Kegel8 Mother Nurture User manual

Operator’s manual


Symbols on the unit and case
Caution! (electrical output).
Follow operating instructions! Failure to do so could place the patient or
operator at risk.
Neuromuscular Stimulation (STIM) and EMG Triggered Stimulation (ETS)
should not be used by Patients tted with demand style cardiac pace-
makers. Please seek advice from your health supervisor.
Patient’s shock protection type: BF (Body Floated) Equipment. This
equipment is not earthed but contains a battery within an insulated unit.
Indicates the manufacturer’s catalogue number so that the medical
device can be identied.
Manufacturer's LOT/Batch number. Present it together with SN
number when you report a technical fault or claim a warranty
return.
Manufacturer's serial number of the unit. Present it together with
LOT number when you report a technical fault or claim a warranty
return.
Name and address of Manufacturer.
Date of manufacture.
Conformity indication with the essential health and safety
requirements set out in European Directives.
0088 - Notied Body identication (LRQA Ltd.)
This product should be kept dry.
IP20
on the unit
This is an indication for protection against ingress of water and particu-
late matter. The mark IP20 on your unit means: your unit is protected
against solid foreign objects of 12.5mm dia and greater. Not protected
against water.
IP02
on the case
IP02 on the carrying case means: Protected from the ingress of water
droplets from a shower of rain.
Do not dispose in normal dustbin (see page 29 for the disposal instruc-
tions).
REF
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing Kegel8 Mother Nurture. You now have a new best
friend to support you through the birth of your baby and beyond. Created
especially for women before conception, during labour and after their new
arrival, the Kegel8 Mother Nurture is an eective Transcutaneous Electri-
cal Nerve Stimulator (TENS) and Neuromuscular Stimulator (STIM) device
in one.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is an eective, drug-free,
non-invasive method of controlling pain. By transmitting mild electrical
impulses to the aected area, TENS modies the body’s perception of
pain to provide relief.
Neuromuscular Stimulation is an eective method of re-building and
strengthening weak or damaged muscle tissue. Muscles and nerve bres
are stimulated by electrical pulses causing them to contract as they would
in exercise.
If you have never used a Neuromuscular Stimulator or TENS machine be-
fore, you may be a little apprehensive. That’s quite normal – lots of people
are cautious at rst, but soon realise that there is nothing to worry about.
The probes used for neuromuscular stimulation are designed for comfort
and while you will be able to feel the eects of the electrical pulses, they
should not cause you any discomfort.
Welcome to Kegel8 Mother Nurture
What is TENS?
What is NMES?


Please pay careful attention to the following safety warnings:
●Do not insert wires into a mains power supply.
●Do not immerse unit into water or any other substance.
●The unit is not protect from the ingress of water droplets from a shower
of rain if used outside the carrying case.
●This unit is not suitable for use during a water birth.
●Do not use STIM or a vaginal probe during pregnancy.
●Do not use TENS prior to 37 weeks pregnancy.
●Type BF equipment, Continuous Operation.
●Do not use Kegel8 Mother Nurture in the presence of a ammable
anaesthetic gas mixture and air or with Oxygen or Nitrous Oxide.
●If using rechargeable 9 Volt PP3 Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, be
sure to use a CE approved battery charger. Never connect the Kegel8
Mother Nurture directly to a battery charger or to any other mains
powered equipment. We advise not to use Ni-Cad rechargeable
batteries.
●Patient Probes and Electrodes are for single patient use only.
●Keep out of reach of children.
●Do not use this stimulator on your facial area unless you are under strict
guidance from a qualied Clinician.
●Application of electrodes to the body between the neck and the
abdomen may increase abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac brillation)
●Operation in close proximity (e.g. 1m) to shortwave or microwave
therapy equipment may produce instability in the stimulator output.
●Simultaneous connection of a patient to high frequency surgical
equipment may result in burns at the site of the stimulation electrodes
and possible damage to the stimulator.
●It is recommended this unit be used following guidance of a
●Physiotherapist, Doctor or Continence Advisor.
●No modication of this equipment is permitted.
The beauty of TENS pain relief is that you are in full control and we will
provide you with all the information you need about correct electrode
placement, so no worries there either.
If you follow the instructions in this User Guide, Kegel8 Mother Nurture is
a safe and eective way to prepare your body for carrying a baby, help
manage your pain through labour and exercise your pelvic oor back in to
pre-baby shape following childbirth.
Customer Care
We aim to provide our customers with outstanding products and customer
service. So if you have any comments or ideas regarding Kegel8, unan-
swered questions or are looking for any sort of reassurance please get in
touch with us – we are here to help. Our contact details can be found on
page: Customer Care.
Warnings
●Labour Pain
●Stress incontinence
●Overactive bladder (urge incontinence)
Also used for non medical purposes:
●Pelvic sensitivity, strength and endurance
Indications for Use


