Breastfeeding and Birth Control - Independence,MO

I got the mirena IUD and breastfed... everything was fine. I love mine (the periods were really heavy for me for the first six months but they are okay now) *but some women stop getting their period all together. My man and I dont use any other protection and we dont worry about anything... that is what I dig about it!

One of my close friends started using that after her second child and she loves it. She hasnt had any problems. All they do is go in and stick it up there for you and I think its after 5 years you get it taken out and a new one put in if you wish to do so. If you want it out before then all you have to do is go to the doctor and they will take it out for you. Sorry I dont have any personal experience with this, but I hope this helps!
--S.

Hi C.,
I am not sure what your belief system is but the rhythm method is more effective than most if not all birth control methods. All you have to do is abstain from intercourse during your time of ovulation. What a better way for you to take care of your body for you and your family. If you do decide to use the IUD, just PLEASE get all the FACTS not opinions on it. Good luck and God bless you on your journey.

I was on mirena from 6 weeks after delivery until now and breast fed throughout that time for 16 months. I had no problems with milk production and was no more hormonal than anyone recovering from pregnancy, labor, and delivery. I've had no problems with my IUC (intrauterine contraceptive) and it's been nice not having to worry about daily birth control.

Hi. I got mirena put in at my 6 week appt after having my son six months ago. I breastfed all four of my children. I LOVE how it's something I don't have to worry about!! And that if I choose to have another I could and I can be just fine with the four beautiful children I already have. I experienced no problems breastfeeding what so ever after getting it in. And as my doctor said, 'It works immediately!' We are very happy at knowing there isn't going to be any 'surprises' right now. I was put on a minipill after the birth of my oldest daughter and got pregnant with my second daughter off of it. So I wouldn't recommend that at all. But Mirena is definitely a happy choice for me.

I've had the IUD since my youngest son was 6 weeks. He is almost 1 now and he is still breastfeeding. I haven't had any problems with it. It didn't slow my milk at all, and my son is a BIG boy. Good luck and do what's best for your family. E.

I got the Mirena IUD and I love it. It was a little painful getting it put in, but that only lasted one day. Its great because you won't have to remember the pill. And after the initial spotting time frame, you may not get your period for a long while, which I am a big fan of.
I have heard some complaints from other women, although I have none of the side effects they speak of.
I am still breastfeeding my 4 month old son, and have no problems there. If anything, I have definately not seen a decrease in my milk supply, I still had to try and decrease it on my own since I had an overabundance of milk.
Good luck!

I am studying to be an OBGYN and I've seen SO many cases of IUD's being stuck in babies heads. As you should know, birth control isn't 100% effective and I know I wouldn't suggest the IUD. I myself have a problem using the pills because I am always in a rush and can't remember to take them. I personally use the Nuva Ring. I love it. You put it in once a month. I know a lot of ppl. use the shot, but enough research hasn't been done on it. When a woman goes without having a period for 3 months besides some spotting every now and then... I think that would cause a problem in the future. Obviously there are reasons we have periods haha. I don't know if you have done research on the IUD's, but I figured I would share that bit of news with you. I would never want to suggest that to my patient. Just a thought. Good luck

I see the person before me mentioned the "mini pill" and not being able to have an IUD. I actually know 2 gals that have each experienced one of these things. First one, went on the mini pill after having twins (already had one child), was breastfeeding and got pregnant. My best friend got an IUD when her daughter was 2 months old and pumped until her daughter was 7 months old.
So I don't think that the IUD would be a BAD choice. Talk to your doctor about the issue and see what he/she would suggest. I'm horrible about remembering pills, so after my next child I'll be getting an IUD.

I was told that I couldn't have Merena until I was done nursing. I was put on the 'Mini Pill' which is just a form of birth control pills that is safe for nursing moms. I would be careful and check into that before taking anything. Good luck!

I used birth control with my first. It was the pills. The Dr. said there was a chance my supply would go down and it did. I was determined to keep my supply up, so I decided to forgo the pills and opted for nothing. But I have PCOS so I don't have regular cycles and I don't ovulate on my own either so it was ok in my situation.

You need to decide what's best for you and work with the information your Dr. gives you. Check out options for if the IUD doesn't work for you-how soon you could stop use of it or if there is another solution.

Good luck!

Hi C.,

After giving birth to my third, like you, I decided I wanted something a little more secure than just breastfeeding. At the time, the Mirena IUD was fairly new (in 2002) but I had researched all available options and chose the IUD. And wow, I'm so glad I did! No side affects, no periods (for me anyway), no p.m.s, it's really wonderful! I'm just now getting to the point of thinking what I'm going to do next since they only last 5 years. It really is the easiest way to go. I was able to nurse my youngest for 20 months without a problem.

My doctor put me on the "mini-pill" form of birth control when I was breastfeeding. I still had to take a medicine called Reglan to up my milk output though. That particular pill wasnt supposed to dry up milk but I definitely saw a big drop. I also did not like this at all because you had to take it at the same time EVERY day. Just in case you were considering a pill at all! I am now on Nuva-Ring and I love it! I have always had a weird cycle and it has really straightened me out. No worries about being pregnant there! My dr recommended this because I was interested in the Mirena but it was very expensive. I am not sure the effects on breastfeeding however, but if you wanted to try it while still breastfeeding there is the Reglan to prevent a production drop.

I've been breast feeding with the UID for 9 months now and I have had no problems at all and no periods either!! I love it, since I don't have to worry about taking anything and it's good for 5 years!! Of course if you decide you want another you can have it removed and start trying almost right away! It was slightly uncomfortable having it placed, however it was well worth it, I'd highly recommend it for you.

I have never used that form of birth control....but I did use the patch and hated it. I ended up getting pregnant while using it and so did several others I know. The edges would start to peel back and I would itch around wherever the patch was. Just my opinion on that form. Best of luck. C.

I breastfed both my sons while using an iud, not the mirena, mind you this was 25 -22 yrs ago. The only problem I had was keeping up with the feedings my second son needed. He was a big boy (10lbs 11 oz ) and a hungry guy. He nursed a little longer too because he was a suckler. But there were no problems with my choice of birth conrtol.