I know what you mean about the whimpering... DD does that too! It's cute but hard to listen to as I know she's getting frustrated with the milk not coming in fast enough or too fast perhaps! She also grunts sometimes like she's trying to do a poo but she's not, she's just frustrated!!! lol poor little thing.... only on my left side she does it also....
Sara you and I are soooo alike!!!! I too have good attachment now but wonder why it still kinda hurts in a way.....
if the pain is only when she gets on and only lasts a few sucks then goes, then its just your nipple stretching and you are doing it right (i think) and your nipples will just toughen up.... (i hope!!).....
I have been told by my LC to put away the Lansinoh so i did, and just use milk on your nipple. before and after the feed to lubricate it....

It does get easier week by week.... although sometimes it feels like you take one step forward and then one step back.... thats how i've often felt..... some days are good some days not so good! But we will get there!!!

I should have taken a before and after shot of my damaged nipple it was pretty bad, even the LC said it was one of the worst she'd seen and could tell the pain was a 10/10!!! and you should see it now.... its soooo much better.... they do heal

Get the LC how to show you how to get her hands out of the way when you are about to attach, its easy. i use to have trouble too and get her wrapped or i would ask Dh to help but you need to learn to do it on your own as DH won't always be there. It's easy once you know how. with the hand that holds the boob use a finger off that hand to pull her hand away quickly then quicky attach her. does that make sense?? lol sorry if it doesnt