Please read this Kegel8 Mother Nurture User Guide before using this
stimulation device.
Kegel8 Mother Nurture should not be used:
●By patients tted with a demand style cardiac pacemaker unless
advised to by their Doctor.
●On a STIM programme during pregnancy (unless medically advised).
●On a TENS programme prior to 37 weeks pregnancy.
●By patients with undiagnosed pain conditions.
●By patients with undiagnosed skin, vaginal or rectal conditions.
●With patients who have diminished mental capacity or physical
competence who cannot handle the device properly.
●On anaesthetised or desensitised skin.
●When driving a vehicle or operating potentially dangerous equipment.
When using Kegel8 Mother Nurture:
●Use only as directed.
●Do not immerse the unit in water or any other liquid.
●Keep unit out of reach of children.
●Seek professional advice if you are unsure about using Kegel8
Mother Nurture. Contact your distributor or healthcare professional.
●Only use CE approved skin electrodes and vaginal probes.
●Change your skin electrodes to hypoallergenic electrodes should you
experience any irritation from the adhesive coating on the electrodes
supplied. A range of skin electrodes for sensitive skin can be found
on our website.
●Allow the skin to heal should you experience any skin irritation
before commencing use.
Do not place electrodes:
●Over carotid sinus nerves, larynx or trachea.
●Inside the mouth.
●Over the area of the heart unless so advised by your doctor.
●On your facial area unless under strict guidance from a qualied
clinician.
●Do not apply stimulation across or through the head, directly on the
eyes, covering the mouth, on the front of the neck (especially the
carotid sinus) or via electrodes placed on the chest and upper back or
crossing over the heart.
Content Page
Indications for use 
Warnings 
Contraindications and Precautions 
Basic keypad operation 
Important Safety Information 
Kegel Mother Nurture Check List 
Getting To Know Your Kegel Mother Nurture 
How Your Kegel Mother Nurture Works 
Using Kegel Mother Nurture For The First Time 
Exercising With Kegel Mother Nurture 
Inserting The Probe 
Managing Labour With Mother Nurture 
Applying Kegel Skin Electrodes 
Kegel Tips 
Choosing A Kegel Mother Nurture Programme 
Increasing mA with each phase 
Voluntary Exercise 
Locking and Unlocking the unit 
Taking Care Of Your Kegel 
Frequently Asked Questions 
Kegel Mother Nurture Programme Parameters 
Specications 
Electromagnetic Compatibility and Interference (EMC) 
Warranty 
Clinical References 
ContentsContra Indications & Precautions


PRG button
SET button Displays the menu and changes the
parameters for Pulse Rate, Pulse Width
and Time for custom programmes.
ESC button Stores customised programme and returns to the
home position.
ON / OFF Turns unit on, o and ends the current programme
LCD
Display
Select
Programme
SET to go
to Custom
programme
settings
Channel A Remote Channel B
switch
ESC to stop
programme
or escape
from settings
+to start
programme
Who Can Use Kegel8 Mother Nurture?
Your Kegel8 Mother Nurture is designed to be used by women and when
used correctly, is a safe and eective way of strengthening pelvic oor
muscles and drug-free pain relief during labour. However, as it works by
using electrical pulses, there are some people that should seek medical
advice before using the device.
DO NOT USE KEGEL8 MOTHER NURTURE:
●If you have been tted with a demand style cardiac pacemaker.
●During pregnancy unless using the TENS programme during labour.
●If you have undiagnosed pain, skin, vaginal or rectal conditions.
●On anaesthetised or desensitised skin.
●If you do not have the mental capacity or physical competence to use
the device as instructed.
●When driving a vehicle or operating potentially dangerous equipment.
●In water or other uid, including a birthing pool – never submerge
your Kegel8 in water.
●While you are connected to high frequency equipment. Applying the
Kegel8 probe or electrodes while you are connected to high frequency
equipment could cause burns and damage your Kegel8. If in doubt,
please call your distributor for advice or seek assistance from a doctor
or healthcare professional.
Please note that Kegel8 can be used safely by women tted with IUD or
Mirena coils. Kegel8 does not aect these devices.
IMPORTANT
Only Use Your Kegel8 As Described
In This User Guide.
Keep Out Of Reach Of Children.
Important Safety Information
Description of STIM
Unit & Functions
BackFront

 
Where Can You Use Your Kegel8 Mother Nurture?
Kegel8 Mother Nurture is designed for home use, but can be used in
medical centres and hospitals too. Before you use your Kegel8, please
make sure:
●The room does not contain ammable gases. This is especially
important in hospitals and medical centres as Kegel8’s electrical
pulses can ignite ammable gases, such as those used in anaesthetics.
If in doubt, ask for assistance.
●You are not positioned close (e.g. 1m) to a shortwave or microwave
therapy device, microwave oven, mobile telephone, wireless device,
or radio. These devices can cause instability in your Kegel8 unit.
Using Your Kegel8 Mother Nurture Safely
●Only use your Kegel8 in the regions described in this user guide.
Never use Kegel8 on other parts of your body as the electrical pulses
could damage your health.
●To ensure your personal hygiene, do not allow other people to use
your probes or electrodes. Always clean your probes thoroughly (see
Kegel8 Probe Care) and store electrodes in a safe place.
●Only use CE approved vaginal probes and skin electrodes with your
Kegel8. All ocial Kegel8 probes and electrodes are CE approved.
●To power your Kegel8 device, use a 9v battery. Never connect your
Kegel8 device or its probes to a mains power supply as this could
result in electrocution and death.
●Do not immerse your Kegel8 device or its probes and electrodes in
water, uids or any other substances.
●Please be aware that Kegel8 Mother Nurture is Type BF equipment
(provides some protection against electric shock).
Kegel8 Mother Nurture Check List
When you open the Kegel8 Mother Nurture packaging, you should nd:
●1x Kegel8 Mother Nurture unit
●1x 9 Volt Battery
●1x Kegel8 Probe
●4x Kegel8 Skin Electrodes (100x50mm)
●1x Remote Boost Button
●2x Kegel8 Lead Wire
●1x Kegel8 Mother Nurture User Guide
●1x Kegel8 Product Guarantee Registration Form
In the unlikely event that any of the items above are missing, please con-
tact our Customer Care Team.
Kegel8 Mother Nurture Check List

