Now, I’m not going to write alot of posts about pain relief for labour, especially since I don’t know all options personally – but I will make a few posts on what I recommend from personal experience.
At around 37 weeks into my pregnancy, I hired and received a Mama TENS machine from Mama Tens .
For $65, I had my own TENS machine booked for 5 weeks – they recommend that you receive your TENS machine from 37 weeks along so that the 5 week hire period will bring you up to 42 weeks along, just in case! The TENS machine came in it’s own little pouch, complete with spare batteries (I never had to change the batteries, mind you – and I used it non-stop for days).
As they recommend, we practised applying the TENS machine once – it’s handy to have your partner read the booklet and apply the sticky pads to the right places on your back. That way, from the very first contraction, you are totally ready to get the TENS machine on and running.
The TENS machine itself is palm size, but also can with a clip and necklace so you can wear it instead of holding it in your hand. You can ‘boost’ the level of ‘buzz’ you receive from the TENS machine, aswell as increase/decrease the level of intensity of the ‘buzz’. While I still could feel my contractions (over 300 of them with the TENS machine on for 3 days!), the buzz gave me something to concentrate on and it helped me get through the uncomfortable parts.
Mama Tens were very helpful and quick with delivery – I definately recommend them if you’re thinking of hiring a TENS machine for pain relief in labour.
For more information on the benefits of using a TENS machine in labour, visit
http://www.mamatens.com.au/
Did you use a TENS machine during labour? What did you think of it?
