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Blissful Birth Doula Services
TENS Unit Renatals
Blissful Birth Doula Services currently offers the Elle TENS2 unit, designed
specifically for labor with built in contraction timer, available to rent. TENS
unit rentals are available to both clients and non clients, and can be rented
nationwide!
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TENS machines release a low frequency electric current through the skin and
help your body naturally block its ability to perceive pain. TENS units can help
with a wide range of aches in pains throughout pregnancy, labor, and
postpartum. TENS is a portable, drug free, noninvasive, labor pain relief option.
TENS have been widely used throughout the UK and Canada for childbirth
since the 1970's, and is finally making its way into the U.S. (as many as 1-5
women in the UK have used TENS in labor).
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TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.
TENS is a safe and effective means of combating pain during the process of childbirth. It works by sending comfortable, gentle pulses to the nerves through four electrode pads placed on the skin. It utilizes the Gate Theory of Pain Control by gently stimulating your sensory nerves to suppress or block the pain signal to the brain. When these pain signals are blocked, it becomes more difficult for the brain to register the sensation of pain (or it opts for the more pleasant pulsing sensation).
Endorphins (often referred to as the body’s natural opiates) are produced naturally by the body to manage pain. High endorphin levels can make you feel alert, attentive, and even euphoric after birth, as you begin to get to know and care for your baby. In this early, postpartum period, endorphins and the hormone oxytocin are believed to play a role in strengthening the mother-infant relationship. TENS can promote the release of endorphins through a comfortable tapping sensation that results in pain relief even after the unit is turned off.
The Elle TENS has two main settings: burst and boost. During a space between labor contractions, the machine should be left on “burst”. When a contraction begins, simply press the boost button on the side of the unit for a surge of extra power for pain relief. After the contraction ends, simply press the same button again to return back to the “burst” setting.
Babycare TENS make only the highest quality products known for their excellent design and ease of use. Babycare has an active medical device license with Health Canada for the Elle TENS, and has been shown to be effective for labor and afterward. The Elle TENS can help you to remain in control, stay alert, and considerably reduce drug intake. Most importantly, there are no known side effects for you or your baby.
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ELLE TENS2 UNIT ~ A NATURAL OPTION FOR LABOR PAIN RELIEF
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What's included in the rental
*5 week rental period
*Elle TENS 2 unit with built in contraction timer
*4 reusable large maternity electrode pads (new pads are included in each rental and are not reused between clients)
*2 lead wires plus 1 extra
*2 rechargeable AA batteries, plus a spare set
*Neck cord and carrying pouch
*Instructions
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Optional add ons:
*You can purchase a additional set of 4 electrode pads. While the included pads are reusable, they do eventually lose their adhesive, especially if exposed to oils, excessive moisture etc. You may also wish to practice with your TENS before labor, or continue to use it for postpartum aches and pains. A extra set of 4 electrodes can be purchased for $10
*You can pick up and drop off the unit to me locally (Monte Rio, CA), or I will ship anywhere within the continental U.S. for a additional fee.
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5 week rental: $75 non clients, $65 doula service clients + security deposit
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Round trip priority shipping can be added anywhere in the continental United States for a additional $25 and includes a prepaid label, insurance and tracking . Free local pick up in Monte Rio, CA (near Santa Rosa)
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How many pills will I get?The number of pills you will get will vary depending on the size of your placenta and the method of preparation you choose. Steamed placentas will yield less pills, unsteamed more. The average number typically falls between 75 and 130.
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What is the difference between the "raw" (unsteamed) and TCM based steamed methods of placenta preparation?"The difference between these two methods is preparation and number of times heated. Some people feel that the unsteamed method gives them more energy or stronger effects. This method also has a higher pill yield. Some prefer the steamed because the extra cooking time adds a additional layer of protection against bacteria or because they want specific herbs in the steam water. Others may be following TCM and believe warm preparations aid in healing. If you are uncertain of your preference or wish to try both I can do a 50/50 preparation for a extra charge. This way you would be able to experience the difference for yourself. Some may prefer one pill for daytime use, and the other for evening/night use. However if you are GBS positive the steamed method is a safer choice in order to be sure to get rid of any bacteria present.
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How long will it take to get my package after you receive my placenta?Pills, prints, cord keepsake, and broth will typically be finished 2-4 days, depending if I have multiple placentas to prep and if the placenta was frozen or not. Most packages are ready in 2 days. Tinctures take 6 weeks, if you order a tincture it can either be delivered/picked up at a later date, or I can give it to you with your package and instructions on the finishing step to be done at 6 weeks.
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Do you take last mintue bookings? What if we are already at the hospital or in labor?Yes! While I highly recommend booking in advance to ensure my availability and have the transportation kit and instructions in hand, I am happy to work with you on last minute requests too! Please note that some options or add ons may not be available for last minute bookings, and payment will be required in full before I pick up & process the placenta. I do accept several forms of electronic payment that can be done by smartphone for last minute clients. If you are already in hospital or in labor please feel free to either fill out the booking form and contract (preferred so I know all your preferences and information), call and leave a message if it is within normal business hours, or if it outside of business hours please either email or text and include your phone number so I can respond as promptly as possible.
