DID ANYONE BENEFIT FROM TENS

[Lauz_1601]

I would HIGHLY recommend using a TENS machine. I hired one from a clinic the midwife gave me a form to order it, becuase it was cheaper than hireing from boots or mothercare ect.
It had 8 levels and I only needed it on level 2and a half! I dont know why it helped, its a strange feeling, but it seemed to take the edge off the contractions and gave me something else to focus on!
Then when it came to using the gas and air I had nohands free to press the boost button aswell so it was then OH's job

 

[hayley]

right i'm off to hire one now! wanted some feed back before i wasted any money.. thanks girls! seems like you all benefitted a little from one...

x

 

[Rosieroo]

I definately benefitted from mine - I hired it from Boots. I was sat watching Little Britain with it attached The only problem I had with the Boots one was that the pads kept moving around, but that was probably more my fault. I remember near the end ripping it off in a mood and shouting that it wasn't helping, but when I got to the hospital I was fully dilated so it must have done something!! I will be using one with future babies *fingers crossed*.

 

[Bagpuss17]

I used a TENS machine and I found it provided AMAZING relief for my back pains.

I was going to hire one but never got it ordered in time as baby was early, but they won't deliver them to you until 37 weeks.

However, the hospital had a spare one and I used that despite being only 35 weeks.

They say to use them early on in labour which I did and I used it right through until very late on. Like others by that point I was ready to rip it off but only because I was nearing the end of my labour.

I would definitely recommend giving it a try, it was like somebody was massaging my back for me it was lovely. The ones you can hire usually have a pulse thingy for even more effect when you're having a contraction. If nothing else, they provide a good distraction mechanism.

I only used mine on about 2.5 level too. As somebody else has said here if you hire them from the hospital they are much cheaper. Although whatever it costs to hire one, they are well worth it!

 

[Nicky_Jones]

At our ante-natal class on Saturday, somebody asked the midwife about when you can start using the TENS machine. She said whenever you like. I said the instructions on ours said you can't use it before 37 weeks. She said there was no reason not to and came to the conclusion that the companies were probably just saying that to be on the safe side, in case somebody goes into premature labour and they don't want to be blamed. She didn't know of any medical reason why it should trigger premature labour or cause any problems.

 

[sonia205]

Well thats good you can use it before 37 weeks, i read on the internet it can cause prem labour and therfor it must have been made up!!
Just shows not all what you read on the net is what it seems!!
HAHA

 

[stephlw25]

i used a tens machine and i would definitely use it again next time, it was quite effective at the beginning and helped to take your mind of the contractions, just about took the edge of the pain! however towards the end of labour it was pretty useless!

 

[Nicky_Jones]

I would say it puts doubt in their claims but I would be cautious. i.e. ask you GP and or Midwife. I would love to find out what other peoples midwifes etc say to this.

Well
thats good you can use it before 37 weeks, i read on the internet it can cause prem labour and therfor it must have been made up!!
Just shows not all what you read on the net is what it seems!!
HAHA

 

[futuremum]

i have used mine until i was 9 cm dilated that is all i had. i kept them during the pushing too , I always found they were not strong as i went to 15 in 20 minutes but the midwife realised while i was pushing only one pad was plugged in correctly, so she plugged the other 3 and that just killed me lol so she had to remove all of them as i could not control my anger
they are very good, i rented them from boots they were 29 pounds plus 25 pounds deposit and you can keep the extra batteries

 

[sonia205]

i rented them from boots they were 29 pounds plus 25 pounds deposit and you can keep the extra batteries

If you can afford it though i would strongly recommend BUYING one, i paid £59.00 for mine, the way i see it is it is useful not only for labour pains but if you get back ache whilst doin the hoovering its good for that so you can mange jobs without aggony, also i havent finished having children yet so its around for the next time.
With hiring one you have to send it back which i see no logic in if you plan on children in the future for instance.
So its well worth it, if you can afford the bit extra to buy one!!

xx

 

[hayley]

i've hired my mamma tens - cost me £28 inc postage and packaging and free returns postage. Also you get 2 extra weeks free if you go over. At the moment it's stuck in the post office till monday - missed the delivery man. Hope i don't go into labour this weekend.. I'll be kicking the post office door down.

My Midwife said not to use it till 37 weeks or more because it can bring on labour... seems like there's lots of different info being given out...
x

 

[melhoney]

I got mine same price same conditions but from Tescos, which was great as no post office involved! I booked in advance for a date and went to take it then, it was ready and I just brought it back after my labou when I went shopping! very easy! Pharmacy in tescos are usually opned later than any other shop, and our tescos in right in front of home, so it was really handy!

mel xx