IUD after baby

Hi I had one fitted 10 week post partum. Had to have swabs done first so had them done at 8 weeks. I think they can't fit it any earlier than 6 weeks post partum, cos they need to wait for your uterus to fully contract first.

I had spotting for about a week after it was fitted and things down there felt a bit odd for nearly 6 weeks (kind of felt like that slightly heavy early pregnancy feeling). My first few periods were very heavy but then I didn't get AF back until 9 months after having baby so that may have happened anyway. I was considering removing it, cos of the heavy periods, but my last AF was almost back to normal so am gonna leave it.

Also my periods are now completely pain free, not sure if that is cos of labouring (I didn't with my first) or it's the IUD, either way I like it a lot.

My advice would be to leave it longer than 6 weeks especially if you have fast vaginal births. I had one put in at 6 weeks & it never felt right, I spotted for 6 weeks & felt odd for 6 weeks so got it taken out. It came out really easily so we knew it wasn't in the right place. My Dr now is advising women to wait longer if possible.

I am contemplating getting one put back in now that my AF is back to a semi normal cycle.

yup i'm already booked for that smear as was supposed to have one this month but my OBGYN said it was better to wait till after thank goodness!

do you ladies mind me asking roughly how much the fitting cost??

Mine cost $75 all up, included swabs & initial question appointment. I had the copper one as well.

I got mine free through med insurance for heavy bleeding. Was $500 for the mirena and $110 for the fitting, plus a $70 follow-up consult (but that's with my OBGYN). Pretty sure you have to get a Mirena through a spec, not through your GP (cos some GP's do copper ones).

Mamanee I'd get onto getting it ASAP. They've tightened up the criteria (you migh not be able to get it for heavy bleeding, hence why I went through med insurance) and your iron will start increasing after baby so you want to get it done quickly. I left mine too late and then my iron levels were just over the limit.

I recommend getting it done at family planning as they do a lot more (and so have more experience) than your GP. also a bit cheaper too.

I got a mirena 10 weeks PP and it was fine going in but I had a few months of spotting while it settled down. You can get a mirena through your GP or family planning and cost me around $300.

I have a Mirena which I got at about 12 weeks post-partum (only because of a delay in getting an available appt with the doctor at Family Planning). I was at the end of my first AF when it got inserted, and haven't had one since (I got it in mid-November), nor any spotting. It was slightly uncomfortable getting it put in, but only because my cervix wouldn't dilate properly. I got it free through my obstetrician, but had to pay two consultation fees ($22.50 each). I haven't had any problems or cramps or anything.

babyg - it's an implant that is inserted into your arm, similar size to a matchstick, that releases hormones. It lasts about 5 years. They have been around in Australia for years - they're called an Implanon over there.

I was also thinking I prefer the idea of the non hormonal one as the whole reason I want to avoid the pill this time around is to stop having my own hormones messed with.

It's really interesting reading what everyone has to say, thanks all who have taken the time to respond so far!

And of course you maybe one of the rare people that cant have an IUD inserted