I just wanted to write and tell you about my birth story and how I was able to have a natural birth, just using labour TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) despite the complications. I was determined to have a natural delivery so when I was 9 days overdue; on the recommendation of the birth centre I tried acupuncture. About two hours after the second session the contractions became strong, so I put on my labour TENS as instructed and managed the pain all through the night. At 5am I rang the hospital as the contractions were now only 2 minutes apart –I was told to hang on if I could as I didn’t want to be sent home again. Half an hour later I rang the hospital again as I noticed some bleeding and I was told to come in via ambulance. To my surprise the ambulance officer told me to take the TENS off. “No way” I said “this is the only thing keeping my pain under control!” He didn’t know what it was so I explained that TENS gave an electrical impulse to the nerves which blocked out the pain, as it was completely natural and didn’t interfere with the birth process he agreed I should keep it on. By the time I got to hospital I was 5cm dilated, so I kept to my birth plan using lavender oil and clary sage, putting on relaxing music and walking around - I was determined not to use any pain medication. Unfortunately I wasn’t allowed in the bath because of the bleeding so I had to solely rely on Labour TENS. I concentrated on my body so I could press the boost button at the start of each contraction to get me through the pain. By 1pm I was only 7cm dilated so the obstetrician decided to rupture my membranes which helped to strengthen the contractions. I didn’t need any medication as I felt confident that Labour TENS was working well for me. Next I had to go on the oxytocin drip as I was still only 8cm and I started getting tired and could no longer keep mobile. Even though the contractions were strong I felt in control all the way – the midwives were really surprised that I was able to have a drug free birth as most women need an epidural for this procedure. By 5.11pm Yumi was born naturally! I kept the TENS on to deliver the placenta, whilst we waited a couple of hours for the Dr to stitch me up. Labour TENS was so fantastic I am amazed that more people are not aware of it. I think all hospitals should promote Labour TENS as a safe option for a natural birth. I was impressed with the service; they showed me how to use Labour TENs and provided a telephone support service so I felt well prepared and confident that I could have the birth I wanted right from the start. Katsue. Sydney