Mama Tens Maternity Kit: A Review

A few weeks before my due date the opportunity came up to review the rental of a Maternity Tens machine from Mamatens. Having not used one before and hoping to have a more straightforward birth this time round I was really excited to see how me and the Tens would get along.

I received the tens kit in plenty of time for the birth and was able to read through the instruction booklet and prepare myself so I wouldn't have problems using it when the time comes. The instruction booklet is very clear and straightforward with diagrams where required to ensure any questions about using the tens are answered. 

So when the day finally arrived I had been getting some contractions which weren't painful as such but uncomfortable I had been advised by lots of people to use the tens from early on to get the best results so thought this was a good time to get started. 

I wasn't sure at first whether I would get on with the tens, the sensation wasn't uncomfortable but it was hard to imagine how it would help with more severe pain. I wanted to keep an open mind though and used the tens for a couple of hours that night and then took it off to go to bed, however sleep wasn't on the agenda as the contractions continued I put it back on about 3pm and it stated on then for the remainder of my labour. 

By the time the contractions had got stronger the tens had become a bit of a companion. The action of switching the boost during the contraction was a routine which I felt kept me in some kind of control, the pulses acted as much as a distraction as anything else and a much needed one at that! 

As labour progressed I changed programmes as advised in the instructions and I kept it on throughout - admittedly by the time I actually gave birth the tens was something of a distant memory but in hindsight I was really pleased with how far it got me. I was able to avoid an epidural and managed in Gas and Air and a little Pethadine which after my first daughters birth was my ultimate goal

Despite my initial doubts I can honestly say the tens was a huge help especially in the early stages of labour and I would certainly recommend them to other pregnant ladies. If you are thinking about renting a tens machine or just want to find out more about how they work I'd recommend having a look at the Mamatens website as it's full of really useful info. 

I was offered the opportunity to use a Maternity tens machine from mama tens for the purposes of this review, however all words and opinions are my own.