TENS machines - recommendations?

[lulu25]

Can anyone recommend a machine that is particularly easy to use (I'm assuming they are all as effective as each other)? Should I buy or hire?

Tx

I hired the Mothercare one (Mamatens) and it was quite useful and not at all hard to use, but I've never used another so I don't have any comparison!

The hiring was pretty straightforward (they send it to you and then you return it afterwards in a pre-paid and addressed bag) and costs about a third of the price of buying, I think (£30 as opposed to £100) so I can't think of a reason to buy one.

I got one from my local SureStart for 5 pounds to hire - seems fairly easy to use. Not all SureStarts offer this though, ask your midwife.

Another vote for the Mothercare MAMATens here - have one for both my previous births. Costs £29.99 to hire for 5-6 weeks I think. Arrives 3 weeks before your due date. The number to ring is in the Mothercare catalogue - can find it for you if you like.

Got through the dilation stage of both my previous births using just TENS - had gas and air as well towards the end. So I do think they take the edge off and enable you to progress further before you need further pain relief.

www.mama-tens.info

I booked mine online for 4 week period (will give you extra 2 weeks for free if needed) for £28. As I organised this quite late, I got next day delivery which was an extra £3. Also free postal return.

Can't say if it was any use (will get back to you hopefully soon on that) but a friend used it and said it was really effective for them.

I hired one from Boots, I think it was around £20 for 4 weeks and it was brilliant. I used it for (ahem) 5 days and when they finally let me stay in the delivery suite I was 8cm dilated!!! Sorry if that is scaring you...

It was good for early labour. I hired the expensive super duper one but it was quite dear, I think if there is a next time and thats a big if I would hire or buy a cheap one.

Do you have to hire one these days? Things have changed.

They don't do a thing to help with the pain though, but they do massively distract you while you try and work out of the bloody thing is on or doing anything even slightly useful!

PS - hired mine from Boots.