For some reason, I seem to be more prone to breast infections than some, having my first one when my firstborn was only five days old! I have had many of them, and have never had to take antibiotics. Here are a few ways I have learned to handle them at home:

 

As soon as you notice a sore spot, drop whatever else you happen to be doing, take your baby and a large bottle of water and go to bed immediately! You must rest, let baby nurse as much as possible, and drink, drink, drink. Even though you may be really sore, let the baby nurse first on the sore breast. If you don't, you will only get more impacted and hurt even worse! Always offer the sore breast first.  These are the biggest keys, and if you catch it early enough, that may be all you need to do to get rid of it before it develops into anything worse.

 

In addition to the above, it is helpful to take:

 

*Echinacea Tea (always good to keep on hand)

*Extra Vitamin C - packets of EmerGen-C are a good way to get 1,000mg of Vit C, and all of your necessary electrolytes to stay hydrated as well. It is sold inexpensively at Wal-Mart. Super Orange is the best flavor, in my opinion.

*Garlic, raw, if you can handle it! Garlic is a wonderful natural anti-biotic, taken raw. This is how we do it: Chop a clove of garlic really fine. Put some honey on a spoon and then the garlic over the honey. Then put more honey on top of the garlic. Swallow as quick as you can and down some liquid to chase it down. Do not chew! Here is a great tutorial on how to take garlic!

*A heating pad, applied to the sore area

*Hot baths or showers. This is especially helpful if you have a very sore spot that may indicate a clogged milk duct. While in hot water of bath, shower, or even sink,  lean over and try to massage any sore spots in a downward motion to unclog any possibly clogged milk ducts. Do this as often as necessary.