 
You will use Channel A (CH.A) to connect your probe to your Kegel8
Mother Nurture unit for STIM use to exercise your pelvic oor muscles
prior to conception and/or following recovery from childbirth.
You will use Channel A (CH.A) and Channel B (CH.B) to connect your skin
electrodes to your Kegel8 Mother Nurture unit for TENS use to manage
pain during labour.
You will use the Boost Channel to connect your Remote Boost Button for
control of natural pain relief during labour.
You will use the PRG button to select and set your programme of choice
(see Choosing a Kegel8 Programme)
Kegel8 Mother Nurture has two sets of + and – buttons. You can use these
buttons to increase (+) and decrease (-) the strength of the electrical puls-
es being emitted (the mAs). The positioning of these buttons correspond
to the Channel they control; the + and – buttons to the left control Channel
A and those to the right control Channel B.
MODEL OPH 310
DUAL CHANNEL
STI MUL ATOR
Usethe remote pink
buttontomovebetween
BST (Boosttokillpain)
and RST (Rest).
SelectBST and increase
mA comfortable .to alevel
This will gradually
reducepain.
BST(Boost):
when alabour
contraction
occuresor
pain is very
strong.
RST(Rest):use
it most of thetime.
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SET
PRGESC
Mother Nurture
“+” buttons Startsthe
program and
increases mA level
presstoselectprogramme
-toescape from
custom programme settings
PRG
ESC
SET to setupparametersof
custom programme
UnlockP3-Labour Pain
-press to unlockthe
programme.
-Press PRGfor5sec
to lock P3
Channel B
Channel ARemote
switch
Remote Switch button
P3-Labour Pain: triggers between High
frequency andBurst frequencymodes.
When you rst power on your
Kegel8 Mother Nurture, the LCD
display will light and show the
following information:
Hz - Frequency
Hz is the number of electrical pulses per second (Hertz). You will notice
that this number changes depending on the programme you have
selected and may even change throughout the programme.
µS – Pulse Duration
µS is the duration of a single electrical pulse. The higher the value, the
more the stimulation penetrates your muscles. Again, this number will
change
depending on the programme you have selected.
Programme Description
To the right of the screen you will see an abbreviation of the programme
you have selected i.e. LBR will display when the Labour Pain Relief
programme is selected. All programme abbreviates can be found in
chapter: Choosing A Kegel8 Mother Nurture Programme.
Time
When you are using Kegel8 Mother Nurture as a STIM device to exercise
your pelvic oor, the programme description will disappear when you
commence the programme and will be replaced with a timer. This time is
the length of the programme and will count down as you progress through
the session.
mA
At the bottom of the screen you will see two large numbers. When you rst
turn the unit on, these numbers will display as 0 (zero). This is a display of
the MilliAmps – the amount (or strength) of electrical current being
delivered through the output channel. This number will change as you
control the output with the + and – buttons on the unit.
Battery Power Level
If your Kegel8 Mother Nurture battery is running low on power, a low bat-
tery symbol will appear in the middle of the screen. If you see this symbol,
please ensure you change your battery to get the best performance from
your Kegel8 Mother Nurture.
Getting to Know your Kegel8 Mother Nurture

 
The Kegel8 Mother Nurture is one of a new breed of dual Neuromuscular
Stimulation (STIM) and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
devices developed with the aim of achieving optimum pelvic health for
women and supporting them through the demanding changes on the
body that comes with starting a family. Kegel8 Mother Nurture works by
producing electrical pulses that stimulate the muscles and nerve bres
to build muscle strength in your pelvic area and that work to modify the
body’s perception of pain to make labour more manageable.
If you haven’t used a STIM or TENS device before, the idea of apply-
ing electrical pulses to your body can seem a little strange. But there’s
no need to be concerned – your body already uses electrical signals all
the time. For example, let’s say you want to tense the bicep muscle in
your arm. To do this, your brain sends an electrical signal to your muscles
via your nervous system. When the signal reaches your bicep, it causes
the muscle to contract, and when the signal is not present, your muscle
relaxes again.
The Neuromuscular Stimulation (STIM) of the Kegel8 Mother Nurture
works in a very similar way – it sends electric pulses to precise areas of
the pelvic oor muscles, causing them to contract and relax. Over time,
this strengthens the muscles and nerve bres giving you greater muscle
control and improving strength, tone and tightness.
The Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) of the Kegel8
Mother Nurture targets nerves as opposed to muscles; there are millions
of small nerve bres throughout your body and it only takes a few impuls-
es for you to experience chronic pain. TENS tackles this by stimulating the
larger nerve bres in your body, those responsible for our sense of touch
and temperature, which then block the path of the small nerve endings
which are sending the pain signals to your spine – often described as a
pain gateway as it acts as a channel for pain signals to reach the brain.
Kegel8 Mother Nurture features a number of pre-set programmes for pel-
vic oor exercise and natural pain relief during labour. These programmes
have been carefully designed so that they:
●Work your muscles appropriately, helping them to strengthen
gradually.
●Allow your muscles to rest for the correct amount of time
●Naturally ease pain at your control
●Are easy to use
There have been many research papers and clinical trials relating to STIM
and TENS. If you are interested in nding out more, a list of relevant papers
is included in our Clinical References.
How your Kegel8 Mother nurture Works

