What is a TENS Unit?
TENS stands for “Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.” A TENS unit is a machine that sends mild electrical impulses through the skin to stimulate nerve fibers. Most people describe the sensation as a mild vibrating feeling, not unlike a more intense back-massaging chair. TENS units are used by massage therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, doctors, midwives and doulas to manage pain. Units vary in size from large stationary devices to small handheld ones. Units used by women in labor are specially designed to be handheld, portable, and easy to use so that the laboring woman can be in control of the device and have maximum mobility and freedom of movement.
What are the benefits of using a TENS unit?
“The laboring woman controls the TENS unit herself. She remains clear-headed and can walk and move freely. TENS can be used with other comfort measures and may help to postpone or avoid the use of an epidural. There is no reported harm to mother or baby as a result of TENS.” –Eva Bild and Penny Simkin
Studies involving the use of TENS units during labor have found that the majority of women would use the device again, and that women who used the TENS were significantly less likely to ask for additional pain medications. TENS are especially helpful at reducing pain caused by back labor, but can be helpful in the absence of back labor as well. Although TENS can be used on top of medication during labor, it is especially helpful at aiding women who want to delay medication or forgo it altogether. This makes TENS units a good option not only for women who will be delivering at the hospital, but for those delivering at home or in a birth center as well.
My TENS services
I am certified through DONA international to use the TENS unit on my clients during labor, and I own my own TENS unit. With clients who are interested in trying the TENS unit during their labor, I like to familiarize them with the device during one of our prenatal visits so that they can have full control over the unit during their labor. I do not charge extra for use of the TENS unit.