TENS machines

[OopsyDaisy]

Am just looking at whether it's worthwhile getting (either hiring or buying) a TENS machine in preparation for the labour pains - do you think it's worth it?

 

[Gemma & Jake]

I didn't actually use one but as I was in early labour for quite a long time I would consider it next time. Whilst I was in early labour it was still very painful but all they gave me was paracetamol and codeine which did nothing. The only thing is that if you have a quick labour you might end up not using it. You can hire them from Boots I think or you could buy one off of somewhere like e bay and then sell it again after.

 

[little*red]

I voted no.
I was going to buy one but decided not to after feeling what it was like in my antenatal class, i didnt like the numb sensation it gave you and thought it would just annoy me when i was in labour.
When i got to the hospital before i got gas and air the midwife gave me some codeine and a tens machine, but it didnt work (the gas and air however were marvellous). So if i had bought/hired one it would have been a waste of money as the hospital gave me a loan of one for free.

Maybe you should ask the hospital if they have their own supply of them? the only problem with that would be if the labour ward is really busy when you go in then they may not have one free.

hope that helps

 

[Flame]

I have bought one from this place

http://www.tens.co.uk/acatalog/Obstetric_TeNS_Hire.html

It was only £42 including delivery, i think its worth a try as everyone is differant.

 

[Charlotte & Emily]

i used one but it didnt really work
i agree with little*red i didnt like the numb sensation either

 

[NIE]

Glad you wrote this post. It is something I have been reading about lately. Will keep an eye on what is posted for some useful info.

Thanks. xxx

 

[NooNoo]

my cousin said hers just annoyed her

 

[Duds]

id def say yes, it may be a mental thing but i found it really helped and am going to use one again this time around.
Have to say tho after using it for 20hours i felt like i still had it on for hours after!

 

[Flame]

After trying mine out i thought it wasnt working but it is a mental thing it does work slightly in some weird way.

 

[pipsicola]

I found mine here.... you can buy or rent
http://www.definitelybaby.com/acatalog/maternity_accessories_essentials.html

 

[cloud9]

i couldn't decide wether to or not and in the end didn't bother..my labour went so fast i am glad i didn't

 

[lisanat]

I was in early labour for about 27 hours as I was induced and I definately couldnt have done it without my tens machine . The only thing is once the labour really startd kicking in I forgot I had it on and it was on constantly for ages and in the end it did annoy me. But I would definatly recommend for early stages of labour. I got mine of ebay.

xx

 

[mum2A&L]

i used one, but didn't realise it was doing anything till they took it off (if that makes sense).

my hospital had their own i could loan from them (they happenend to have been donated by the family of a bloke i went to school with who died a few years back )

def check with your mw, to see if they / your local hospital has oneyou can loan before renting.

 

[OopsyDaisy]

Sounds like a good idea to have one, just in case I need it.
Am seeing the MW this Thurs, so I'll ask her if the hospital provides a loaning service.
Thanks.