 
When you rst use Kegel8 Mother Nurture you need to choose one of the
pre-set programmes based on whether you are using the device pre-con-
ception, during labour or post childbirth. The programmes are designed
in dierent ways to treat a variety of specic female health problems or to
naturally manage pain, so you should choose the programme best suited
to your needs (all of the programmes are explained in Choosing A Kegel8
Mother Nurture Programme).
At the start of every programme, Kegel8 Mother Nurture begins at 0mA,
which means there is no electrical pulse. When you are ready to begin
and the relevant probe or skin electrodes are in place, press the + button
for the appropriate channel repeatedly to gradually increase the electrical
current. Please note that the mAs will not increase above 10mAs until the
probe is inserted into your vagina or your electrodes are in place on your
skin.
When the electrical current reaches a high enough level, you will begin
to feel stimulation. This sensation will vary depending on in which mode
you are using the Kegel8 Mother Nurture. If you are using your device
pre-conception or post childbirth with a vaginal probe to exercise your
pelvic oor you will begin to feel a knocking sensation in your pelvic oor
muscles. This happens when the electrical current begins to stimulate your
muscles at low levels. You may also feel a tingling sensation. When you
get to either of these stages, slowly continue to increase the mAs to a level
that you feel is working your muscles but that is comfortable too. A strong
contraction that ‘pulls’ the muscles is what you should aim to feel.
Many women nd that they start to feel their muscles being stimulated
when the mAs are set to around 25, with settings over 30 mA giving the
muscles a full workout. But everybody is dierent, so you need to choose
settings that you are comfortable with and that you feel are working for
you. As you exercise, you will feel your muscles pull up, tighten, and then
relax again. The stronger the sensation you can feel, the more work your
pelvic muscles are doing. But don’t push yourself too hard, especially if
you are newly recovered from childbirth. If you feel any discomfort at any
point in your session, press the – button for the appropriate channel to
reduce the current.
If you use Kegel8 Mother Nurture to exercise (as described above), 1 or 2
times per day for at least 3 months, your pelvic oor muscles will get stron-
ger and you will feel the benets of greater muscle control. Gradually you
will be able to increase the amount of current delivered to the muscles for
a stronger workout.
If you are already pregnant or there is a possibility you could be, Kegel8
Mother Nurture CANNOT be used until you are in stages of labour. When
this time comes, you will use ONLY the TENS pain relief programme of
the device with skin electrodes and the labour Remote Boost Button. At
this time, Kegel8 Mother Nurture should be used in a very similar way to
when being used for exercise; increase the mAs using the + button for the
appropriate channel. This programme uses both Channel A and Channel
B so you will increase the mAs on both sides. As with this programme you
are stimulating the nerves as opposed to muscle, you will feel more of a
tingling sensation. Continue to increase the mAs until you feel a massag-
ing pulse and your level of pain being controlled – remember, TENS is a
natural pain management method designed to produce local endorphins
within your body and not a medicated pain killer so you will still feel some
pain but that pain will be signicantly reduced. As you feel a contraction
begin press the Remote Boost Button. You will feel the stimulation change
from a massaging pulse to a more intense and continuous stimulation to
help you manage the increased pain naturally, giving you and your baby
the chance to avoid medicated pain relief. As the contraction fades, press
the Remote Boost Button again and return to the massage stimulation.
You can lock your Kegel8 Mother Nurture when using the Labour pro-
gramme so that once this programme is set it cannot be changed in error.
This can give you peace of mind that your Mother Nurture is set up ready
for use ahead of the big day and that you cannot change the programme
in error during use. Instructions on Locking And Unlocking Your Kegel8 can
be found .
Whether you are using Mother Nurture as a STIM machine for exercise or a
TENS machine for pain relief your electrode(s) (the probe or skin elec-
trodes) must be in place before the mAs will increase. If your electrode(s)
are not in place then the mAs will not increase past 10mA before dropping
back down to 0.
Now, let’s get you started with Exercising With Kegel8 Mother Nurture or, if
you are already expecting your baby, prepare by reading Managing Labour
With Mother Nurture.
Using Kegel8 Mother Nurture for the First Time

 
Exercising your pelvic oor with Mother Nurture is recommended prior
to pregnancy to strengthen your muscles to potentially make concep-
tion easier and get the necessary support ready for pregnancy. It is also
recommended after childbirth (following a nal  week check-up with
your Health Visitor) to recover and get everything back into shape, and
as a treatment method for any damage caused during pregnancy and
childbirth which may have left you with leaks or frequent dashes to the loo.
So, let’s get started!
. Before you start using Kegel Mother Nurture, please read the
Important Safety Information.
When used correctly, Kegel Mother Nurture is a safe and
eective way of tightening and toning your pelvic oor. But
remember, Mother Nurture is an electrical device and if misused
can cause harm. So please read the Safety Information carefully.
. On the back of your Kegel Mother Nurture, slide o the battery
cover and insert the battery. Make sure the red material strip is
under the battery but with the end still accessible – this makes
it easier to remove the battery when a replacement is needed.
Replace the battery cover once the battery is in place.
. Make sure the probe is clean by rinsing in warm water or wiping
clean with a body-friendly antibacterial cleaner (see Kegel
Probe Care). Unclean probes could cause infection.
. Connect a lead wire to the probe:
a. Take the probe and insert the red pin of the lead wire to
one of the connectors of the probe.
b. Now insert the black pin of the lead wire into the other
connector of the probe.
c. Insert the lead wire into Channel A (CH.A) on the top of
the Mother Nurture unit.
d. Ensure all wires are rmly connected.
5. Now insert the probe into your vagina. To insert the Kegel8
probe:
a. Get into a comfortable position. This may be sitting on the
edge of a seat, squatting, standing or lying down; inserting
the probe is similar to inserting a tampon, so this may give
you an idea of how you will be most comfortable.
b. Hold the base of the probe. This is the plastic part at the end
where the wires leave the probe.
c. Position the probe so that the metal strips (the electrodes)
are down the sides. This will mean these metal strips are
facing the insides of your thighs; hip to hip as opposed to
front to back.
d. Gently insert the head of probe into your vagina. Gently
continue to push the probe 2 inches (5.5cm) inside your
vagina. This is less than you would insert a tampon. The
base of the probe and the wires should always remain on
the outside of your body. To ease insertion, we recommend
that you use a good quality water-based lubricant such
as KE Gel. The lubricant not only helps insertion but also
improves connectivity and the transfer of electrical pulses
from the probe to your muscles.
6. Press the green power button to turn the unit on.
7. Press the PRG button to choose a programme. By pressing PRG
repeatedly you can look through the programmes and using this
key, select the one suitable for you:
These two pre-conception programmes are recommended for prepara-
tion for pregnancy. They work to strengthen your pelvic oor with a general
tness routine for two positive outcomes – strengthening the muscles in
preparation for pregnancy and increasing intimate sensation whilst trying
to conceive.
This is the TENS programme which is not used for exercising and is only
used for pain relief in labour (see Managing Labour With Mother Nurture).
KE1 – Pelvic Sensitivity, Strength
and Endurance
KE2 – Pelvic Sensitivity, Strength
and Endurance Workout
LBR – Labour Pain Relief Programme
Exercising with Kegel8 Mother Nurture

