i had inverted nipples & found to start with the best way to get DD to latch on was football style or lying down - mine cracked too so used to rub some breastmilk into them as well as lasinoh also try cabbage leaves that have been in the freezer - i was also told to not tense up when i knew she was going to latch on as that didnt help - sorry im not much help but i promise it does get better - i breastfeed till DD was 19.5months