Byrna (welcome to Lactnet!) asks about the idea of using a TENS unit to help increase milk supply.  I don't think this is a good idea.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator devices are used in the treatment of pain -- a very simplistic explanation is that the electrical current will stimulate sensory nerves in an area where pain is being felt.  This new/novel electrical sensation will then help to "distract" the brain into not picking up the pain signals.  It's possible that remodeling and retraining of pain-sensing nerve endings will occur, further leading to durable decreases in pain felt.

I have never heard of these devices being used for anything other than pain problems, and they should certainly not be used on the chest because of the risk of interference with cardiac conduction.  I have no idea how one of these units could be expected to increase milk supply, and am not sure what type of physician would prescribe one for this use.

-Sarah Reece-Stremtan M.D. (pediatric anesthesiologist and pain doc)

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome