Hiring a labour TENS | Verloskundigenpraktijk Kéita

Hiring a labour TENS: from November at Kéita

A TENS is a small device that can ease the pain of contractions, without medication.

From November you can hire a labour TENS from us for €45, with a €50 deposit. Would you like to know more? Please ask our assistant or your midwife.

TENS pads being placed on the lower back.

What is a TENS?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is a small device with sticky pads (electrodes) that you place on your lower back. Through the pads, the device gives off gentle electrical pulses. These pulses can reduce the pain of contractions: they dampen the pain signals to your brain and help your body to make endorphins, a natural painkiller.

How to use a TENS during labour

Pads: you place two pairs of pads on your lower back, to the left and right of your spine.
You are in control: with the buttons you set how strong the pulses are. During a contraction you turn it up, and afterwards down again.
Start early: a TENS works best if you start using it early in labour.
Combine: you can move around freely and combine the TENS with other ways of coping with the pain, such as breathing and massage.

Advantages

Without medication: no effect on your baby.
You stay in control: you set the strength yourself and can stop at any moment.
Use it at home: you can already use the TENS at home, early in labour.

Good to know

Not in water: do not use the TENS in or near water, such as in the bath, in the shower or in a birth pool.
From 37 weeks: only use the TENS from 37 weeks of pregnancy, once labour starts.
Do not use it if you have a pacemaker or another electronic implant, or if you have serious heart rhythm disorders or epilepsy.
Varies per person: with strong contractions a TENS does not help everyone equally well.

Hiring from Kéita

From November you can hire a labour TENS from us: the Elle TENS 2.

Costs: €45 hire and a €50 deposit, paid when you collect the TENS, by debit card or in cash.
Hire period: from week 36 of your pregnancy until 1 week after the birth at the latest.
In the package: the TENS, a storage bag, the cable, batteries, a user manual, a lanyard and a new set of pads. You can keep the pads.
Test it first: briefly test the TENS on your hand or forearm straight after collecting it, so you know for sure that it works.
Deposit back: return the TENS complete and clean, and you will get your deposit back within 7 working days.
Health insurance: your health insurer may reimburse (part of) the hire. You submit the invoice yourself; please check your policy.

You sign a rental agreement for the TENS. For more information, please ask our assistant or your midwife.