 
This programme is recommended after you have given birth to introduce
your pelvic oor muscles to kegel exercises again. It is important you wait
until you are fully healed before you start exercising with Mother Nurture;
this usually takes around  weeks but your Health Visitor will advise you
based on your personal circumstances.
These programmes are designed for postnatal treatment and tightening to
get you back into pre-baby shape.
For more information on selecting the right programme for you, see
Choosing A Kegel Programme.
. Press the + button which corresponds to Channel A (CH.A) As
you look at the screen of your Kegel, this is the + button to the
left.
When you press the + button you will see the mA reading in
crease and this will begin your programme. You will not feel any
stimulation at initial low levels so continue to press the + button
until you begin to feel the electrical current. This is likely to be a
tingling sensation at rst. The sensation you should aim to feel
is a strong yet comfortable pull (contraction) on your pelvic oor
muscles. The higher you can get the mAs, the more eective
the programme will be but never push yourself beyond your
comfort level. If you feel any discomfort or pain, reduce the mAs
by pressing the – button which corresponds to Channel A (CH.A)
. Throughout the programme the electrical current will cause
your muscles to contract and relax in repetitive patterns. As this
happens you will see the mAs drop to  (zero) as your muscles
relax and climb again to your set level as they contract.
. When the programme is complete, your Kegel will switch o
automatically. Returning to the comfortable position you took to
insert the probe, remove the probe by holding the base of the
probe and pulling gently. Do not pull the probe by the wires as
this could cause damage to the probe.
. Take care of your probe:
a. Disconnect your probe from your Kegel Mother Nurture.
b. Taking care not to get the wires wet, you can clean your
probe under warm running water. We recommend you do
not use soap as this can irritate delicate skin when you next
come to use your Kegel if it is not rinsed thoroughly and
any traces are left behind.
c. If you would like to use something more than just water
for extra peace of mind you can use a body-friendly
antibacterial cleanser such a Kegel Klean. Simply spray
the solution on to your probe and wipe dry.
d. If you need to clean your Kegel unit you can do so using
a damp cloth, antiseptic wipe or spray with an antibacterial
cleanser such as Kegel Klean and wipe dry.
e. Store your Mother Nurture and probe in a clean, dry place.
We recommend keeping all of your Kegel accessories in
their original packaging or a storage bag.
. Regular pelvic oor exercise is important to achieve real results
just as it is with any form of exercise to get t or lose weight:
a. If you are using Kegel Mother Nurture pre-conception
to prepare your pelvic oor muscles and have no signs
of existing pelvic oor weakness, we recommend you
exercise - times per week as a minimum. However, you
can use Kegel Mother Nurture as much as twice per day
if you wish (read more about exercising twice per day at
point d.)
OAB - Overactive Bladder
Nocturia
TGH - Tightening Up
Gente Incontinence
STR - Stress Incontinence
MIX - Mixed Incontinence
RCV - Continence Recovery

 
b. If you are using Kegel8 Mother Nurture as postnatal
treatment for bladder leaks and tightening, we recommend
you exercise 1-2 times per day for a minimum of 12 weeks
(read more about exercising twice per day at point d.).
After this time you can decrease usage to 3-4 times per
week if you wish but we do not recommend you stop using
your Kegel8 completely as your muscles may begin to
weaken again over time if you no longer exercise them.
c. You are likely to notice improvements in your pelvic oor
strength, tone and bladder control in just a few weeks but
everyone is dierent and some women take longer to
respond. Be patient.
d. If you chose to use Kegel8 Mother Nurture twice per
day please do not do back-to-back sessions. We realise
that you may be tempted to complete one exercise
programme and move on to another straight away but
this is not the best way to work your pelvic oor muscles.
Like all muscle groups, your pelvic oor muscles need
time to rest and recover between exercises and the rest
period is key to building muscle strength. As a guide,
8 hours is a good rest period for recovery so aim to do one
exercise programme in a morning and another in the
evening. If your pelvic oor muscles feel sore during
exercise, this can be in indication that they are not rested
and we recommend you stop the programme you are using
by turning the unit o with the green power button and
skip your exercise session on this occasion. Whilst you are
unlikely to do any harm, you are also doing little good.
Inserting The Probe
Kegel8 probes are specially designed to suit your body. Their small dimen-
sions, smooth outer casing and curved edges mean they are easy to insert
and remove and comfortable to use.
However, some women can have problems inserting the probe or getting
them to work eectively. This is often due to dryness or incorrect position-
ing – problems we can help you overcome with these guidelines:
. Get into a comfortable position. This may be sitting on the
edge of a seat, squatty, standing or lying down; inserting
the probe is similar to inserting a tampon, so this may give
you an idea of how you will be most comfortable.
. Hold the base of the probe. This is the plastic part at the
end where the wires leave the probe.
. Position the probe so that the metal strips (the electrodes)
are down the sides. This will mean these metal strips are
facing the insides of your thighs; hip to hip as oppose to
front to back.
. Gently insert the head of the probe into your vagina.
Gently continue to push the probe  inches (.cm) inside
your vagina. This is less than you would insert a tampon.
The base of the probe and the wires should always remain
on the outside of your body.
To ease insertion, we recommend that you use a good quality water-based
lubricant such as KE Gel. The lubricant not only helps insertion but also
improves connectivity and the transfer of electrical pulses from the probe
to your muscles.
Inserting the probe