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But I'm a vegetarian/ vegan, can I take these pills?"Well that's really up to you, I use vegetarian (non gelatin) capsules, but the placenta itself is technically a organ, and therefore a meat product. However no animals were harmed or killed in the making of this organ, rather it is a life giving organ. So this decision would be based in your own personal beliefs and reason for your vegetarian/veganism. *Please note the flavored capsules do contain gelatin.
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What areas do you offer this service to?The area I currently serve includes but is not limited to: the Russian River area, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Petaluma, Monte Rio, Guerneville, Windsor, Healdsburg, Forestville, Rohnert Park, Cazadero, Occidental, Jenner, Rio Nido, Camp Meeker, Duncan Mills, and their surrounding areas. Some locations may be subject to a additional mileage charge. If you are interested in my services and do not live or plan to birth in one of the mentioned areas please feel free to contact me, We may still be able to arrange something. OR if you outside of my service area and have a friend or family member he can meet in the Santa Rosa area we may be able to arrange something.
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What are your pick up and drop off hours?My pick up hours vary slightly by your location. If you are in the Sonoma area I can pick up and drop off you placenta/pills M-F : Sometimes I'm available around noon, then agin 4-8 pm, Sat+Sun 8 am -8pm. If you choose opt to instead have a friend or family member drop off/ pick up I would be available any day or time. I will provide you with safety storage instructions for keeping the placenta in case you deliver outside of the pick up windows.
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Can I have my placenta encapsulated if I test positive for Group B Strep?Yes. Remember that testing positive during pregnancy does not mean you will be positive at the time of birth. Once the baby is born if there is concern that infection may be present a small piece of the placenta can be sent to pathology. The rest of the placenta should be stored safely and kept cold until result return from the lab. If there is any concern of GBS I strongly recommend the steamed method of preparation for the placenta. The placenta will be steamed at 135 degrees for 30 minutes, then dehydrated at 160 degrees for 24 hrs, meeting and exceeding food safety guidelines for killing off any pathogens.
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How long will my preparation keep?Pills will keep for 1 year when stored in a cool dark place. Pills can also be kept in a freezer to maximize freshness. Tinctures keep indefinitely, but should be discarded if it forms visible mold or smells foul.
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Can I have a print or tincture made if I do not want to order pills?Yes! I would be happy to do prints or raw tincture without making pills, however I do not offer pick up/delivery for that. You would be responsible for delivering the placenta to me and picking up your finished product(s).
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What are your qualifications to prepare placentas?I am a fully certified and trained placenta encapsulation specialist and also carry a up to date certification in bloodborne pathogens and have my food safety certificate. I follow universal precautions when handling and preparing all placentas, and follow strict cleaning and sanitizing protocols at every step of the process.
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Will you encapsulate my placenta if you are not my doula?Yes absolutely! My placenta services can be booked completely independently of my doula services, however if you also choose me as your doula I do offer a discount on my encapsulation packages, plus if I attend your birth I will take care of the handling of the placenta from the time of delivery through processing.
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What if the pills do not work for me? Has anyone reported negative feelings from placenta pills?If the pills do not seem to be working you may need to adjust your dosage, or you may be taking them on a day that your body simply does not need hormonal balancing. While negative feelings are fairly rare, the most common is a anxious feeling. Others may experience some dizziness or nausea. Here again it may be a simple dosage adjustment needed. I am happy to offer guidance on your dosage.
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What if the pills/tincture/salve doesn't work for me?If the pills do not seem to be working you may need to adjust your dosage, or you may be taking them on a day that your body simply does not need hormonal balancing. While negative feelings are fairly rare, the most common is a anxious feeling. Others may experience some dizziness or nausea. Here again it may be a simple dosage adjustment needed. I am happy to offer guidance on your dosage.
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What if a nurse or doctor says I can not take my placenta home?You may want to check hospital policy ahead of delivery. If there is concern of infection or some other issue with the placenta you can ask them to simply cut off a small piece of the placenta to send to pathology for testing. The rest of the placenta should be safely stored and kept cold while waiting for results. I do not encapsulate placentas that have been sent to pathology because I don't not know how they have been handled and what they may have been exposed to, so please tell your nurse/doctor you only want a small piece sent. If you find out that infection is present it is not recommended that you ingest the placenta. You can however still take your placenta home with you and you can apply your $50 deposit to having prints and a cord keepsake made. I can then return your placenta to you for planting or disposing of as you choose.
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What is your retainer, refund, and payment policy?"A $50 non refundable retainer is required at the time of booking. This will hold your space on my calendar. The remaining balance is due by the time I pick up or receive your placenta. I will not begin processing the placenta until full payment has been received. However I highly recommend completing payment before delivery day avoiding have to remember and deal with this during your special day. If for any reason you decided not to have your placenta encapsulated any payment made (except the retainer) is fully refundable, however once I begin to process the placenta you are no longer eligible for a refund. If you choose not to encapsulate after booking with me it is your responsibility to contact me to inform me of your cancellation and arrange for a refund.
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What payment methods do you accept?I accept cash, Google pay, Venmo, Paypal, and personal check (if paying by check please complete payment by 37 weeks of pregnancy).
Ready to book your TENS machine rental?
Booking is easy! If you are ready to book your TENS unit rental please fill out the form below. After I receive your request I will get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the availability of a TENS unit for the time frame of your expected delivery and with further payment instructions for your chosen payment methods. Once you pay the downpayment and familiarize yourself with the rental agreement terms your done!
Have more questions? Problems filling out the form? Contact me!
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