If you can't handle it, get the nipple shield! it's amazing

you should have your pediatrician check to see if baby has a tongue tie or lip tie. that could cause more pain than normal when breastfeeding, if baby does have one or both of recommend finding a doctor that can do a laser correction because the healing time is much faster.

It is normal. It hurt so bad the first couple weeks. You just have to grin and bear it. It gets a lot better. Lansinoh has cooling gel packs that help but ya I wanted to scream every time he latched on, but I think it was worth fighting through the pain.

I got the cream but starting to dread the hungry cry

Coconut oil would work too!

It gets easier, just hang in there! Your nipple aren't used to it. I was told repeatedly that it wasn't normal for it to hurt, but I haven't met a person who went without pain. I think the first week or two were the worst, but once you get passed that, you'll be okay! Look into some lanolin cream, maybe even call a lactation consultant and see if they have cream.