How effective was your tens machine?

[coneywonder]

Hi ladies,

Currently weighing up whether it's worse hiring/buying a tens machine for early labour?

I'd like to hear about whether they worked for you and which one you went for if that's ok?

Thanks

Did bugger all.

I hired one, and my labour was so quick that it stayed in the box... So, a waste of money for me lok

I didn't have any other pain relief

I hired one. It was completely ineffective. Didn't bother second time.

I used one with both my labours. Agree with others who say it's a good distraction.

Definitely test the batteries before you need it (unlike I did) !

I think mine was an obi tens. I've lent it out so I can't check. It was brilliant. 2 pads on lower back, 2 where your bra strap would be. I realised when I took it off to get in the bath just how much it was helping. My friend and I bought one between us for about £40 from Amazon (we were due 3 months apart so could both use it). It's been borrowed by many people since, I might sell it once nobody else I know needs it.
2 tips if you do get one: take spare batteries (they last for ages but just in case), and keep the plastic packaging that the pads peel off. This gives you something to stick the pads to if you take them off for a bath or something, but want to put them back on later. Replacement pads are about £5.

Forgot to say, I hired mine from my midwife. It was really cheap. Ask if that's an option before you buy one.

Thank you all for the tips ladies :)

I hired one and liked it. Felt like someone was rubbing my back. I only used it in the early stages at home, once I got to hospital I was in the pool.

I used one and it helped for a bit - mine was a back to back labour though and everything kicked in fairly fast so it wasn't enough and I had pethedine too. In fact, once my baby had been born I suddenly became aware of a pulsing in my back and realised I'd forgotten all about it and it was still on!

I had an Elle Tens. It was great and worked really well.

I bought it new and then lent it to various friends. I sold it on eBay about a year later and didn't lose too much money.

I hired one from tesco and thought it was really good, as soon as I got to hospital I got on the "stronger stuff" but def worth it whilst your still at home.