Hi Rosalie, Yes I would try a nipple shield. I would also recommend skin to skin and as much hand expressing as possible, as it seems mother can tolerate that, maybe because mother is in control. Perhaps pain medication or something for "nerve pain" like antidepressants are given for fibromyalgia, I think. Perhaps a consult with a pain specialist even, or could there be abuse in her history? Laurie Wheeler RN MN IBCLC Mississippi USA *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome