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Are TENS Machines Safe to Use During Labour?
If you’re exploring drug-free options for pain relief during birth, you’ve likely come across TENS machines. But one common question we hear is:“Are TENS machines actually safe to use during labour?” The short answer is yes. When used correctly and with genuine electrodes, TENS machines are a safe, proven, and trusted choice for labour support. Here's what you need to know. What Is a TENS Machine? TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It works by sending small electrical pulses through electrode pads placed on your lower back. These pulses help: Block pain signals travelling to the brain Trigger the release of endorphins (your body’s natural painkillers) Offer a distraction and a sense of control during labour At Elle TENS, we supply the Elle TENS 2 and Elle TENS Plus, both specifically designed for maternity use. Is It Safe for You and Your Baby During Labour? Yes — when used as directed, TENS machines are safe for both mother and baby. They are: Drug-free, so no side effects or risks of drowsiness Non-invasive, with no internal devices or injections Completely under your control, thanks to the handheld design and boost button Widely recommended by midwives and physiotherapists across Australia TENS is ideal for early labour, whether you're at home or in hospital, and is a great way to delay or reduce the need for stronger interventions. Are There Any Situations Where TENS Shouldn’t Be Used? TENS should not be used: Before 37 weeks of pregnancy, unless under medical supervision On broken or irritated skin If you have a pacemaker or certain heart conditions (always check with your doctor) In the shower or bath (the unit is not waterproof) If you're unsure, speak with your midwife or care provider, but TENS is a safe and practical choice for most low-risk pregnancies. Why Genuine Electrodes Matter for Safety Using genuine Babycare electrodes, which come with every Elle TENS hire or purchase, is key for safe and effective use. These electrodes are: Latex-free and designed specifically for maternity use Packaged in sterile, barcoded pouches (not ziplock bags) Backed by rigorous quality control and Australian safety standards Counterfeit or non-genuine electrodes can reduce effectiveness and may irritate the skin or come unstuck during use. Feel Confident and In Control TENS machines are a safe, empowering option for managing labour pain, especially in the early stages. If you're looking for a low-risk, natural pain relief tool that gives you control, Elle TENS is a trusted choice for thousands of Australian parents. Ready to book your hire or buy your unit?Explore your options on our website and get birth-ready with confidence.
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When Should I Book My Elle TENS Machine Hire?
Using a TENS machine during labour is a smart and empowering way to manage pain naturally. One of the most common questions we hear is:“When should I book my TENS hire?” The best time to book your Elle TENS hire is around 30 weeks of pregnancy. Here’s why that timing matters, and how the process works from booking to return. Why Use a TENS Machine for Labour? Elle TENS is one of the most popular choices for labour pain relief in Australia. It’s a handheld, drug-free option designed specifically for maternity use. The Elle TENS 2 unit provides advanced features such as: Optimax technology for extra pulse power during contractions Boost button for instant pain relief control Pre-set modes tailored for labour A timer to help track contractions Using a TENS machine early in labour helps maximise its effectiveness, which means having your hire kit ready beforehand. When Should You Book Your Hire? We recommend booking your TENS hire between 30 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, with the goal of having it delivered by 36 weeks — around four weeks before your due date. This timing ensures: Reliable delivery to your home Guaranteed availability during busy seasons Time to read the instructions and feel confident using the unit Peace of mind knowing it’s packed and ready in your hospital bag If you ever need to extend your hire or arrange an earlier delivery, just get in touch — we’re always happy to accommodate your needs. What’s Included in the Elle TENS 2 Labour Hire Kit? Each hire kit includes everything you need for safe and effective use: 1 x Elle TENS 2 maternity TENS unit 1 set of genuine Maternity Babycare/Elle TENS electrodes 2 lead wires 1 Lanyard 2 brand new AA batteries Easy to follow instruction card Reply paid Aust Post label for easy, hassle-free returns Elle TENS Wetbag, yours to keep, great for popping on your stroller for those emergency nappy changes You’ll also receive a copy of A Women’s Guide to Drug Free Pain Relief, by Dr. Gordon Gadsby. It’s full of useful information and helpful tips so you can get the most out of your TENS machine, including TENS techniques, acupressure and acupuncture without needles. Returning Your Unit Returning your Elle TENS hire is simple and stress-free. Just follow these quick steps: Place all items back into the original box your hire arrived in. Remove the old label and replace it with the prepaid return label we’ve included. Drop the satchel into any red Australia Post box or outlet — no printing or extra postage required. Once you're done, don’t forget to tag us @elletensau and share your birth story. We love hearing how Elle TENS supported your journey! "The Elle TENS team made this whole process so seamless and easy. Everyone was so generous and kind to get a machine to me when I needed it and beyond that, the machine made a huge difference to my birth experience. I felt much more in control of my pain management and i used the machine right until the end. It was so easy to use that we figured it out when I went into labour (but I wouldn’t recommend that 😂) Highly recommend giving this a try. I was quite anxious about the experience and ElleTENS definitely helped give me a sense of control over my pain and manage my labour." - Bec Booking your TENS hire early ensures you have everything ready when the time comes. It removes the stress of last-minute ordering and allows you to focus on preparing for your birth experience. Visit our Elle TENS Labour Hire page to secure your hire online. Fast, simple and reliable — the way birth prep should be.
