r/FormulaFeeders • u/FehuFox • 2d ago

Drying Up 🌵 Severe breast pain

Hello! I just hit 4 days post partum with my first and as the title suggests am in severe pain, assuming from milk coming in.

They typically are pretty tender regardless and I have an extremely poor pain tolerance surrounding breast pain. That's a big reason I chose to stick to formula for him. I'd take labor pains pre epidural again over this.

I'll probably call my ob in the morning to see what he thinks, but if the only answer is to ride it out, what are some good ways to help dry them out and get relief? I'm already on ibuprofen for a small tear received during delivery and my ice packs are melting too fast from how hot they apparently are.

Thank you so much.

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u/swaggerjacked 2d ago

See if your OB will prescribe you Cabergoline to help dry you up. Otherwise, behind the counter Sudafed, tight bras, cabbage leaves in your bras, and avoiding hot water on your breasts.

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u/FehuFox 2d ago

Thank you, I didn't know sudafed helped with that. I usually use it for my seasonal allergies but just hadn't had a chance to make the trip recently but def will now. 

I'm a bit worried about the cabergoline since I've had mental problems bad enough to warrant antipsychotics in the past that I've done a lot of self work to manage unmedicated and read that the cabby could reintroduce those issues but I'll read more about it. 

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u/Itchy_Dragonfruit549 2d ago

Ice packs on your boobs will help too. I'm 10 days postpartum, and am still dealing with breast pain. The ice packs are helping thankfully.

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u/DumbbellDiva92 2d ago

Cabo Crème! Same principle as cabergoline, but topical.

As for the Sudafed, just be careful if you have/had any blood pressure issues. I couldn’t take it for that reason. It also has a bit of a stimulant effect, so might not want to take before bed.

Antihistamines are another medication alternative, although then that has the opposite effect (can cause drowsiness).

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u/cnj131313 2d ago

What worked for me was pumping to take the edge off. I never produced a ton, so relieving the pressure saved me from mastitis. I had Lasix this go around for swelling and it dried me right up as well

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u/smb-1990 2d ago

Hi! Sorry that you have to go through this. I was also in a lot of pain but I took advil because I wasn’t breastfeeding and I mostly just rode it out. It hurt so much I couldn’t hug people. Was extremely, extremely committed to not getting them exposed to hot water or steam and I wore very tight sports bras 24 hours a day/night. Only took them off for a quick body rinse. If you can, try to get a few hours extra sleep (may not be feasible - totally understand). I also tried to distract myself from it as much as possible, and I had my husband or mom step up more to take care of baby in the witching hours during this time. Ended up subsiding in 3-4 days for me.