Tens machines

[EscapeTheOrdinary]

Over rated or essential?

I’m currently debating whether or not to buy or hire one so any experiences good or bad would be appreciated

Brilliant in dc2 birth- got me all the way through despite induction so drip making contractions a bit brisk. Didn’t touch dc1, who was back-to-back. Definitely get or hire one. Good luck!

I got one on ebay for £20 - done my two births plus various friends and family members! Go second hand. New pads are so cheap for it.

It wasn't as helpful in my 1st because I couldn't really feel the contraction build up, it definitely helped in early labour. 2nd it was fab all the way through, I think because I was calmer i could feel more. Both labours were just gas & air and tens machine, I would definitely recommend. I hired from boots.

I got one to keep! Love it

I haven't used one as currently pregnant with my first, but the thing that's swayed me to get one is that they work so well for some people. They're so cheap second hand, and if there's a chance they might make an extremely painful experience bearable, I want them in my arsenal! If t turns out you're one of the people who don't get on with them you haven't lost a great deal and you can always sell it on on eBay 🤷🏼‍♀️

I found it useful if only as a way to communicate that a contraction was starting. It can be hard to say so and it's extra annoying if someone keeps talking at you when one starts

I hired one for birth of ds. He took two days to arrive. TENS got me through 36 hours of it. I loved it, felt more in control and much calmer. More able to pace myself.

Definitely worth a try.

I had the boots one and it got me to 7cm! There is a background 'pulse' for between contractions and a 'boost' for during. I only took it off to get in the pool, it was brilliant :-)

We borrowed one. Not sure.if it did anything pain wise but was a great distraction (especially when DH had the controls, it really made us laugh!)

I hired a tens and used it throughout labour. It was great and I highly recommend it. Definitely get one with a boost button!!

Tens machine was amazing for my dd1. I went to 8 cm dilated without it being fairly traumatic. I think it was miraculous
Mind you I have nothing to compare it to, as my other delivery was a ecs.

Thank you this is my first and I only know 1 person in rl who has used one so it’s helpful to get opinions. I will start browsing again! Any recommendations on which one will also be helpful

I hired one online was super easy and cheap. Can’t really comment on how good they are as I laboured on my own due to not really thinking it was proper labour so told dh to stay at work- by the time I thought he’d better come home I think my contractions had either gone past a level it was useful or (and much much more likely!) dh put it on and ramped it up full whack the first time he switched it on which prompted me to shriek and fall off he bed all my labour was in my back though so probably would have been useful had I put it on early enough- will get one again this time and get it on immediately.

Mamá Tens Machine OP :)

I’ve been looking at one of the mama ones so that’s good to see it recommended.

I will make a note to myself to get it on ASAP and not let dh play with the strength! I have read you can try them from 37 weeks as practice