So I got the Mirena IUD put in just over 2 weeks ago (8/3). My DS was born 06/10 and is now 10 weeks old. When I got it put in things were fine ~ no cramping or anything major. I did have some bleeding that was about like a period for over a week but I just attributed it to a side effect and never thought twice about it (other than being annoyed). So fast forward to Wednesday (exactly 2 weeks after it was put in) and I started with a severe headache so bad I could barely stand up. When I was pregnant I suffered from some high blood pressure so I took my BP even though it had calmed down before having the IUD put in (prior to the IUD it was about 140ish/80ish). When I took it Wednesday my BP was 158/101 and it continued to climb...last night it was 166/105. In addition to the HIGH BP and the headache I noticed my once wealthy milk supply was literally at half of what it had been (used to pump about 8-10 ounces ever 3-4 hours when I didn't nurse and now it was at about 5 ounces every 4 hours).
So I did internet research and saw that these issues were known side effects (I actually knew about the possibility of blood pressure issues but had no idea about the milk supply diminishing) and called the doctor first thing this morning to demand for removal (which they thankfully did right away). So now it has been out for just close to 3 hours and my BP is already back down to about 140/94 without any BP meds. I do think my milk came in heavier this last time...but cannot be positive yet.
At any rate ~ I have 2 questions here ~ first, has anyone else experienced this with the Mirena or any other BC options before, and if so, what did you do to increase your milk supply (and did it increase again once you ceased using whatever BC you were using)? Second question ~ what non-hormone based BC have you used with good success rate when BFing? I believe we are sticking with just 2 children but I am not sure I want anything permanent just yet...ideas?








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