Saw a LC yesterday to help get of the shields. Dd did a great job this morning and didn't complain too much about no shields. However, I seem to be struggling to get her to open her mouth enough. I point the nipple up, brush down her mouth and she does open, but it seems as soon as she starts getting some flesh in her mouth she closes it smaller like she would take the shield. Any tips on what I can try? The LC said I'll just have to keep trying...

Also, on the shield she used to "dummy suck" for comfort at the end of the feed. I'm not letting her now because I don't want to damage my nipples more. She cracks it though. Is it worth introducing a dummy? TBH I miss that closeness when she does it because she is using me for comfort. Just don't want my nipples to go back to how they were!