TENS Unit During Labour

shanaynerz

Hi ladies,

This is my first post on this board, but I just have a quick question. We are choosing to use a doula. I chose one that uses a TENS unit during labour if needed to help with the contraction pain (this was something that made me lean more towards her rather than another doula - I'm still feeling conflicted!). I'd like as natural a birth as possible and this machine isn't a medication or anything, it just helps your brain focus elsewhere during a contraction. Anyways, just wondering if anyone has used them before during labour and what your experience was? TIA!  

bandwife

Interested to hear the response.

 I'm from Vancouver, had my first there, and now in the UK. TENS machines are big over here and you can rent one for a month around your due date which I am considering. I've used TENS therapy before on my back and I think it could help during labour.

Jealous that you're in Vancouver. Had such a good experience delivering DS with my midwives and doula there. The options for pregnancy care in Vancouver are so good.

Cilley

I used the TENS unit with my 1st. I was induced, so the contractions were quite strong. What I remember most about using it was that when the contractions were happening, my doula would turn the voltage to a seemingly high level. What it did was divide my attention between the zing in my back and the contractions in the front. So worth it!

 With my 2nd, we didn't have time to use the TENS unit. I wasn't induced and was literally sleeping when I wasn't having contractions. Glad I was induced with my 1st because I had nothing to compare the feelings to. My 2nd L&D experience was much shorter and the contractions were more manageable.

GL

frlcb

I used one with my first in the UK, and it helped. It wasn't awesome like I thought it would be but it helped.