Renting Vs Buying A Labour TENS Machine

Elle TENS machines are available to buy or hire, so neither option is the “proper” way to do it, they’re simply suited to different situations. Hiring can be a more affordable option if you only need a machine for one labour and like the idea of having it for a limited amount of time. Buying means you can keep your machine and use it beyond your birth, whether that’s for a future labour, or general pain relief after labour such as breastfeeding pain or period pain. The decision comes down to what works best for you, your budget and how much use you’re likely to get from your machine.

What hiring gets you

The standard hire period is dispatched 3 weeks before your due date (a quick dispatch delivery option is available if you’re closer to that date), and runs for seven weeks, with an extension available if your baby arrives later than expected, so there’s some flexibility built in already. It is supplied with everything you need, including the unit, a fresh pack of electrodes, new batteries and leadwires (with one spare for just in case), plus a free ‘return post’ jiffy bag. When you’re done, you post the machine back, and the FAQ page is clear that electrode pads and used batteries aren’t part of what goes in the return envelope, since pads are for single use and don’t get passed on to the next person. Keep your proof of postage until the machine’s confirmed back with them. You’re responsible for it in transit.

Hiring makes sense if you want a TENS machine for the labour itself and don’t plan on needing one again soon. It’s a straightforward, self contained package with nothing to store or maintain once you’ve sent it back.

The Elle TENS is a medical grade device, and strict medical and hygiene guidelines apply. For your peace of mind and safety, always check that a rented machine comes from an official or reputable provider that follows appropriate hygiene procedures and supplies the correct, manufacturer approved pads and user manual, which includes important contraindications, warnings and precautions for safe use.

What buying gets you

One of the benefits of owning your TENS machine is that its usefulness doesn’t have to end when your baby arrives. TENS can be used for a range of everyday and postnatal aches and pains, including discomfort as the uterus contracts back down after birth, breastfeeding related pain, period pain and general back or muscle pain. Some mums have even passed their Elle TENS on to their partners to help with things like shoulder pain. TENS is drug free, so the machine can be shared between family members too, just make sure a fresh set of electrode pads is used for each person. For some mums-to-be, where budget is less of a problem, they would prefer to simply own a new machine knowing that it has never been used by anyone else.

Owning your machine can be useful if you’re planning for future births too, as you already have it ready to go when you need it. There’s no need to hire another machine or worry about availability, and you can get familiar with how it works before labour begins. Some TENS machines can be used for back pain during late pregnancy (after 37 weeks) too, so you can feel comfortable using your machine before the big day.

Worth weighing up either way

Hiring keeps the admin light but ties you to a return date. Buying removes the return deadline and stays useful for pain relief after labour and in future births, but it costs more upfront than a single hire period. That’s the trade off for keeping it. There’s no wrong answer here.

Both routes get you a working machine for labour, the difference is what happens afterwards. If you’re fairly sure you’ll only need this once, hiring is the simpler choice. If you can see yourself reaching for it again, whether that’s for period pain, other forms of pain or another pregnancy down the line, buying tends to make more sense. For more information on how a TENS machine works, our guide is worth a read. Feel free to get in touch with the team, who would be more than happy to help.