Plugged duct/mastitis :(

It seems I have either a plugged duct (or ducts) and/or mastitis. :( My left breast started hurting last night, and, despite having both Ava and Julian nurse on that side, it wasn't any better this morning. I talked to my midwife today and she gave me a list of things to do to treat it - including WishGarden Mastitis Remedy - 4 droppersful every 2 hours, drinking Emer-gen-C - 3 times a day, and Echinacea tea (to boost my immune system) - 2 times per day, hot compress (with WishGarden Mastitis Poultice - optional) 4 times a day, as well as lots of rest. I took a nap this afternoon, but am still feeling crappy. (Thankfully, my parents are still in town to help out or I can't imagine I'd get any rest at all!) She said if it's not better by the morning, to call her. I'm hoping that since I caught it very early that I can nip it in the bud and not have to go to the doctor for antibiotics and have to deal with the risk of Julian or myself developing thrush after that. So we'll see what the morning brings. I'm trying to think positively.

I've heard that it's more common to develop these issues with second babies than it is with the first, because you get more lax about positioning and latch, etc. I feel very fortunate that I never had any issues in the 2 1/2 years of nursing Ava (pre-Julian), because, quite frankly - this sucks.

Anyway, I wanted to post about it and the treatment options in case it might help anyone else out there dealing with this. There's also lots of good info re: plugged ducts and mastitis on kellymom.com.