I was told that DS1 wasn't able to attach due to flat nipples. We finally got him attached using nipple shields when my milk came in. Then we discovered he had a tongue-tie and that was the real reason he couldn't attach. We had it snipped and he was then able to attach without the shields. When DS2 was born, I was told I had great nipples for bfing (despite having previously been told I'd probably never be able to bf without shields So the point of my rambling is to suggest that you check for tongue-tie as well. Do the nipples look really flat? Do they come out at all when the baby attaches?

Also, I did find it painful feeding with the shields, as DS had to suck harder. But then the nipples are pretty sensitive in the early days so it can hurt without the shields too. Usually a baby can attach more easily when it's mouth is a little bigger, so if she does need to use shields now, it most likely will only be for the short term, maybe just 4 weeks or so. But it is important to keep trying to attach without them. And that might get easier when the supply settles down too. Before your milk comes in it can be hard. Then it gets worse if you are engorged. So once that initial engorgement goes, she hopefully will have better luck.

for your client. I know how hard it is, I hope it works out for her.