Update: My pcp diagnosed me with mastitis and bursitis of the shoulder. He also said I could be getting some arm pain from my IV site from when I had my C-section 5 weeks ago. So antibiotics, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, muscle relaxers at night (or when I can get a decent stretch of sleep), and some shoulder exercises. I will try the tips you kind people left here as well. Hopefully between all that I will feel better soon.

Original post:

I think I may have a clogged milk duct. I have pain in my breast near my armpit which radiates into my shoulder and down my arm. Hurts more when I pump (I have to give my son expressed milk, he won’t feed at the breast). Any suggestions to help unclog this or at least alleviate my pain?

I had been using lactation cookies and brownies, which I stopped using today as I don’t want to build up excess milk behind the blockage. My production hasn’t been great (I was able to give my son about 50% of his feedings with breast milk) but has screeched to a near halt now. 😢

Fun background— I was referred to the ER by urgent care earlier in the week due to heart palpitations and chest, shoulder, and neck pain. They only screened me for heart problems and a pulmonary embolism. They came to the conclusion that my pain was musculoskeletal, but didn’t actually examine that pain. A couple days later I started to think it may be coming from my breast and now I am almost certain. I see my primary care doctor on Monday (not my OB, as I thought it was musculoskeletal). We’ll see what he says, but I really need some relief now!