Last weekend I had the opportunity to join a fellow doula in attendance of a TENS unit class as well as a Rebozo class. The classes were in Fresno, but since I have a bunch of family in Visalia, I got to combine business with pleasure and stay with my Aunt and Uncle, visit with my Grandparents, and spend time with my cousins.
I actually registered for the TENS class before I even knew what a TENS unit really was. I just figured, hey if it has to do with birth then it must be something I should learn about! And sure enough, I really enjoyed learning how the small electrical current can work with the nervous system to help distract from and alleviate some of the sensations during labor. And the fact that it is a small hand held unit that the Mom can have full control of herself seems very appealing as well. I am now certified to own, and run a TENS unit and am very excited to buy one and practice on my family with it!! Oh the fun I will have with that.
So interesting to learn the other uses for a TENS for non labor related pain and healing. Some use it with migraines, or with promoting the healing of a C-section incision, sports injuries, or back pain. It is a very low current that pulses or streams through the electrodes and helps interrupt the flow of pain messages up to the brain.
My other class was on learning how to use the rebozo shawl as an extension of your arms during labor. I have used my rebozo before but only had a limited knowledge of positions and techniques in which to use it. So to come away with over 20 positions and ways to help the mama's I work with, was very exciting. Once again I'll be practicing on my friends and family to become familiar with them all. Good thing I'm in Texas right now with my 8 month pregnant sis! The perfect time and place to practice all my new knowledge.
I always enjoy learning new things and when it just so happens to be along the lines of birth then I get very excited about what I'm learning and love to share it. I feel like sharing what I've learned helps it stick in my brain as well. I am looking forward to expanding my brain and adding to my repertoire.
~Ashley Joleen
PS Texas is freezing right now! Here's to hoping it warms up for my sis's baby shower this weekend!
I actually registered for the TENS class before I even knew what a TENS unit really was. I just figured, hey if it has to do with birth then it must be something I should learn about! And sure enough, I really enjoyed learning how the small electrical current can work with the nervous system to help distract from and alleviate some of the sensations during labor. And the fact that it is a small hand held unit that the Mom can have full control of herself seems very appealing as well. I am now certified to own, and run a TENS unit and am very excited to buy one and practice on my family with it!! Oh the fun I will have with that.
So interesting to learn the other uses for a TENS for non labor related pain and healing. Some use it with migraines, or with promoting the healing of a C-section incision, sports injuries, or back pain. It is a very low current that pulses or streams through the electrodes and helps interrupt the flow of pain messages up to the brain.
My other class was on learning how to use the rebozo shawl as an extension of your arms during labor. I have used my rebozo before but only had a limited knowledge of positions and techniques in which to use it. So to come away with over 20 positions and ways to help the mama's I work with, was very exciting. Once again I'll be practicing on my friends and family to become familiar with them all. Good thing I'm in Texas right now with my 8 month pregnant sis! The perfect time and place to practice all my new knowledge.
I always enjoy learning new things and when it just so happens to be along the lines of birth then I get very excited about what I'm learning and love to share it. I feel like sharing what I've learned helps it stick in my brain as well. I am looking forward to expanding my brain and adding to my repertoire.
~Ashley Joleen
PS Texas is freezing right now! Here's to hoping it warms up for my sis's baby shower this weekend!