How a TENS Machine Helped Me Through Two Long Labours

If you’ve ever had a labour that lasted more than a day, you’ll know the word “long” takes on a whole new meaning. I’ve been there twice – once with a spontaneous labour at home, and once with an induction. Both times, my trusty TENS machine was my lifeline.

Labour #1: Spontaneous at Home After Waters Broke

I still remember waking up to that unmistakable feeling around 1am – was it wee? No… my waters had broken. Excitement! Fear! And… a sudden need to clean my skirting boards before the baby arrived.

The contractions started soon after, so I snuck out of bed as to not wake my slumbering husband and strapped on my TENS machine. The gentle pulses helped me stay calm (sort of…) and distracted from the pain. I wore it for hours – walking around the house, leaning on the kitchen bench, bouncing on the yoga ball, making crazy sounds and anticipating what would come next. At no point did the skirting boards get cleaned.

While the labour dragged on for what felt like forever, the TENS gave me just enough relief to keep moving and breathing through each contraction. Around 13 hours after contractions started, it was time to drive to the hospital, a tense experience that felt like my darling husband was aiming for every pothole and red light he could find.

Another 12 hours later, my beautiful baby girl entered the world, a head full of hair and a love like no other.

Labour #2: Induced and Intense

The second time around, I was induced. If you’ve been there, you’ll know it can mean faster, more intense contractions. I started my TENS the moment things kicked off, and it gave me that crucial early comfort before other pain relief options were available.

36 hours after those first intense contractions started, my son made his arrival a calm but exhausting birth, peaceful and chaotic all at once. Just like him.

Again, it wasn’t a magic wand that erased the pain – but it took the edge off and gave me a sense of control. And in a setting where so much felt out of my hands, it helped me alot.

That’s why I now hire out TENS machines to other Hervey Bay mums. I know firsthand how valuable they can be, and I want more women to have access to them without the expense of buying one outright.