I had a 16hr labour and no other pain relief other than labour TENS. I couldn't have done it without the TENS machine it was fantastic.

My husband reminded me to put the TENS unit on when I started getting regular contractions and I'm so glad he did. We attached it to my ipod arm band which meant I could move around and only had to hold the boost button. When I put the TENS on I felt instant relief soothing away the pain. Having the TENS unit made me feel in control when the pain intensified I just pushed the booster button. I was able to concentrate on my breathing I'd learnt in yoga and push the boost button to get me through each contraction. The pulsations of the machine gave me something else to focus on.

Being English I'd heard about Labour TENS as this machine is known as the best and they are a lot more common back home. I really hope that more women obstetricians and midwives in Australia find out about it and give it a go. I never imagined that I could labour so long without any additional pain relief. I don't think I have a high pain threshold -but I'm testimony to believing that the body is made to give birth and open.

I was 8cm dilated when I got to hospital. I was feeling relaxed and in control of my contractions. It then took another 8 hrs of labour as my baby wouldn't descend and got stuck. I took the Labour TENS machine off to get into the bath but decided the TENS was better so I got out and put it back on. Despite needing a vacuum extraction to pull my baby out I feel I did really well to avoid a cesarean. I feel I had a positive birth experience. Knowing that my baby didn't have any drugs made me feel I'd achieved something. I'll definitely use Labour TENS next time too.

Beck. Dee Why. NSW