$102.00 for 37 days. TENS is mailed to you once you reach 37 weeks. Can be used for a maximum of 2 hours per day until labour begins.
SUMMER SPECIAL! Rent a TENS in July and August for $90.00.
WHAT IS TENS?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, and has been successfully used for many years by pregnant women and professional midwives to combat labour discomfort as well as discomfort often experienced before and after labour too.
WHAT IS THE ‘GATE CONTROL’ THEORY?
When pain is felt, the pain messages are transported by the nerves along to the dorsal horns of the spinal cord. The pain messages travel up the spine to your brain and tell your brain that pain is felt. The ‘gate control’ is thought to occur when the impulses from the TENS pass along the nerve endings and when it reaches the dorsal horns of the spinal cord, a gate is put up to block the pain messages from being passed on to the dorsal horns, so not all the pain is felt.
HOW DO I USE THE BIRTHING TENS BEFORE LABOUR?
From 37 weeks onwards, if you experience backache, cramps, pelvic pain or hip pain. You can apply the re-usable gel pads to your back, as pictured, and start stimulating your own body’s morphine like substances by the gentle pulsing sensations felt when the TENS is switched on. You would apply the TENS for 1-2 hour treatments twice a day to reduce the discomfort experienced. No booster button would be attached at this point.
HOW DOES BIRTHING TENS WORK FOR LABOUR?
At the onset of labour, simply apply the four self-adhesive gel pads to your back as shown in the accompanying instructions with the TENS and switch it on. You will feel a pleasant pulsing sensation. This stimulates your body to produce your own natural pain relieving chemicals called endorphins. When experiencing a contraction, press the booster button for the extra power needed to combat the discomfort. This stimulates more endorphins to be released with each contraction. When the contraction ends, press the booster button again…. it’s that simple!
WHY SHOULD I USE A BIRTHING TENS?
It works by stimulating your own body’s morphine like substances so does not stop or slow down your labour. It also works by using the ‘gate theory of pain’. It is reversible and very safe for you and baby. Feedback from women have said that its most beneficial when applied in the early stages of labour and used throughout although it can be stopped at any time as it takes a few hours for your endorphins to reduce. It can be used effectively for the treatment of pain such as backache, hip pain, cramps & pelvic pain from 37 weeks onwards and can also be used following the birth of your baby too. Cramps are often felt following the birth, so the gel pads could be applied around your tummy to reduce the discomfort felt. Shoulder discomfort from breastfeeding is often common in the early days so the gel pads could be applied to the shoulder area too.
IS BIRTHING TENS SAFE FOR MY BABY?
Yes! There are no known side effects for you or your baby. The Units are compliant with European & Canadian device regulations. The TENS must not be applied before 37 weeks, if not in labour. If you are still unsure consult with your doctor/midwife. The Birthing TENS has been used in Europe for the past 20 years and is now available to women in Canada through Birthing Buddies.
CAN I USE AN ORDINARY TENS?
No, the Birthing Tens are specifically designed for childbirth. They use larger pads than the conventional Tens and it includes a booster button, which is very important for relieving pain during a contraction.
CAN I USE A TENS IF I AM CONSIDERING A WATERBIRTH?
Yes, but not in the water itself. Remember that TENS is effective right from the start of your labour. You will need it well before you enter the water. Normally, a midwife will ask you to enter the water when you are between 4-5cms dilated.
CAN TENS BE USED IN THE HOSPITAL?
Yes, you will probably have your TENS on at home and arrive at the hospital with it on. You may be asked to switch it off temporarily for monitoring. TENS can be used throughout your labour experience up to the point of pushing your baby out.
ARE BIRTHING TENS SAFE?
Yes, they are designed for labour. However, do not use the TENS before 37 weeks unless under medical supervision. If you suffer from epilepsy or have any doubts whatsoever consult a medical professional. If you use a demand type pacemaker you should not use a TENS machine.
CAN I USE THE TENS AFTER THE BIRTH?
Yes, TENS has been cleverly designed to use after labour too. You can use your machine for shoulder pain from breastfeeding, menstrual pain, back pain, after pains and for post-operative pain following a caesarian birth. You would simply apply the re-usable gel pads to the affected area causing the sensation of pain.
HOW DO I RENT MY TENS?
Just contact Jenny by telephone or e-mail to reserve your TENS machine for your childbirth experience. A contract will be mailed out or e-mailed to you which you must return with full payment before your TENS can be mailed out to you, for your 37th week, ready for use. Full instructions and literature are included on its application and correct use. You can also contact Jenny if you have further questions too. If you live outside of BC, please allow 2-3 days for delivery of your Birthing TENS.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE THE TENS FOR?
The rental period is for 37 days, which can be extended as necessary for $15 per week/part week (subject to availability).
HOW MUCH IS THE RENTAL OF TENS?
The rental is $102.00. This includes shipping by mail, literature and booklet on its many uses, correct application of the Tens and phone support if desired.
CAN I CLAIM THE FEE BACK FROM EXTENDED HEALTH?
YES! An invoice from Birthing Buddies is provided so you can enclose it with your claim form to enable you to be reimbursed. BLUE CROSS covers the TENS. Look under medical supplies.
WHAT DO I DO WITH THE TENS ONCE I HAVE FINISHED WITH IT?
You just return it in the postage paid envelope provided. Please keep proof of return until it arrives safely at Birthing Buddies, as you are still responsible for it until then.
CAN I BUY A BIRTHING TENS?
Birthing Buddies is not selling the TENS units at this time.
