It sounds like you have a plugged duct rather than a breast infection. A plugged duct is where one of your ducts doesn’t drain as well as it usually does. There are many possible reason for this, for example you could have wore some clothing or a baby sling that pressed into your breast a little too much, the baby started sleeping longer and your breasts became a little too full, or maybe you are just feeling a little run down at the moment as so the milk isn’t flowing as well as it should. If you develop a breast infection then you will get a fever and start to have flu like symptoms on top of the bruised feeling already in your breast.
The treatment, however, is the same for both:
Nurse frequently, rest and apply heat to the tender area.
Frequent nursings serve to provide comfort, reduce inflammation and encourage opening the blocked area. You may find that varying breastfeeding positions drains all areas of the breast more effectively. For example, if you most commonly use the cradle hold, try the clutch ("football") hold or lying down to breastfeed. (Please note that it is a common myth that it is unhealthy for the baby to breastfeed when the mother has a breast infection. This is definitely not true. The antibacterial properties of human milk protect the baby from infection.)
Rest is an important component in recovery from plugged ducts or breast infections. To do this, try resting in bed with baby cuddled next to you. This will also encourage frequent breastfeeding sessions to drain the breast. Keep supplies such as diapers, toys, books, the telephone, a glass and a pitcher of water nearby to minimize trips out of bed.
Applying wet or dry heat with a heating pad or hot water bottle and gently massaging the sore area of the breast before breastfeeding can assist the breast in further emptying. Many mothers find that taking showers or baths and gently massaging with a warm cloth on the sore breast is a relaxing treatment during a stressful time. Another technique is to lean over a basin of warm water and soak the sore breast for about 10 minutes three times a day. This will also remove any dried milk secretions that may be blocking the flow of milk out of the nipple. Breastfeed immediately, while the breast is warm, to help unplug the blocked duct.
If you do go on to get the flu like symptoms mentioned above then visit the doctor who is likely to prescribe antibiotics. Because if you get a bacterial infection inside the plugged duct, your body often needs help to clear it.
I hope you are feeling better very soon,
SARAH