Sore, cracked nipples at 6 months

[Ava50x]

DS, 6 months old, is EBF. Used to take 1 bottle of EBM once a day but recently started refusing it.

Nipples have become extremely sore and painful the last couple of days and today I noticed bleeding from nipples with extreme pain. I can't carry on like this, the pain is so so bad and I can't even give baby a bottle!
I will try nipple shields- heading out to boots to grab a pair now but wonder if he'll even take it.
BF has been practically problem-free since birth and i've no idea what caused this extreme pain and cracking.
Any ideas? I'm on the verge of giving up BF but can't because babes will starve!!
Any ideas appreciated.

It’ll be the position. It’s very common believe it or not.

Go back to basics and correct the positioning and latch. Baby tummy to tummy and nose and chin touching the breast at the same time.

Let the air get to nipples as much as possible. They heal pretty quick. You could also just feed from one side for 24 hours if there’s a split.

Any chance it’s thrush? Is there any redness? Thrush is excruciating and can come on suddenly, especially in the heat, but also if you’ve been on antibiotics, had vaginal thrush, etc.

Its not thrush and apparently its not latch either. Went to see a feeding counsellor this morning at a breastfeeding drop in session. She was flummoxed and referred me to her colleague who can hopefully help...
Going slightly insane here.

Teething?

This happened to me when my 6 mo old got her first bottom teeth - I think it messed up her latch. I had raw painful nipples like I did when she was a newborn. But the issue corrected itself after a week or so as she adjusted her positioning. Hope you find a solution too.