next time you have a contraction.
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Keep mobile. Moving around during labour helps you to feel in control and will make TENS more effective.
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Donโt give up straight away if you think TENS isnโt doing anything. You may need to keep using it for at least an hour before it starts to work for you.
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If the pads start to lose their stickiness, rub a few drops of water into the gel side of the pads before putting them back on. The more firmly the pads are stuck on, the better theyโll work.
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If you donโt think the pads are helping you after a while, take them off. You are in control of your labour and what is working for you. All other forms of pain relief, both medical and non-medical, are still open to you.
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