do tens machines really work??

[happygal]

i never used a tens machine when i was in labour with my son, but ive been thinking about maybe trying one this time and i was just wondering if anyone who has used them would recommend them? and if i was to get one, what should i be looking for? thanks x

 

[jaybee]

My BF who had a baby a year ago swears by her's. she says she was able to cope with her labour for much longer because of it.
I have bought one from e-bay. It was cheaper to buy one than to rent one from anywhere around here! plus I can keep it for the second child in a few years.

You can buy second hand from the internet too if you want to...but you then have o buy new pads which are rather expensive!

 

[marie-louise]

hey there, i have never used one but have heard it likened to tickling your back with a feather, therefore not so effective. Hopefully some girls here will be able to give some first hand experiences x

 

[jaybee]

Forgot to mention, there are a couple of threads over in the Baby Club about TENS and you can get stories from mums who have used them and swear by them.

 

[Embovstar]

It was suggested to us at our antenatal class and since then, those that we have spoken to who have used them could not have encouraged us more!

One of my Husbands friends used it through the whole of her labour and needed no other relief That's good enough for me although, I FULLY appreciate that I may not get the same, or even similar results.

If it works then it was one of the better £40 odd quid purchases! Its a MAMA TENS machine.

Nicola xx

 

[Vicyi]

I actually asked my mum about this yesterday as she had one with me but she just said it was a tickling/stinging sensation that just distracted you from the other pain. She said if they were free then i might as well give it a go but seeing as you have to pay for one now a days she said my partner stroking/pushing/lightly tapping on my back would do practically the same thing. HTH x

 

[lynnikins]

your mum must not have been using it right caus they are effective when used properly

I had a 56 hour labour with ds and put mine on and it was a lifesaver i must have worn it for 20hours or so and when i took it off to get in the pool the first contraction i had baiscly knocked me over as id been walking or bouncing through them till then and i was 7cm dilated.
Many reccomend the specific labour tens machines you can get from Lloyds pharmacys and boots they have their own brand ones or the Mama Tens , mines just a basic one i got off ebay thats suitable for use in labour but doesnt come with a specific "contraction./boost" button you have to turn the intensity dial up during the contraction instead, i have to get new gel pads for mine as i dont think my old ones are still sticky enough,
theres lots of options out there, mine is most similar to the babycare femme Tens unit with the booster button removed, ive already got it out and ready with fresh batteries i just need the new pads and i'll be ready to go when labour starts

 

[CocoaOne]

My mum had all 3 of her kids with just G&A and a TENS machine so I've got one and I'll be giving it a go. My MW also really recommended getting one as all his ladies seem to stay at home longer with one. He did say that they lose effectiveness for most people by about 5 to 7cm though - but obviously depends on the individual. I always suffered with my back during my period so reckon I will in labour too, hoping the TENS will take the edge off for a while x

 

[KarrierBag]

I've got mine on now! Midwife gave it to me earlier to help with back pain and yes, it's working! Still achy back but taken the edge off the pain

xx

 

[kristen77]

One of my friend's OH's did a study for a uni looking at the effectiveness of TENS machines and whilst I don't know too much about it, I do know they had very positive findings. She used one for her labour and got to 8cm with just a normal, non-labour one, then she used that with G&A for the remainder. Whether it works by causing endorphin release or just gives a distraction during contractions, if it helps me to cope with labour then I'll be happy. I paid £30 for mine - bought it from Lloyds pharmacy online.

 

[happygal]

thanks everyone. i think i might invest in one. if it works then it will be money well spent, worth a try i guess xx

 

[loopy_lou]

Oh boy yes they work got me through a good chunk of labour last week

I had the labour one from lloyds with that beautiful booster button really works. !!

That said my maternity hospital had got some we could use so ask yours before buying

 

[lewiepud08]

i used it with my second son and it was fab, especially with the gas and air!!! definately using it again this time round

Jen xxx

 

[kellis]

I have to say i didn't like it at all with my first child. I laboured in my back and it was sooo painful and the bloody tens machine was just like another irritation in the same place if you know what i mean. I could have cheerfully thrown it through the window lol