Hi there,

I'm wondering if any of the Calmbirth/Hypnobirth mothers out there used a TENS machine during labour. I'm intent on having a drug-free birth, and although I feel as though I can manage the pain via Calmbirth techniques, I had thought that perhaps it might be a good idea to hire a TENS machine as a contingency plan, just in case. If I find that I am having trouble during labour (I'm hoping this won't be the case), I'd prefer to resort to the TENS than gas or any other chemical form of pain relief.

I suppose I am wondering, though, if using the TENS machine sort of...interrupts the self-induced relaxation/meditative state of Calmbirth practice? I don't want any unnecessary interruptions when I am doing the relaxations and visualisations, and I am trying to decide whether this would be useful or a complete distraction if I feel I am not coping as well as I had hoped. Does anyone else have any experiences or thoughts on this?

Thank you!