Tens Machine

Hi girls - I tried to search past posts!

My father-in-law has lended (sp ?) me his Tens Machine for labour.  I have never used one nor have I any idea as to how to use it.  If you have used one in previous labour moments and feel generous in sharing your experience I would be very very very grateful.

I am 36 weeks pregnant.  And need to know when to start - where to put the pads etc etc etc

Tens Virgin......

Suz xx

IIRC there are special TENS machines to use for labour, you should have a boost button on it so that you can boost during a contraction. I know the one I had during labour was different to the one I had for knee pain. Does it come with any instructions to say if you can use it during labour?

With mine during labour I had the pads two half way up my back and two at the bottom of my back. It worked really well with the early labour pain until I got in the brthing pool, so would definitely recommend using one, but you should definitely try to find out if the one you have is suitable to use.

What DDL said.  You need to make sure the one you have is suitable for labour, and you definately need the boost button!

If you do a Google images search for TENS for labour you will find images of where the pads go on your back.

Make sure you start to use it very early in labour, pretty much before you feel you need it you should already have it on.

Make sure you have a spare battery just in case labour is long!

As the others have said you need a specific labour TENS machine with a boost button, you can hire them for about £25.

I was terrified of the idea of using it but I was planning a home birth I wanted as many pain relief options available in my arsenal so to speak.  After a while the MW and my H convinced me to try it, I was terrified of pressing the boost button at first, but in actual fact it did work.  I think partly it was taking my mind of the contraction as it gave me something else to focus on and I was actually able to sleep during contractions whilst using it.  I still have lovely memories of H and I curled up on the bed with me dosing off between the contractions whilst he cuddled me.

I have no idea where the pads went, I don't even remember them being put on, so I guess either H or the midwife did it.

I could have borrowed one off my cousin but the midwife advised against it as it wasn't a labour tens machine. I hav ended up buying one for £30 from lloyds pharmacy.