All natural pain relief, TENS unit for labor and birth.

Originally when I purchased my first TENS unit, I kept it in my bag for use on a case-by-case basis.  On Christmas Eve of 2013, I had a client laboring with shooting back pains, I pulled out my unit and put it on her and it almost eliminated what she was feeling and she was able to cope again.

In February of 2014, I added 3 more units to my practice.  The response for the last year has been overwhelmingly positive, so I have now purchased 2 more for a total of 6.  I want to ensure that each of my clients has access to this innovative and risk free form of pain relief.

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation. You may have heard of or even used a TENS unit at your chiropractor's or physical therapist's office.  The units I use are a little different.  They are created and designed specifically for labor and birth and are only available in the UK.  They are ordered in bulk because of high shipping costs so I have very limited opportunities to purchase more.

Elle Babycare TENS units use larger pads than typical TENS units to wrap around all the nerves in the uterus.  The settings are created with contractions in mind, so there is a "BOOST" button for use during contractions.  This feature is important because you don't want to have to adjust dials or fidget with a lot of settings to get relief during contractions.

TENS units work 2 ways in labor.

• Gate control theory

Gate control theory simplified, is the idea that if we get pleasure to the large nerve fibers that wrap around the uterus before the pain transmits up the small nerve fibers, the brain will only allow so much through. Pain is diminished this way.

• Endorphin release

The TENS unit works best when it is applied at the onset of labor, very early, before contractions are painful.  Endorphins are the natural pain relieving hormone that our bodies produce in response to pain. Endorphins are our best friend in labor and a TENS unit, when applied in early labor, will help endorphin levels to rise more quickly.

In addition to scientific reasons for the benefits of TENS units for labor, I find that my clients really like the feeling of control it gives them.  The fact that there is a button that can be pushed when they have painful contractions has been a huge benefit. If my client decides she doesn't like the unit (which is extremely rare), she can simply take it off.  If she does like it, it can be worn for hours on end.  I recommend that as soon as a client realizes she is in labor, she take a warm bath to relax, apply the unit, then go to bed and rest up for the main event. 

My clients love my TENS units and I am so excited to offer this service!! Contact me if you want more information on how to eliminate pain, raise endorphins, and feel more in control during your labor and birth with an Elle TENS unit and ME as your doula in the DFW, Texas area!

Fort Worth Doula
Abbey Robinson
817-343-7545

Rebecca L.
"I absolutely loved using the TENS unit during my labor. It helped so much during the time between contractions and then gave me a lot of relief during the actual contraction. I liked that you could choose the pulse and intensity. And, you have complete control with the remote!! Thank you Abbey for letting me use it!!! You are awesome!!"

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