Paraguard IUD vs. Mirena IUS

I am 7 weeks post-partum and considering my options for safe contraceptives with breastfeeding. My OB recommended Mirena, but I am concerned about the hormone and its unknown longterm effects on my infant. So, I am leaning towards the Paraguard copper IUD. I realize there is a risk of increased bleeding and cramping with periods, but I think it may be worth it to make sure my daughter doesn't get any hormones. Does anyone have the Paraguard? How are your periods? How quickly did you get pregnant again after it was removed?

I have had the Paragard IUD for 4 months and I would recommend it.  I am not able to take any hormones because they make me insane and give me migraines.  I have a 4 year old and do not wish to have any more kids.  My anxiety about the IUD was worse than the procedure!  I found it to be similar to a pap smear.  They usually insert it during your period so the cervix is more open.  I thought that would be more uncomfortable for me but it was fine.  Then it was over!

The first period I had after the IUD was very painful and the bleeding was heavy.  However, the next one wasn't as bad and so on.  Now I feel back to normal!  If you can make it through the first couple of periods it is wonderful!  I don't have to think about birth control.  Ever!  My partner and I love it, we were using condoms because I can't do the hormone thing.  

My partner did say he could feel the strings after I had the IUD inserted.  After the first period you go back for a check-up and the strings are trimmed.  It has been great since.

Yes, the first few periods are painful and the bleeding was heavy but in the end it is worth it.  Good luck!

Thanks for all the replies! I got the Paragard last Friday, and the procedure was painless! I am nursing, so my doc told me I may get away with having painful periods--especially since my periods are usually very light and short.

I had paragard for over a year. It worked very well and was painless. I was able to be me without the horrible affects of hormonal birth control. Unfortuneatly, I had it removed yesterday. I almost never stopped bleeding. Sometimes it would stop for a week and rarely two weeks, but for the most part I was always bleeding. Unfortuneatly this can happen. I contacted the gyn office and they recommended that I give it a whole year for my body to adjust to it. It never did and I am very disapointed. What a waste of my time. Everyone's body is different and some have no problems at all. I sure hope this is the case for you. No one deserves  to live through the headache I had to deal with.