Question About Copper IUD & Nursing

I had a non-hormone IUD and my milk supply was not affected at all. I did develop bad acne and had painful periods. Therefore, I switched to the lowest dosed birth control pill and my milk supply went down fast. I kind of expected that and it was ok since my son was about 22 months by then. My skin issues have always been my problem so please don't worry about that when trying a copper IUD. I will definitely try it again some time soon.

Hi, I have two lovely girls, 16 and 20. I nursed both of them until 18 months. I had a copper IUD and had no problems with milk supply. I worked outside of the home and pumped at work. I rented a pump from the La Leche league as I had a hard time pumping by hand. Everything was great.

Good luck to you.

I know you said that you want hormone-free BC, but if your worries with that are about breastmilk....I use the mirena IUD and breastfeed without any problems--baby is almost 22 mos and soon to be weaned. I have had excellent milk supplies. Although I was concerned about the hormones, it didn't give me or the baby any problems. I have been very happy with it as BC too.

I have had both kinds of IUD's, the non hormonal one first, and nursed my second son for 15 months, (had it inserted at about 3 months), and now I have the hormonal kind, (which I like A LOT better), and nursed for 14 months, (put in at 2 months). I did pump a few times a week with this last baby, and it worked till about 6 months, but that's just how I am, pumping stopped working earlier then that for my other two, (that I didn't have the hormonal IUD for). I would talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant. I personally have not heard of either IUD affecting milk supply, but you will want to double check that. I did not effect me, but I always tend to have a lot of milk.

Love,
W.

Hi,
If you are concerned about your milk supply, then I think you are making the right decision with the copper IUD vs. the Mirena. When I had my second baby I wanted to breastfeed her for 1 year, but I also wanted to use some type of birth control. Since I had milk supply issues with my first baby, I wanted to make EXTRA sure that I would not, in any way, lower my milk supply any further. So I did a lot of internet research about different birth control methods. I ended up leaning towards the IUDs. I also found (from Wikipedia) that a study in the Mirena application for FDA approval found a lower continuation of breastfeeding at 75 days in Mirena users (44%) versus copper IUD users (79%). That conviced me to try the copper instead, although it would mean heavier periods. I WAS able to breastfeed my second baby for the full 1st year. I did have some supply issues, but they were not any worse than with my first baby (and I was not using birth control then). So...bottom line...it did not seem to affect my milk supply (and, theoretically, it shouldn't).

I don't have the copper IUD but the Mirena. It has a small amount of progesterone hormone released and my milk supply is just fine - it never changed. I just wanted to let you know so in case you wanted to try the Mirena.

I had my copper IUD inserted 10 weeks after my son was born. He nursed without issue until he was over 13 months old, and only stopped because He was done with it:) The IUD did not affect my milk supply. Working full time did. Naturally, pumping is not the same as your baby's suction. The More Milk Plus extract worked terrifically in heling me boost my supply, as needed. It tastes aweful, but you get used to it when it is for your baby.

Hi S.,

I got my copper IUD when my son was 4 1/2 months old and nursed him until he was 13 months.He is now two and a half. It has been fantastic birth control that I never have to think about. I too did not want hormones! I completely recommend it! Good luck!

J.

I don't have any input on the IDU but I can tell you that I have been on the Depo shot when my daughter was three months and we are still nursing at 18 months with no problems. I was not sure if you wanted to stay away from hormones because you thought it would affect your supply.

Hi S.,

I am not sure on the IUDs - more than the milk supply issue, I would research and make sure that doctors know that there are no residual effects on the infant...for example, they really don't have sufficient research on the effects of the hormones when using the pill...

Good luck!

I have one, am nursing my 8.5 month-old, work full-time and pump, and have had not noticed a difference in my milk supply at all.

I have a copper IUD and I am still breastfeeding my son. He will be 1 year tomorrow and my supply has never been affected by the IUD. Hope this helps!

hi there,
I just had my second son Zachery- 6 months ago and had the copper IUD put in when I was 8 weeks post partum. It has not affected my milk supply at all..... I went back to work full time after 3 months and pump during my shift- fortunately, I have never had any problems.
Pretty happy with the IUD.....
Good luck!
Tiff