As my due date started creeping closer, I found myself going down the rabbit hole of “what do I actually need for labour?”

There’s so much advice out there, but one thing kept popping up over and over again — a TENS machine.

At first, I wasn’t sure. I wanted a natural birth, but I also knew labour can be unpredictable. I didn’t want to feel like I was just “winging it” when the time came.

That’s when I came across the idea to hire a TENS machine — and honestly, it ended up being one of the best decisions I made in my pregnancy.

I didn’t love the idea of buying something I’d only use for a short window of time, or potentially not at all. Hiring just made sense — it was more affordable, and everything came ready to go.

Knowing it would arrive before I needed it took a huge weight off my shoulders. One less thing to think about in those final weeks.

When my contractions started, I felt nervous but also… prepared.

I put the TENS machine on early, just like I’d read, and it gave me something to focus on straight away. Instead of panicking with each contraction, I could press the boost button and do something through it.

That feeling of control made such a difference.

The sensation itself is hard to explain if you haven’t felt it before — kind of like a strong tingling or buzzing — but during contractions, it helped take the edge off the intensity.

For me, the biggest benefit wasn’t just pain relief — it was the confidence it gave me.

• I could stay at home longer
• I felt more in control of my body
• It helped me relax between contractions
• It was completely drug-free

It became part of my rhythm during labour, and I genuinely don’t think I would have felt as calm without it.

Would I recommend hiring one? 100%.

If you’re hoping for a natural or low-intervention birth, having an Elle TENS 2 ready to go is such a simple but powerful tool.

Even just knowing it’s there can give you peace of mind.

Labour is such a personal experience, and every birth is different — but for me, this was one of those things that made the whole process feel just a little more manageable.

And in those moments, that’s everything.

If you’re considering hiring a TENS machine for your birth, I truly don’t think you’ll regret having it as part of your plan.

You can hire one here