TENS Machine hire, complete with one electrodes pad set and one battery.

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A TENS machine consists of a small box, about the size of a pack of cards, with a clip on the back so you can attach it to the belt of your dressing gown, nightshirt or whatever you are wearing during labour.

The TENS machine works by sending out small pulses of electrical energy which go through the four gel covered pads attached to the machine ans stuck to your back.  There are full instructions on where to place the pads in the booklet. You can adjust the strength of the pulse depending on the strength of your contraction.  There is also a booster button, which during a contraction you can press to get an extra boost to help you through it.

The pulses prevent the pain signals from your womb and cervix from reaching your brain and also stimulate your body to release its own, natural "feel good" substances, called endorphins.  Some women find it a pain relief, others a suitable distraction during contractions.

You can use a TENS machine from the onset of labour until the end of labour if you wish.  NOTE: if using in conjunction with a birthing pool, remove before entering the water!  You can also re-attach the pads if you get out later on.