talk to me about TENS and birthing pools

[NinjaChipmunk]

Not at the same time obviously. I may have baby brain but I know water and electricity don't mix .
I didn't use either last time and my midwife has suggested both of these this time round as I want to avoid pethidine if possible. This will be dc2. Any experiences/ how to's of either would be greatly appreciated.

None on birthing pool but tens really did make a big difference . I used it from first contractions until about 5cm and along with breathing and visualization I did manage to cope ok (incl lengthy car trip to hospital). When they took it off to do epidural I reckon pain went up by about a third so it did make quite a significant difference .

I used TENS then pool for DS1. Make sure TENS has a boost button, and also make sure that the settings don't get zeroed if it gets bumped in the car on the way to the hospital (ouch). You can have G&A in the pool.

Managed with TENS only for DS2 - hopefully you'll find it easier this time round too.

TENS and then birth pool are all I've used in 3deliveries - having another in May to see if I can have a go on the gas and air! I love getting in the pool, the water is so comfortingly warm and deep and supportive, I'm finding the bath similar when I put my SPD ridden pelvis in it after a cold school run :D Can't imagine giving birth on 'dry land' tbh. I wouldn't say I love tens but it helps. Bought mine on ebay and will have had my moneys worth by the time #4 arrives - if your second one is your last then I'd probably hire one

I used the special bath at the hospital during labour (was induced, so not allowed the birthing pool) and got out after about 20 minutes because it worked so well I was worried I'd stopped the labour! After I'd had my waters broken my midwife put my TENS machine on me and I found it fantastic - like a really good massage exactly where I needed it - and had it on boost continuously for the last hour. Having had such a good experience with it I'm not sure I could give it up to get into the birthing pool next time...

I would recommend hiring a TENS machine definitely, but do be aware that out of my antenatal group (6 of us) half of us thought they were amazing, half couldn't stand them.

The bath makes me think that a birthing pool would be really helpful and I would definitely try and get one next time, although they may not let you use it if you have mecconium in your waters (which I did) or it may not be available.

I'd definitely aim to try both!

another fan of TENS here.
Got to 10cm with TENS and self hypnosis last time.

I think it all sounds very worth me hiring a tens machine from what you've all said. Thanks so much for the advice! My Midwife led unit where I plan to have the baby has pools so will try them too. If anything trying them both will at least distract me for a while!