Can Nipples Be Too Wide and Not Long Enough to Have Successful Breastfeeding?

It sounds like you are in a challenging place. The questions that came to my head when reading your post were:
Do you have thrush on/in your breasts? Remember, if your son has thrush, his mouth is uncomfortable so maybe that is effecting his latch. If you have thrush on or in your breasts, it could affect your pain level. Remember, your little one is still learning how to latch with you (esp. if he has had thrush for a bit) and if he has been uncomfotable he could be doing some hard sucking to eat as quickly as poss to avoid pain thus causing you to bleed. Just a thought. Good luck and I hope you and the boys find some ease soon! :0)

If you're willing to see another lactation consultant, I'd get in touch with the pump station in hollywood or santa monica (thepumpstation.com). They offer excellent consultations and have support groups that are a godsend when going through breastfeeding struggles. When you have a proper latch, it should not hurt at all except for the pressure from let down, tugging, etc and the baby shouldn't be able to make your nipples that raw. I had this issue at first and videotaped proper holding, mouth angle, everything before I could get it right. I also used the nipple shield at first. If you're committed to giving it a go, I say give it another try with a consultant. If you can achieve proper/painless latch WITH the consultant, you should be able to on your own. However, if it's just not happening, it's just not happening. Whatever you decide, it's going to be what's best for you and your family. Just make sure you feel good about your decision.
Good luck!

Erika - Sorry to hear how hard it has been for you. Would it be better if you pumped and then fed him with a bottle? I breastfed my little one for 18 months, and touch-wood she is the healthiest kid on the block. It hurt and it was really difficult to continue for so long (but a walk in the park compared to your situation) but I am very, very happy that I b'fed her for as long as I did. The effort paid off. It seems like you have tried very hard to keep him on the breast - perhaps if pumping is less painful, you can do that and still have him reap the benefits of mama-milk.

Hi E., I think you are putting yourself through unnessesary pain and discomfort. Eating time is a time of joy and bonding, trust me you can get that same joy and bonding with pain and discomfort by using formula and a bottle. I know many moms don't believe in formula and bottles, as an old school mom let me just tell you sweeite my 3 were fed Simulac and they were just as healthy and happy as any breast fed babies, and I bonded with them through feeding them with a bottle, talking to them and singing to them while I fed them. You don't need to be in pain and discomfort. J.

Oh E.,I feel you pain!! I had the same issues with my son. I found that if you place you hand on your brest, pointer and middle finger spread wide with your nipple between those fingers, take your other hand and pull your nipple thru your fingers allowing for your whole nipple to be between your fingers - "clamp" your fingers around your nipple to keep your nipple in place. This allows for your baby to get a good latch. You can always contact the La Leche League or contact the hospital where you gave birth and ask to speak with the lacation specialist. Hope you find something that works for you!!