Recommend me a TENS machine?

[weeblueberry]

I'm planning to go into the Birth Centre where, I assume, you can use a TENS machine? I'll probably buy my own (unless it's very easy to rent from my hospital) so wondered if anyone could suggest one they've found to be effective? I also wondered if you could use it while you're at home then move to a water birth once you arrive in the Birth Centre? Or once you start using it should you keep going til the end?

I used this one: www.babycaretens.com/bounty/Elle_TENS_Buy.html

and it was brilliant. I used it at home and when I got to the birth centre up until I got in the pool when I had to take it off. I needed no further pain relief and highly recommend. Also my baby was 11 days late and the company extended the rental period free of charge.

I used Elle Tens at home then in MLU until the birthing pool was ready. Basically make sure it has a boost button for contractions. Put it on at the lowest setting when you get the first twinges, then ramp up the power as necessary. Make sure it doesn't get knocked back down again in the car (this happened to me - couldn't work out why contractions suddenly hurt masses more)!

Don't forget to look on ebay.

I used the lloyds maternity TENS, they don't sell them anymore but they might have them on eBay . I used it from the first mild contractions till the very end. It has a boost button which was very helpful after my waters broke. I had a very quick 2nd stage 45 mins from waters breaking til birth. Unfortunately I only got to the delivery room 15 mins before birth so didn't get much gas and air, DH had the boost button constantly pressed till baby was out. I couldn't have been without it. Make sure you get enough pads, I has 12 and used them all in 17 hours. I did have a bit of diamorphine too, early on. This let me get some rest for a couple of hours before my waters broke.

Also you can hire them from boots, tescos, and babies r us, and online.

I used the Elle Tens too, and found it great. You really notice the good job it was doing when you take it off! I rented both times through a website - they just post to you and then you post it back afterwards.

I used Mama Tens and would heartily recommend

Thank you so much everyone! And I really appreciate you confirming you can use them right up until you get into the Birthing Pool.

If I ended up in the ward (not through choice but hospital busy-ness) would I be able to use it in conjunction with gas and air? If the Birthing Pool wasn't available?

I used mine with G&A and diamorphine

Elle Tens here, have used it for 4 long labours now, definitely recommend it.

I used it with gas and air too.

Oh yes, the only thing you can't use it with is water!

Another vote for the Elle Tens here - used it for the first couple of hours of a very fast, intense labour - only took it off to get into the birthing pool where I stayed for the next 4 hours! Boost button was great. I would have been happy to keep it on had a pool not been available, it really was doing a good job.