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Why It Matters to Use Genuine TENS Electrodes
Genuine maternity electrodes are sized for labour, hypoallergenic and tested for your skin and your machine. Here is what genuine Elle TENS electrodes give you and how to make sure you have the real thing.
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Hiring vs Buying a TENS Machine – What’s Right for You?
Preparing for birth involves many decisions, and one common question we hear is:Should I hire or buy my TENS machine? At Elle TENS, we offer both options, each with advantages depending on your situation. This guide will help you choose the best fit for your birth plan, budget, and lifestyle. Why Use a TENS Machine in Labour? A TENS machine offers drug-free, side-effect-free pain relief, especially effective in early labour. It helps block pain signals and encourages endorphin release while giving you control with features like our Boost Button. Option 1: Hiring a TENS Machine Best if: You’re planning to use TENS for a single birth You want a more affordable short-term option You prefer a convenient, all-inclusive package What’s included when you hire from us: Elle TENS 2 TENS Machine – inbuilt contraction timer & boost button 1 set of genuine Maternity Babycare/Elle TENS electrodes Reply paid Aust Post label for easy, hassle-free returns Elle TENS Wetbag, yours to keep A copy of A Women’s Guide to Drug Free Pain Relief by Dr. Gordon Gadsby Benefits of hiring: Lower upfront cost Easy returns Ideal for occasional use Option 2: Buying a TENS Machine Best if: You’re planning multiple births or want to loan to friends You like having your device for future pain relief (e.g., period pain, back pain) You have private health cover that might offer a rebate What you get when you buy: A brand-new Elle TENS unit Lifetime ownership 1 set of genuine Maternity Babycare/Elle TENS electrodes Peace of mind – it’s always yours Benefits of buying: Use anytime, even beyond birth Cost-effective for growing families May be claimable via private health insurance Final Thoughts Both hiring and buying have their perks, and you can’t go wrong. At Elle TENS, we’re here to help you feel confident and supported, whichever option you choose. Still deciding?Check out our Hire a TENS or Buy a TENS pages — or message us if you have questions.
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Holiday Season Update from Elle TENS! Shipping Information
What an incredible year supporting Australian mums through their birth journeys! As we wrap up 2024, we want to thank every one of you who has trusted us with your birth preparation and pain management needs. Holiday Shipping InformationFinal Australia Post shipping cutoff: December 20th, 10am AEDTThis applies to both our TENS hire service and Elle TENS purchases.Express shipping remains available for those last-minute preparations! Planning for a summer baby? Our TENS hire service continues to be available through our easy online booking system. Visit our hire page to secure your labour TENS machine. Looking to purchase your own Elle TENS Plus? These make perfect gifts for expecting mums or birth professionals. Check out our Elle TENS Plus page to learn more about owning your own medical-grade TENS machine. We’re excited to continue supporting Australian families throughout 2025. Whether hiring or buying, we’re here to help you achieve a positive birth experience. Remember to place your orders before December 20th, 10am for delivery before the holiday break (subject to metro and Auspost shipping timeframes). Wishing you and your growing family a wonderful holiday season! Dont forget to keep track of Mr Clause as he makes his way to Australia! The Elle TENS Family
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Compare the Elle TENS 2 vs Elle TENS Plus for Hire: Which is Right for Your Labour TENS Hire
As the authorised distributor of Elle TENS in Australia, we’re often asked about the differences between the Elle TENS Plus and the Elle TENS 2, particularly when it comes to your Labour TENS Hire. Let’s break it down for you: Elle TENS 2: Our Recommended Rental Choice The Elle TENS 2 is our go-to recommendation for mums-to-be looking to rent a TENS machine for labour pain relief. Here’s why: Specifically designed for labour pain management Easy to use with pre-set modes and a boost button for contractions Compact and portable Cost-effective rental option Elle TENS Plus: Great for Purchase, Not Ideal for Rental While the Elle TENS Plus is an excellent device, we don’t typically recommend it for rentals. Here’s why: The main difference is the post-birth incontinence management feature This feature requires a vaginal probe, which shouldn’t be used until about 12 weeks post-birth, given that a standard rental is between 6-8 weeks, its For short-term rentals focused on labour, this additional feature isn’t necessary Why We Recommend Elle TENS 2 for Rentals Focused functionality: The Elle TENS 2 provides everything you need for labour pain relief without extra features you can’t use immediately. Cost-effective: Why pay for features you won’t be using during your rental period? Simplicity: The Elle TENS 2 is straightforward to use, perfect for when you’re focused on labour. Your Safety is Our Priority Caution: At Elle TENS we only use genuine BabyCare TENS Electrodes. These have undergone medical testing and approval in both the UK and Australia, ensuring the safety of you and your baby. Please be aware of providers who may use inferior Electrodes. If you are unsure, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. While using inferior electrodes may void your device’s warranty, our primary concern is your well-being. We believe that your health and comfort during this important time are too precious to compromise with lower-quality products. That’s why we always recommend using approved, high-quality electrodes for the best and safest experience. Conclusion Whether you choose to rent the Elle TENS 2 or purchase the Elle TENS Plus for long-term use, you’re getting a high-quality, safe, and effective device for pain management. Remember, always consult with your healthcare provider before using any pain management techniques during pregnancy and labour. Ready to experience the benefits of TENS for your labour? Visit our Elle TENS 2 Labour Hire page to begin your hire today!
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