I found the TENS machine fantastic for pain relief. This was my 2nd labour. My first was very long and tiring and ended with an epidural, lots of pushing and forceps delivery.

This one was only 6 hours long and as soon as the contractions got strong and I thought I actually was in labour my husband put the TENS on me.

It really blurred the edges of the pain. I still felt painful contractions, but not as strong and detailed…. more like a general pain than sharp pains all over the uterus.  Sometimes I didn’t realise how well it was working until I hesitated pushing the button and got the full impact.  I liked being able to press the boost button as it helped me focus on the contraction and have some control over what was happening. I think without it I would have felt worn out by the pain, but this way it was manageable.

At first it felt quite strong pulsing at 10, but it was surprising how gradually I kept turning it up and it felt the right strength for me at 55 by the end!  Once we got to the hospital it took only 25 minutes to deliver our baby.  I hadn’t realised I was so dilated! I used the TENS right up to delivery, and was asking my husband to turn it up for me between the last contractions and pushes and crowning.

I am so glad I used the TENS and was able to experience a natural labour in a way that was really present and meaningful. I felt that primal urge to push and scream and was totally in the moment.  It was very painful, but the TENS gave me enough relief to cope with the contractions and focus on having our baby and watch as she was born.

I would highly recommend it to everyone to try.

 

Anne, Vic.