TENS help

[lou11376]

Hi. I'm looking for some advice on which TENS machine to use. In an ideal world, I'm hoping for a waterbirth but my mw recommended hiring a TENS for the period running up to the water part- she said it would be good to use to keep me at home for as long as possible.
I'm just so confused as to the choice out there! Are they all pretty much the same or are some better than others?
Thanks for any help you can give.

I think you need to make sure you get one with a 'boost' function (I found that quite useful). I just hired one from one of those websites, I can't remember how much it cost, £20ish? for about 7 weeks hire I think.

I don't know if mine was better than any others as I haven't tried any others, so sorry can't help there. I used an Elle one I think it was called. I gave my DH the job of reading the instructions and figuring out how to use it

TBH I found the benefits of it wore off pretty quickly as labour progressed and I think I could have been attached to a car battery and wouldn't have cared! So don't stress about it too much, honestly. :)

I think I used the Elle one too. Would also recommend acquainting yourself with how the use it before you go into labour. Did find it helpful for the first bit.

I got one from lloyds pharmacy (own brand) - was helpful - boost button essential.
Bought rather than hired as was on offer, and used with DC1 so will work out cheaper if we have more kids. birth was 10 days ago, so not convinced that'll happen!!

I used the Boots one and hired in from their website. It worked for me exactly as your midwife described- kept me at home until I was about 6-7 cm dilated by which time I went to the hospital and jumped into the pool!

I used the Boots one. I got it from e-bay though for about the same price as hiring, it meant I had it in plenty of time and didn't have to worry about returning it on time etc. It definitely worked for me- I was 7-8cm when I was first examined. Agree with others though, you and your partner need to be confident with how to use it beforehand as the instructions are a bit overwhelming if you're already in pain!

Thanks everyone!