Heaven, please don't lose hope. Cracked nipples and pain do go away. The most important thing is to find the cause and fix it. The ridging sounds like you might still have an attachment issue. This could be that the nipple is still not far back enough (and it might be at some feeds and not others). Or it could be that your nipple points outwards so the lining up isn't quite right, or maybe the height. Can you see any areola when she's attached? If so is there more at the top or the bottom? Are both her lips splayed with her head tilted back and her chin against your breast? Check the attachment at each feed - often night feeds can cause a problem as we are too tired to notice if the attachment is off. I know you have been through these things with your LC, but it doesn't hurt to keep them in mind each time.

Another question for you - do you use baby led attachment or do you shape your nipple for her each time? If you are shaping your nipple, it might be an idea to try baby led attachment. This is where you hold your baby, usually upright between your breasts and let her find her way to the breast and attach all by herself - all you do is hold and support her in a comfortable position. If you haven't done this before, it would be worthwhile calling the ABA or getting a copy of one of their booklets that explains this.

In the meantime, while you have the pain, there are some things you can do. You can start every feed from the "good" side and once she is attached and you have let down, then change her over. The hardest sucking is at the beginning of a feed, so by always having that on the good side it can help your sore side get some relief. She will still get milk from that breast after you swap her over, and if she doesn't empty it you can express afterwards. Otherwise, if the pain is too great even for that you can express only on that side for 24 - 48 hours to try and get some healing done that way. Also, it's ok to ask your GP for pain relief if that will help you with feeds.

Hang in there hun. You are doing a fantastic job and it will get better. Very soon she will be bigger, attaching like a champ and you won't be in pain. I know how much it hurts now, I too have BTDT. But it does get better and once you are through the other side you will be so glad that you persisted.