 
Although TENS cannot be used before 37 weeks of pregnancy we recom-
mend you familiarise yourself with your Kegel8 Mother Nurture and these
instructions for use in preparation for labour.
. Before your start, please read the Important Safety Information.
. On the back of your Kegel Mother Nurture, slide o the battery
cover and insert the battery. Make sure the red material strip is
under the battery but with the end still accessible – this makes
it easier to remove the battery when a replacement is needed.
Replace the battery cover once the battery is in place.
. Make sure your skin is clean and free from oils, lotions,
moisturisers, etc. These types of skin applications can damage
the adhesive surface of your skin electrodes.
. Connect a lead wire to each set of skin electrodes:
a. Take one pair of skin electrodes and insert the red pin
of the lead wire into the connector of one of the skin
electrodes.
b. Now insert the black pin of the lead wire into the
connector of the other skin electrode.
c. Insert the lead wire into Channel A (CH.A) on the top
of the Mother Nurture unit.
d. Repeat the above with the second set of skin
electrodes and the second lead wire and insert into
Channel B (CH.B).
e. Ensure all wires are rmly connected.
. Connect the Remote Boost Button to the middle port (Boost) on
the top of the Mother Nurture unit.
. Peel each skin electrode o its protective lm and apply to your
skin as per the instruction Applying Kegel Skin Electrodes.
Your birthing partner or midwife will be able to help with this.
7. Press the green power button to turn the unit on.
8. Press the PRG button until you come to the labour TENS
programme which will display as LBR. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER
PROGRAMME BUT THIS FOR LABOUR PAIN RELIEF. You can
lock your Kegel8 on this programme by pressing and holding
the PRG button for 5 seconds until you hear a beep. You
will see a padlock symbol appear on the LCD screen. This
avoids the programme being changed in error during labour.
For further instructions about the lock function including how to
unlock your Kegel8 Mother Nurture, see Locking And Unlocking
Your Kegel8.
9. Press both the left and right + buttons to increase the mAs being
delivered from both Channel A and Channel B. Continue to
press the two + buttons until you reach your desired level of
TENS pain management. At this stage you should feel the TENS
stimulation as a massaging pulse sensation that will provide
comfort. This massaging pulse is known at the Burst Phase of
the programme. If you want to reduce the mAs at any time for
any reason simply press the – buttons.
10. Use the Remote Boost Button as you feel a contraction building
to control when stronger pain relief is delivered. Press it once
and you will feel the stimulation change from a massaging pulse
to a more intense and continuous stimulation to help you
manage the increased pain naturally, giving you and your baby
the chance to avoid medicated pain relief. This is known as the
Boost Phase of the programme. Once your contraction subsides,
press the Remote Boost Button again to return back to the Burst
Phase – the massaging pulse. It is important to do this in
between contractions in order to benet from the full eect of
the TENS pain relief. And remember, with just a click of the
button you can return to the pain relieving Boost Phase.
11. If you have chosen to use a birthing pool for your delivery you
must remove all skin electrodes and Mother Nurture CANNOT
be used once it is time to get in the pool.
12. Power o the unit by pressing the green power button.
Managing Labour with Mother Nurture

 
. Take care of your skin electrodes:
a. When removing the skin electrodes from your body,
peel back gently and do not pull on the connection
wires.
b. Store by replacing them back on to the protective lm
provided.
c. Do not wash or wipe your skin electrodes as this may
cause damage to the conductive surface.
d. Store your Mother Nurture and skin electrodes in a
clean, dry place. We recommend keeping all of your
Kegel accessories in their original packaging or a
storage bag.
. If you wish, it is safe to leave your skin electrodes connected to
your Mother Nurture unit ready for when you go into labour.
However, we would recommend you do not leave the battery
inserted to ensure plenty of power remains. As with any battery
operated device, the battery can drain if left in place even when
the power is o.
Applying Kegel8 Skin Electrodes
For pain relief in labour, the skin electrodes of your Kegel8 Mother Nurture
need to be placed on your back but their exact positioning is important for
maximum pain relief. Ideally, to get this just right you should get someone
to help you like your birthing partner or midwife.
1. Carefully peel the skin electrodes from the protective lm using
your forenger and thumb. Do not pull on the lead wires.
2. Take the rst two skin electrodes which are connected to
Channel A (CH.A) and place them approximately 4cm either
side of the spine and 4-5cm above the imaginary navel line as
seen in the diagram
3. Take the second two skin electrodes which are connected to
Channel B (CH.B) (see page 13, point 4) and place them
approximately 4cm either side of the spine and 4-5cm below the
imaginary navel line as seen in the diagram.
Take special care when increasing the mAs as your skin is sensitive. We
recommend that you do not increase the power above 15 mAs to begin. A
power higher than this could cause hot spots on the skin. Always increase
your mAs gradually with caution.
Applying Kegel8 Skin Electrodes
Bra Line
Naval Line
ch.
A
ch.
B
ch.
A
ch.
BWaist Line

 
Kegel8 Tips
. Use an appropriate amount of power (mAs) when
exercising with Mother Nurture.
The amount of power needed to stimulate pelvic oor muscles varies
from person to person. By default, your Kegel Mother Nurture will be set
to mAs (Milliamps –the electrical current strength). You will increase the
power manually by pressing the + button. You should increase the power
(or mAs) to a level where you can feel the eects of the electrical pulse
but it is not causing any discomfort. For many women, mAs is a good
starting point but only you will be able to tell what is comfortable for you.
As your pelvic oor muscles begin to strengthen, you should nd that you
can increase the mAs higher.
…And when using Mother Nurture during labour.
For skin electrodes you should use a lower mA setting as skin is sensi-
tive. We recommend a maximum of  mAs. If you increase the power too
much you could cause hot spots on your skin so increase the mAs gradu-
ally and with caution.
Whether you are using Mother Nurture for exercise or as a TENS machine
in labour your electrode(s) (the probe or skin electrodes) must be in place
before the mAs will increase. If your electrode(s) are not in place then the
mAs will not increase past mAs before dropping back down to  (zero).
. Exercise - times per day for  weeks.
We recommend you use Kegel Mother Nurture to exercise  or  times
per day for  weeks for optimum results. You can alternate between your
choice of programmes; one in the morning and one in the evening if you
are exercising twice per day, or alternate your days if you are exercising
once a day.
If you choose to exercise twice per day it is important you do not do back-
to-back exercise sessions. Like any other muscle in your body your pelvic
oor muscles need time to recover between sessions. This relaxation
period is just as important as the exercises when you are building muscle
strength. We recommend you allow around  hours between exercise
sessions, so you could exercise in the morning and then again before you
go to bed in the evening.
. Be patient. Kegel WILL improve your pelvic oor.
Everybody is dierent. Some people respond to Kegel exercises very
quickly, noticing immediate benets. For others it takes a number of weeks
to feel real improvements. But rest assured, if you use Kegel Mother Nur-
ture regularly and follow our recommendations, your pelvic oor muscles
and nerve bres will get stronger and healthier.
Kegel8 Tips

