TENS Machine Recommendations Please Lovely Ladies ;)

[Appleseed365]

I am intending a home birth in 6 weeks and would like to hire or buy a TENS machine, to use in conjunction with gas/air.

Please can any ladies out there who have used one let me know the brand they would avoid or recommend?

I know that it should have 4 pads and have a boost button or go up to 11 (!) but are there any other things I should be looking for - its hard to tell from Amazon etc what really is great.

Thank you so much ;)

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MNHQ Update
This is an old thread, but if you've landed here while on the hunt for similar recommendations, our guide to the best TENS machine has been recently updated. It includes a wide range of options – including devices you can hire as well as purchase – and has been compiled based on the recommendations of Mumsnetters as well as maternity experts. We hope it's helpful!

Have used TENS when in labour with all 3 of my DS and will be getting one for DC4 labour in March.

I have always used the Boots TENS machine and found it to be really helpful.

Just wish I'd bought one 7 years ago with DS1 as hate to think how much more expensive hiring them has worked out

Should have mentioned, the Boots TENS has four pads and boost button, also comes with belt clip and cord to wear it round your neck if you want to.

HTH

I've had two, this one here was brilliant.

The other one was from Lloyds and was really rubbish.

Check ebay too!

Does anyone know if there is a difference between the TENS machine you may have for a back problem and the one you'd use in labour? My mum has one...and we weren't sure.

All of the antenatal care people (including midwives, antenatal teachers etc etc) round here recommend the Mama tens. Apparently a study was done locally in connection with the PCT and this one came out tops.

I was lucky enough to be able to buy one (though a very well known on-line retailer) for less than it would cost to hire, but I've just checked and the price has gone back up again.

You don't really need anything too flashy, I think there's one out there that records duration of contractions and all kind of wizzy things, but in the heat of the moment, you really need to be able to just stick the pads on, turn the thing on and get going with the pain relief.

apparently the ones for back pain aren't as strong as the maternity ones