mommy, try first without it so that you'll be able to establish a good latch with baby. it will be painful at first but tiis lang talaga. use nipple balm for sore nipples or better yet, apply breast milk then air dry. my cousin in the US used a nipple protector. i was with her in the weeks after she gave birth. it helped her kasi hindi masakit but hindi masyadong nakukuha ni baby ang milk. sadly, hindi siya naging successful sa breastfeeding.