Tens machine?

ailuro2

It's great in the early stages, gives you something to think about and take your mind off it if nothing else...

I got to 8cm dilated at home with just my TENS machine. It was a hired one, they were much more expensive when I had DD though.

SammyD_2

I hired one for both my labours. But I thought the only benefit was the distraction of trying to fiddle with knobs when the contractions came at least past the first few hours of contractions ...I stayed at home until 8cm dilated as well with my first, but that was just because the hospital kept refusing to let me go in and naive first time mum I was I listened to them - nothing to do with the machine.

Can't see how they are effective in full on labour - so no point waiting to get to hospital to use it - and I would hire rather than buy. I got mine from Boots both times - they came from a company in Surrey (I think) who were very understanding about late returns...

littleme96

I agree that you really need to start using it in early labour to get the full effect - it works by stimulating your natural pain relief (endorphins) and needs time to get going. A hospital one would be fine if you were being induced, but if you are planning on staying at home for as long as possible, then you really need to hire or buy one.

pandora205

My children were born years ago so I could only hire one. First time round I ended up with a caesarian as DD was breach and labour didn't progress. The TENS machine was useful before and after.

Second and third times I just used a TENS machine and had no drugs of any kind. I made a point in staying upright and walking around as much as possible, which I think helped a lot though was exhausting. The TENS was wonderful but didn't stop the pain completely, though obviously helped. It was obviously 'strong' though, as when the midwife took it off me she forgot to turn it off and got quite a shock from it.

I don't like the feeling of being drugged in any way and wanted to be alert, though if it had been unbearable, I might have changed my mind. One advantage was the babies were so lively after they were born and came out with their eyes open and wide awake.

Years later, I had some joint problems and bought a TENS for pain relief. It works wonderfully. I would thoroughly recommend getting one - and hold on to it afterwards too..

bylromarha

Haven't read the whole thread, so apologies if already mentioned.

WE HIRED ONE FOR FREE, from the hospital physio dept. Was the specialist maternity TENS, but physio adminstered the hiring. Gave us training on how to use it too. Worth a couple of phone calls to find out if your physio dept does the same - we got all the info we needed from the antenatal dept at the hospital.

Used TENS with 1st birth, found it effective pain relief in early labour, I also loved the way it helped me focus by pressing the button giving me something to think about when in pain. At end of labour it was on full constantly, and it still hurt, but not that surprising it still hurt as it was giving birth! Was walking all through the labour, and stayed standing up to give birth. DS landed on a bean bag between my legs! Had one ready to go with DD, but she was born in the car - the spped of labour meant no time to strap it on.

Had no pain relief at all besides TENS. If you're aiming for as little chemical pain relief as possible, then surely its worth a punt. The sensation needs to build up, so put it on as soon as you feel contraction and its built up enough for when you actually need it to work.

ukjoel

No idea about the giving birth bit but they are fantastic for backpain.

Also when I was researching them I came across a couple of adult type websites and being a curious sort had a go with the wife.

Ladies if you position these correctly first set (one on top of each inner thigh) one at top of your bum(lower back and the fourth on the front opposite the one on the back.

Start at a low level and work your way up. The effect is erm mindblowing.
Better than any rabbit.

chickaroonee

I didn't mean to thank ukjoel - that sounds far too scary at 8 months pregnant!!

inkie

I used TENS with both mine - borrowed the one that we had on the mat unit though, being a midwife. I managed with just that and the Entonnox apparatus. I would recommend you try it!

meritaten

I cant stress enough that you really need to play with the machine before you go into labour! you need to find your comfort level. and to get used to the controls. its not much good going into labour and trying to find the best level while you are having a contraction!
once you find the tingle level - mark it....then use that as the level until the contractions become more painful, as the contractions increase in intensity you can increase the tens to correspond. I believe thats the correct way.