Love Little Reviews:
THE ELLE TENS PLUS
Gearing up for the big day and want to know more about pain relief? Dive into our in depth review with Love Little Product Expert (and mum of 3) Alex, where she shares her insider scoop on the Elle TENS Plus machine – your potential secret weapon for labour and beyond.
As a baby product expert and a mum who’s been in the trenches, she’s got the lowdown on how this gadget can empower you through labor pains and aid in your postnatal recovery.
Get real insights from her experience and stories from other Australian mums who've turned to this nifty device for comfort and control.
First off, let's unpack what TENS stands for – Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Sounds technical, right?
But in simple terms, it’s a method that uses mild electrical impulses to relieve pain, which can be particularly helpful during labor and for various postpartum needs.
These impulses are thought to help reduce pain in two ways. First, they interfere with the transmission of pain signals to the brain, which is based on the Gate Control Theory of pain. Essentially, the TENS machine sends non-painful stimuli through the same nerve pathways as the pain signals, effectively 'closing the gate' to the brain's perception of pain. Secondly, TENS stimulates the production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, which help to naturally reduce discomfort.
Regarding the level of pain relief, it's important to note that TENS doesn't eliminate labor pain entirely. Instead, it can make the pain more manageable, providing a degree of relief that varies from person to person. Some women report significant reduction in their perception of pain, allowing them to focus better during contractions and feel more in control. Others may find it provides a welcome distraction from the intensity of labor pains. I personally, found both!
The effectiveness of TENS can also depend on how early in labour it's started, the placement of the pads, and the settings used. While TENS might not be a complete solution for labor pain, many women appreciate it as a non-invasive, drug-free method of pain management that they can control themselves during labour.
The Elle TENS Plus
When I first heard about the Elle TENS Plus, I was intrigued by its dual purpose – not only does it offer pain relief during labor, but it also has modes for postnatal recovery, including pelvic floor exercises.
As a professional in the baby industry, I’ve seen my fair share of gadgets and gizmos promising to make the parenting journey easier. However, the Elle TENS Plus stood out due to its specific focus on maternal health and well-being. From the sleepless nights preparing for the baby's arrival to the intensity of labor, and then the recovery and adjustment period post-birth – it's a journey filled with beauty, challenges, and a whole lot of learning.
In my personal experience and from the countless stories shared by other mothers in our community, this machine has offered more than just physical relief; it has provided a sense of empowerment and control during one of life's most transformative experiences. One mum, Sophie, told me, "The best thing about the Elle TENS Plus during my labour was the sense of control it gave me over the pain. It was my little button of empowerment!"
In this review, we'll delve deep into the Elle TENS Plus machine, exploring its features, effectiveness, and overall value. Whether you're a first-time mum or a seasoned parent, my goal is to provide you with a friendly, authoritative guide to help you decide if this product is the right fit for your journey into motherhood. So, let’s get started and dive into the world of the Elle TENS Plus!
When you unbox the Elle TENS Plus, here’s what you can expect to find:
The Elle TENS Plus unit
A set of four electrode pads
Lead wires for connecting the electrode pads
Batteries (usually included)
A carrying pouch for easy transportation
An instruction manual to guide you through setup and use
How Does the Elle TENS Plus Work? A Quick Guide to Using the Product
Using the Elle TENS Plus is surprisingly straightforward, even for those who aren't tech-savvy. Here’s a quick rundown on how to use it:
1. Setting It Up:
Start by inserting the batteries into the Elle TENS Plus unit. Then, connect the electrode pads to the lead wires. For labour pain relief, place the four electrode pads on your back, following the instructions provided. Typically, two pads go above the waistline and two below, but avoid the spine area. For pelvic floor stimulation, the placement will differ, so refer to the manual for specific guidance.
2. Turning It On and Selecting Modes:
Once the pads are in place, turn on the unit. You’ll see the main menu on the digital display. Select either the 'Birth' mode for pain relief during contractions or 'Pelvic Floor' mode for postnatal recovery. The device has a simple navigation system, with up/down buttons to scroll through options.
