I'm looking at using a tens machine for my labour and I'm not sure what brand to use. Has anybody used either the "MamaTens" or "LabourTens" and what did you think about it/them, where they helpful?
By any chance has anybody used both brands (probably during two different pregnancies) and which one would you in that case recommend?
I'm wondering if both machines come with pads that are reusable (for trying out before labour starts and then during labour be able to put on and take off when needed without the pads becoming too flimsy).
Hi Janni, I had a tens machine for my labor, but not sure what brand it was so I am probably not much help. I could be wrong but I'm guessing they are all much of a muchness... Just make sure that the one you get has a lanyard you can use to hang the button around your neck (I think all the labor ones do anyway).
I was induced and had a posterior baby so my labor was pretty intense to say the least. I found the tens great, it works more as a distraction but being able to push down on the button at least makes you feel like you're doing something to combat the pain. The electrodes can be taken off and put back on, but I probably wouldn't bother trying it out first. The sensation isn't that pleasant and there is no way I could have had it at the intensity I did during labor without being in labor iykwim. When I picked mine up they did show me how to use it with a smaller electorde placed on my arm so I had a good idea of what it would be like.
I haven't used a Tens machine yet but have booked one to hire for my first labour.
I found both the Labourtens and Mamatens websites and noticed that it was actually the same company (same address and phone number) so I rang them and asked what the difference was.
She said that Mamatens machines were being phased out as it was harder to get the electrodes (?) and the Labourtens was a better machine.
Thanks Miss E - I'll check if they come with a lanyard, otherwise, I do have a few of those at home, so maybe I can just attach the remote to one of those?
Hummingbird - that must be the same company I called. I found the company phone number on the net and gave them a call (at the time I did not know what the company was called...couldn't figure it out from the website I was on...it just said something about hiring tens machines). Anyways, I was also told that they were phasing out the MamaTens and that the LabourTens was a better unit anyways...However, I got a bit curious after I asked the lady the name of their company and she said "LabourTens". That made me thinking that maybe they manufacture those units (LabourTens) and would therefore obviously say that the LabourTens is superior the MamaTens...that's the reason I wanted to check with other people what they thought of the unit and if anybody has had a chance to compare the LabourTens to the MamaTens.
Janni I wouldn't be concerned with the pads being reusable - unless you want to go in the bath or shower you'll most likely just leave it on. I thought I'd be in & out of the water but once I got my TENS on that didn't even cross my mind!!
A word of advice - pack some duct tape with the machine!! You do sweat during labour & the pads can move off their target. We told the physio I hired my TENS off that we had used duct tape to keep everything in place & now she includes a roll with the hire.
Hummingbird it was my DH's idea!! He never does anything by halves & insisted on putting tape on the pads I remember thinking "Oh for GODS SAKE" because at that point I was ready to go to the hospital!!
Of course I can now see his point & I'm glad he thought of it lol.
I used to use a TENS for pain relief (not labour), and used paper tape to hold the pads on. You can get it from chemist, or hospital should have the tape as well.
Hummingbird - oh ok, i was just under the impression that they just stocked the mama tens and then seemed to have brought out this new machine...but you're probably right, they may have manufactured both and would then of course not be biased.
LabourTens vs MamaTens
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I remember thinking "Oh for GODS SAKE" because at that point I was ready to go to the hospital!!
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