 
Your Kegel8 Mother Nurture is pre-set with clinically developed pro-
grammes each designed to exercise your pelvic oor for specic results.
Programme
Name
Display
Abbreviation
Details Recommended For
Pelvic
Sensitivity,
Strength and
Endurance
KE1
Category:
Pre-conception
Phases: 2
Time: 45mins
Improve your pelvic oor
strength with this pro-
gramme if you are already
in good shape. If you do
not feel any stimulation at
50mAs in the rst 15 min-
utes of this programme
your muscles are not
ready for this programme
and you should choose
the Recovery programme
to build strength rst.
Tip: adjust the mAs with
each new phase
Pelvic
Sensitivity,
Strength and
Endurance
Workout
KE2
Category:
Pre-conception
Phases: 3
Time: 30mins
Progress onto this
programme if you feel
your pelvic strength has
improved signicantly
with programme KE1
and you want to progress
that strength further. This
programme is a real test
– if your muscles begin
to feel tired before the
end stop the programme.
You’ve still achieved even
if you can’t complete the
session.
Tip: adjust the mAs with
each new phase
Labour Pain LBR
Category:
Labour Pain
Phases: NA
Time: NA
This programme uses
Transcutaneous Electri-
cal Nerve Stimulation to
provide natural pain relief
during labour.
This programme oers
a lock functionality that
can be used to avoid
confusion and miss-use
during labour
Continence
Recovery RCV
Category:
Recovery
Phases: 1
Time: 60mins
This programme should
be used initially after
childbirth or as a begin-
ners programme if your
muscles are too weak
for KE1. Once you feel
improvements in self-
control, tightness and/
sensation you can move
on to other programmes.
Overactive
Bladder OAB
Category:
Postnatal
Phases: 1
Time: 20mins
Nocturia can be identi-
ed by getting up too
often in the night to
go to the toilet – more
than once is the medical
guideline. This pro-
gramme uses two phases
to tackle Nocturia due
to an overactive bladder
and Nocturia due to a
weak pelvic oor.
Tip: adjust the mAs with
each new phase
Choosing a Kegel8 Mother nurture Programme


Stress
Incontinence STR
Category:
Postnatal
Phases: 2
Time: 40mins
This programme is designed
for Stress Incontinence – leaks
when you laugh, cough, sneeze,
exercise, etc. If you do not feel
any stimulation at 40mAs your
muscles are not ready for this
programme and you should
choose the Recovery programme
to build strength before using this
programme.
Tip: adjust the mAs with each new
phase
The third phase of this pro-
gramme is Voluntary Exercise
Mixed
Incontinence MIX
Category:
Postnatal
Phases: 2
Time: 30mins
Mixed Incontinence can be identi-
ed by Stress Incontinence – leaks
when you laugh, cough, sneeze,
exercise, etc. with symptoms of
an Overactive Bladder – the need
to go to the toilet frequently and
sometimes not passing much
urine.
Tip: adjust the mAs with each new
phase
Tightening &
Gentle Stress
Incontinence
TGH
Category:
Postnatal
Phases: 2
Time: 45mins
This programme is recommended
when you are fully recovered from
the delivery of your baby as a
great way to get back in pre-baby
shape and maintain a healthy
pelvic oor. This programme is a
real test – if your muscles begin to
feel tired before the end stop the
programme. You’ve still achieved
even if you can’t complete the
session.
Tip: adjust the mAs with each new
phase
Increasing The mAs With Each Phase
When a programme has more than one phase this means it exercises the
muscles in more than one way through the duration of the programme.
This may be to warm the muscles up before they are exercised or it may
be to target dierent muscle bres in dierent ways for eective results for
a certain condition such as mixed incontinence.
Each phase will use a dierent Frequency (Hz) and/or Pulse Duration (µS)
giving you a dierent sensation. These shifts in Frequency and Pulse Dura-
tion will mean you will need to adjust your mAs to keep them at a level that
suits you. For example, if the programme drops its Pulse Duration in phase
two and you feel a drop in the strength of the contraction of the muscle,
you should increase your mAs gradually back up to a level at which you
feel your muscles working again.
Increase
mAs
Decrease
mAs
Increasing the mAs with Each Phase

 
Exercising with Kegel Mother Nurture is a very eective way of tackling
urinary incontinence. But we have found that combining Kegel exercises
with ‘voluntary’ exercises will help you see results even faster.
‘Voluntary’ exercises are muscle contractions that you perform yourself,
without any stimulation from the Kegel Mother Nurture. If your pelvic
oor is particularly weak, you may nd it dicult to squeeze your pelvic
oor muscles at rst, but as Kegel helps you get stronger, you will get
more control.
If you are using Mother Nurture’s Stress Incontinence programme, adding
voluntary exercises at the end of the programme as a third phase can re-
ally help. We recommend that you:
. Leave the probe in place after the second phase of the Stress
Incontinence Programme nishes and the unit turns o. By
leaving the probe in place you are giving your muscles a
resistance to squeeze and lift against. Clinical studies show
voluntary pelvic oor exercises against resistance are more
eective than without.
. Starting at your anus, squeeze your muscles as tight as you can,
as if you are holding in wind. Keep your muscles tight.
. Squeeze your vaginal muscles tight and lift inside, as ifyou were
sucking the muscles up into your body. Keep your muscles tight.
Tip: The ‘lift’ is very important. If you push down instead of lift,
your voluntary exercise will not be eective.
. When you have kept your pelvic and vaginal muscles tight for
 seconds, relax for  seconds.
. Repeat this exercise  times.
. Now, repeat the exercise but this time, keep your pelvic and
vaginal muscles tight for  seconds and then relax for 
seconds.
. Repeat this exercise  times.
These two dierent ways of exercising are known as slow and fast kegels.
Exercising in this way targets the slow and fast twitch muscle bres in the
pelvic oor. Your slow twitch muscle bres give you the ability to hold urine
long enough to make it to a toilet. Your fast twitch muscle bres are re-
sponsible for your control when the pelvic oor is under sudden pressure
(such as when you cough, sneeze, laugh, etc).
Voluntary Exercise Locking and Unlocking your Kegel8
You can lock your Kegel Mother Nurture when using the Labour pro-
gramme so that once this programme is set, it cannot be changed in error.
This can give you peace of mind that your Mother Nurture is set up ready
for use ahead of the big day and that you cannot change the programme
in error during use.
. Select the Labour (LBR) programme.
. Press the SET button and hold for 
seconds. You will hear a beep and this
will tell you that your Kegel is now
locked on this programme.
To unlock:
. Remove the battery cover from the
back of your Kegel Mother Nurture.
. Using something slim such as a pin
or a pen nib, press and hold the
concealed button until you hear a
beep. The unit is now unlocked for
use on any programme.

