One of the most powerful sources of reassurance during pregnancy and early motherhood doesn’t come from textbooks or checklists; it comes from other mums.
Women who’ve already been there.
Women who remember the questions, the nerves, the unexpected moments and the quiet strength they discovered along the way.
At Elle TENS, we’re incredibly lucky to hear from thousands of women across Australia. Their messages, stories and testimonials are filled with honesty, warmth and practical wisdom. This blog brings some of that shared knowledge together - gentle reminders from mums who want you to know you’re not alone.
“You don’t need to know everything.”
So many mums tell us they felt pressure to be completely prepared, to know exactly how labour would unfold or how they would cope.
Looking back, many wish they’d trusted themselves more.
One mum shared that the most helpful thing she learned was letting go of the idea that she had to have all the answers. Labour isn’t something you master in advance - it’s something you move through, moment by moment.
Trust grows as you go.
“Early labour can be long, and that’s normal.”
A common theme in messages we receive is surprise at how long early labour can last. Many women wish they’d known that early labour doesn’t always look dramatic or linear.
Several mums shared that having tools ready - like their Elle TENS - helped them stay calm and grounded through the stop-start nature of early labour. It allowed them to rest, move, breathe and stay home longer without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Progress doesn’t always look obvious, but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening.
“The drive to the hospital can feel bigger than you expect.”
This is something we hear again and again.
Mums often tell us the car ride was one of the most intense moments of their labour - not because something was wrong, but because movement was limited and contractions were building.
Many shared that having their Elle TENS already switched on made this transition feel more manageable. It gave them something familiar to focus on, especially when everything else felt uncertain.
You’re not failing if this moment feels hard. You’re transitioning.
“Let your partner support you in practical ways.”
Our mums report that it was reassuring when their partner felt involved and confident.
Whether it was helping apply the Elle TENS pads, reminding them to use the boost button, offering steady reassurance, or simply staying calm, partners played a big role in shaping how supported women felt.
One mum shared that seeing her partner know what to do helped her relax more than anything else.
Support doesn’t have to be perfect - it just has to be present.
“It’s okay to change your mind.”
This was one of the strongest messages we heard.
Mums want other women to know that flexibility is not failure. Plans change. Preferences evolve. What feels right in early labour may feel different later on.
Many women appreciated starting with natural tools like Elle TENS, then making decisions step by step as labour unfolded. Knowing they had options helped them feel calmer and more in control.
You’re allowed to respond to your body in real time.
“You’re doing better than you think.”
This is the message mums wish they could whisper to every woman in labour.
So many women told us they didn’t realise how strong they were until after the fact. In the moment, it can feel messy, emotional and intense - but strength doesn’t always look calm or quiet.
It looks like showing up.
Breathing through one more contraction.
Accepting support.
Trusting your body even when it feels unfamiliar.
You are capable - even when it doesn’t feel like it.
“Be kind to yourself after birth.”
The wisdom doesn’t stop at birth.
Mums often remind others that recovery takes time - physically, emotionally and mentally. There is no rush to “bounce back” or find a rhythm straight away.
Several women shared that allowing themselves to rest, ask for help, and lower expectations made a significant difference in their experience of the postpartum period.
Gentleness matters just as much after birth as it does during labour.
A Community That Holds You
These shared experiences are the heart of the Elle TENS community. They remind us that while every birth is unique, no woman walks this journey alone.
If you’re preparing for labour, navigating early motherhood, or simply looking for reassurance, know this:
Other women have been where you are - uncertain, hopeful, strong in ways they hadn’t yet recognised.
At Elle TENS, we’re honoured to support this community of women and share the wisdom that comes from real experiences, real births, and real lives.
If you’d like to share your own story or advice, we’d love to hear from you. Your words may be exactly what another mum needs today.
