Has anyone used TENS for the birth? Any advice from mums please?

[nirvanca]

I'm considering trying TENS for pain relief, and was wondering if it actually does anything to help? Anyone has any experience with it? I've read a bit but the opinions are divided.

Thanks

[CheekyP]

I will be interested to see what people think about this. I have seen u can hire them from tesco and other places.

[Sinic]

I have had two children, and for both of them I hired a TENS machine from boots. They have worked really well, and I managed to get through the birth of both of my children using a TENS and gas & air for the final bit. I would definitely recommend hiring a TENS machine. Hope this helps, good luck.

[nirvanca in reply to Sinic]

sounds promising thank you x

[lottiesmum]

I found a tens machine invaluable. I was induced with drip last time and could tell every time MW turned rate up- contractions are meant to come harder and faster. still managed just with tens and gas and air. Often a friend may have one and you can just get new electrodes othetwise hire is a good option but bear in mind you may need it at least 38-42 weeks.

[nirvanca in reply to lottiesmum]

thank you, looks like it's definitely worth trying !x

[DrFluffy]

Will let you know tomorrow...

[DrFluffy]

BabyTens have the one NHS hospitals most use (Femme TENS) on half price at the moment - the antenatal physio told me about this today, (works out the same price as hiring a hospital one - £30) so my other half got one at lunch time for me to use tomorrow.

[DrFluffy]

babycaretens.com/index.php

[DrFluffy]

babycaretens.com/index.php

[nirvanca in reply to DrFluffy]

thanks DrFluffy! do let me know how you get on, although i might get it anyway this weekend - for £30 it seems like it's worth trying (i'm slowly starting to obsess about the labout - 5 weeks to go, eeekkkk!)

[DrFluffy]

So far, great! Was amazing with my prostin contractions - had the occasional one that needed gas and air to cope, but so far i'm really surprised at how effective it is! Will keep you updated x

[nirvanca in reply to DrFluffy]

Thanks DrFluffy, I will get one asap Are you being induced??

[DrFluffy]

1st attempt was 3pm yesterday!

Due third and final go now...

[nirvanca in reply to DrFluffy]

Oh good luck! Fingers crossed let us know the details after - that is, if you manage to find some time!! x

[NanKing]

I have used a TENS machine for all 4 labours and it was a total essential for the first hours it meant that when I needed to step up the pain relief I was able to have gas & air whereas if I had had gas and air already I would have needed something stronger - if that makes sense. I know plenty of people who have loved them and a few who hated it - I think the evidence about their use shows that people who use them early on often find them most useful as they sort of 'build up' in usefulness whereas people who start using them with stronger contractions later on find that they don't cut the mustard! Personally I wish I had bought a machine early on as I hired one first & second time so could have got more use out of the one I eventually bought... but it was a hard call first time as I had heard people say they didn't get on with it. Best wishes to DrFluffy x

[mizzmozz]

So I've used tens for injury pain relief. Can I use a normal tens machine for birth? Also, how do you use it?