Canada Childbirth TENS - Welcome

Waiting for your new arrival is exciting, a time to prepare and think about the baby and a time to think about the choices that are available for the labour and birth. More and more women are seeking alternatives to drugs that can have negative side effects on them and their baby. Over the years TENS have become a popular choice for pain relief in labour.

Canada Childbirth TENS provides obstetric TENS units that are specifically designed to combat pain during labour. Giving women a safe, effective, easy to use drug-free method of pain relief.

What is TENS?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, and has successfully been used for many years by pregnant women and professional caregivers worldwide. The TENS is a small, lightweight unit. Leading out of the unit are 4 small wires that attach to 4 self adhesive pads, these pads are applied to the back and small electrical pulses pass through them.

The electrical pulses stimulate nerve cells that partially block the pain signals from the uterus and cervix from reaching the brain, it also stimulates the brain to produce its own pain relieving substances called endorphins. The TENS unit has a booster button to temporally increase the intensity of the pulses during contractions. We supply the ELLE MATERNITY TENS and the FEMME MATERNITY TENS.

How do I use TENS?

TENS is most effective when applied as early in labour as possible. At the onset of early labour, simply have one of your labour supporters or doula apply the four pads to your back as shown in the accompanying instructions and switch the TENS machine on. You will feel a pleasant pulsing sensation. This will help to raise the level of your own pain relieving chemicals known as endorphins and block pain signals from reaching the brain.

You are in control of varying the length and strength of the pulses to match the amount of pain relief you need as labour progresses. When experiencing a contraction, press the booster button for the extra surge of power needed to combat the pain.

Can I use an ordinary TENS Machine?

No. ELLE MATERNITY TENS and FEMME MATERNITY TENS are specifically designed for childbirth and provide more power, larger pads than conventional TENS and include an integrated booster button, which is very important for relieving pain during contractions.

Can I try the TENS Machine before going into labour?

Yes. To experience the sensation of the TENS, just try two pads on your forearm to feel the different pulses. The pads are re-adhesive and be re-applied to the plastic backing they came on, especially useful if you are taking it on and off during labour to use the tub or shower or using the TENS for pregnancy backache or postpartum after pains. If required, extra sets of electrode pads can be purchased for $9 a pack, please ask for more information when you rent or purchase your TENS.

Can Canada Childbirth TENS be used with other methods of pain relief?

Yes, in can be used in conjunction with any other pain relief methods, with the exception of water, TENS needs to be removed before using showers or getting into the tub but can be re-applied to your back when you get out again.

Can I use a TENS if I am considering a water birth?

Yes, but not in the water itself. Women planning a water birth usually enter the water later on in labour and find the TENS beneficial for the hours of labour before entering the water.

Can Canada Childbirth TENS be used at home and/or in hospital?

Yes, if you are planning to give birth at the hospital or birth centre you will be able to use the TENS from early labour at home and keep it on as you move to your birth centre. TENS is also an ideal method of pain relief for homebirths.

Are TENS machines safe?

Yes. ELLE MATERNITY TENS and FEMME MATERNITY TENS units are designed for labour. We do not advise use before the 37th week of pregnancy though unless under medical supervision and if you suffer from epilepsy or have any doubts whatsoever consult a medical professional. If you use a demand type pace maker you should not use a TENS machine.

Can I use the TENS after my birth?

• shoulder pain from breast feeding
• back pain
• after pains
• postpartum after pains
• post-operative pain following a cesarean section

What is the difference between the ELLE and FEMME TENS?

The ELLE TENS has a digital screen showing the mode chosen. It has an integrated booster button and the ability to switch between different pre-set strengths at the touch of a button.

The ELLE TENS is available for rental for 5 weeks and comes with all the supplies needed including a pre-paid hassle free return shipping envelope.

The FEMME TENS is a more flexible machine as you can change the intensity of the speed and the depth of the pulses manually using the dials on the top of the unit. The booster button is detachable.

The FEMME TENS is available for purchase, giving women a cost effective way of owning a TENS.

Please check out the links at the top of the page to see more details of both TENS and to rent or purchase a TENS.

Is the cost covered by my healthcare scheme?

Some provincial and private healthcare schemes cover this cost, please contact your provider directly for more information.

When do you send me the TENS machine?

All TENS rentals are shipped during your 37th week of pregnancy. Please allow 1-5 working days for delivery.

If you need your unit dispatched earlier than your 37th week please contact us.

All TENS purchases are shipped immediately.

What happens if my baby arrives late?

Please let us know by email. If we are notified in advance we will extend the 5 week hire for a week for FREE. If you then wish to hire for further weeks, a charge of $10 per week applies.

When is the best time to order?

The earlier you can reserve a rental the better to guarantee availability. Some women even order months in advance.

If you need the rental pack immediately (you are past 37 weeks of pregnancy) please contact us to confirm availability and arrange the quickest shipping method possible.

I couldn’t see the answer to my question?

Please use the contact us link at the top of the page, we will be more than happy to help.