 
Accessories and Modications
Only use CE approved accessories, such as probes, with your Kegel8
device. All ocial Kegel8 probes are CE approved and so have been
tested for safety. Do not modify your Kegel8 device. Making unauthorised
adjustments to your Kegel8 will invalidate your warranty and could result
in injury.
Kegel8 Screen (LCD) Care
Your Kegel8’s LCD is covered with a thin protective lm layer. This layer
helps to protect your LCD from scratches.
If your LCD appears to be scratched, gently peel o the protective lm
layer and this is likely to show that it is in fact the lm that is marked and
not the screen. If, however, the LCD itself is damaged, you will need to
contact our Customer Care Team and we can arrange repair.
When cleaning your Kegel8, please do not use cleaning sprays or alcohol
based cleaning solutions on the LCD as this could cause damage.
Kegel8 Probe Care
Each Kegel8 probe is designed for ease of use and should last 12-18
months with proper care:
●Never immerse your probe in boiling water or boiling liquids. This
could damage your probe.
●When inserting the probe, hold its base. Do not hold it by the wires
as this could damage the probe.
●Before use, always clean the probe in warm, but not boiling, soapy
water. Alternatively, you could clean your probe with an antibacterial
cleanser such as our own Kegel8 Klean.
Lead Wires and Connections Care
The lead wires and connections are vital to your Kegel8, so please treat
them with care:
●Do not stretch or twist the wires as this could damage them. If your
wires are damaged, your Kegel8 may be unable to send the electrical
pulses to your probe or skin electrodes.
●Always handle the wires carefully.
●Take care when connecting the wires. The connections on the Kegel8
and its probe are designed so that they connect to the wires with
ease. Do not force the wires.
●Do not cut the wires or attempt to modify the connections.
Battery Care
To take care of the battery:
●Replace the battery when it is low on power (a battery symbol will
appear on the LCD and ash on/o once every second when the
power is low).
●If you are not going to use your Kegel8 for a week or longer, please
remove the battery. Batteries can leak, so by removing it, you are
protecting your Kegel8.
●Check the battery regularly for signs of discharge. If the battery ap
pears to be leaking, replace it.
●We recommend you use a GP Alkaline Pro 9v battery.
Kegel8 Disposal – use our recycling service
When you need to dispose of Kegel8 batteries, probes or the Kegel8
device please send them to us. We will make sure they are disposed of
correctly and materials are recycled where possible (see Recycling).
Taking Care of your Kegel8

 
Q: How soon after the birth of my baby can I start using my Kegel8
Mother Nurture post-natal programmes?
Please consult with your midwife or doctor. Generally, women start using
Kegel8 after a successful six week check-up.
Q: Can I use my Kegel8 Mother Nurture at all during pregnancy?
Unfortunately not. Clinical guidelines advise against using any vaginal STIM
devices during pregnancy. TENS should only be used during labour and
should not be used before week 37 of your pregnancy.
Q: I have an IUD or Mirena coil. Can I use the Kegel8?
Yes it is safe to use Kegel8 with a Mirena coil or IUD.
Q: Can I use my Kegel8 when I have my period?
Yes, you can use the Kegel8 during your period. However, if you are at the
peak of your period and the ow is heavy, you may prefer to wait and just
use it on lighter ow days.
Q: I have had pelvic oor surgery. How soon can I start using my
Kegel8?
Please consult with your doctor or consultant as every case is dierent.
Q: I have a post 3rd degree tear. Can I use Kegel8?
You should not use Kegel8 or any other Neuromuscular Stimulation until
there is full tissue healing. See your Health Specialist for a physical assess-
ment before you using your Kegel8.
Q: How far should I insert the probe?
The probe needs to be inserted into your vagina by just 2 inches (5.5cm).
Q: I nd it painful inserting the probe. What should I do?
Try using a water-based lubricant such as KE Gel. The lubrication will make
insertion more comfortable.
Q: My mAs drop during some programmes – why is that?
While the programme goes through its preset routine the Pulse Frequency
(Hz) and Pulse Duration (µS) vary. When the Pulse Frequency and Pulse
Duration increase, the mAs drop so that the intensity does not take you
by surprise. So if you feel a decrease in intensity, just use the + button to
increase your mAs back up to a comfortable level.
Q: Why can’t I get the mAs to increase past 6, 7 or 8?
This is an issue that is usually caused by the probe not making eective
contact with your muscles. We recommend that you try using your Kegel8
while lying down or sitting with your legs elevated. This will help prevent
the probe from falling out of position.
If the probe’s metal strips are not in direct contact with your muscles, the
mAs cannot go higher and the current cuts o for your safety. You can also
get better results by using a water-based lubricant, such as KE Gel.
Q: Why can I only feel stimulation on one side?
This could be due to:
1. The position of the probe. To work correctly, the metal strips on
your probe need to be in direct contact with your muscles. We
recommend that you sit with your legs held tightly together and
squeeze your pelvic oor as much as possible against the
probe. You can also get better results by using a water-based
lubricant such as KE Gel.
2. You may have nerve damage to one side. This type of nerve
injury can occur during childbirth (caused by the pressure from
the baby’s head during delivery). It means you have less
sensation on one side. If this is the case, we recommend you
purchase one of our alternative probes, which allows you to vary
the intensity of each side of the probe. Increasing the intensity
on the side that is in contact with your desensitised area can
help to promote re-sprouting or regeneration of the damaged
nerves.
Call our helpline for more information on our range of
probes or visit www.kegel8.com.
Frequently Asked Questions