3. Adjusting Intensity:
Gradually increase the intensity using the up button. The idea is to feel a strong but comfortable sensation. During contractions, you can use the 'Boost Button' for an extra surge of pain relief. It's important to maintain a consistent level of stimulation, adjusting as needed throughout the labor or during pelvic floor sessions.
So how does the Elle TENS Stack Up?
Effectiveness of Pain Relief:
The primary function of the Elle TENS Plus is to provide pain relief during labour. In my experience, and echoed by many other mums in our community, this feature significantly reduces the discomfort of contractions. One mum, Lisa, shared, "It didn't eliminate the pain, but it made it much more manageable, and I felt more in control during my labour."
With multiple intensity levels, you can easily adjust the stimulation according to the progression of your labor. This flexibility is crucial as every labour experience is unique, and pain thresholds vary.
The machine is set up to work both in, and in-between contractions. Between contractions, it’s in “Burst” mode which feels like a pulsing, tingling sensation. This mode is designed to help your body product endorphins and enkephalines, your body’s own natural pain killing chemicals. During a contraction, you can hit the “Boost” button. This feels like a continuous sensation and helps with the intense pain during your contraction.
Ease of Use:
The Elle TENS Plus features a straightforward, intuitive interface. The digital display is clear and easy to read, even in low-light conditions. This simplicity is a blessing during labour when concentration levels can waver.
Setting up the Elle TENS Plus is also a breeze. The electrode pads are simple to attach, and the device itself is straightforward to operate. Many mums, myself included, have appreciated not needing to fiddle with complex settings when in the midst of labour!
Its compact size means it can be easily carried in a hospital bag or moved around the house for postpartum use. It’s easy to carry around the house with you before you leave for the hospital, and can stay on and with you in the car on the way there.
Consistency and Battery Life:
The device runs on batteries, which are easy to replace and last quite a while. This is essential, especially during labour, when the last thing you want to worry about is your pain relief device running out of power! It provided reliable, consistent relief throughout my labour.
Using the Elle TENS Plus for Postpartum Recovery
The postpartum period is a time of significant physical and emotional change, and the Elle TENS Plus offers valuable support during this transition.
How It Is Used:
For postpartum recovery, the Elle TENS Plus features a specific mode for pelvic floor strengthening. This mode uses a different frequency and intensity of electrical impulses compared to the labor pain relief mode. The placement of the electrode pads for postpartum recovery is also different from the labour setup. The pads are usually positioned around the pelvic area, following the guidelines provided in the manual. This placement targets the pelvic floor muscles directly. Sessions typically last between 20 to 30 minutes and can be done daily or as recommended by a healthcare provider. It's important to start with shorter sessions and gradually increase as comfort and strength improve.
How It Feels:
The sensation like a gentle, rhythmic pulsing or tingling. Unlike the sharper relief needed during labor, the stimulation here is more subtle and focused on muscle toning. Like in Birth mode, you can control the intensity of the impulses. It should feel strong yet comfortable, without causing any discomfort or pain. I personally found the sensation not only physically beneficial but also relaxing and mentally empowering. I felt like it was a proactive step towards recovery that really provided me a sense of doing something beneficial for my body.
Why It Works:
The electrical impulses stimulate the pelvic floor muscles, causing them to contract and relax. This exercise helps strengthen these muscles, which are vital for bladder control, support of pelvic organs, and sexual health. The stimulation also enhances blood flow to the pelvic region, which can aid in healing and reduce swelling, further supporting the recovery process.
For me, the Elle TENS Plus is more than just a recommendation; it's an essential labour tool! Whether it's navigating the waves of labour or embarking on the journey of recovery, the Elle TENS Plus is a device that empowers, aids, and accompanies mothers every step of the way. For any mother looking to manage labour pain and aid in postpartum recovery with a reliable, effective, and user-friendly device, the Elle TENS Plus is undoubtedly worth considering.