It's not just you. Pumping absolutely sucks, literally and figuratively! My partner breastfed our daughter for a year and actually still nurses her at night (she's 20 months), and she loved every minute of it, except the pumping. The times we talked about switching to formula were because she didn't want to pump another drop, not because of breastfeeding itself. When she was able to stop after 13 months she was in heaven. I can't imagine how hard it must be to pump exclusively, although I know several people who have done it. Does the LC have any suggestions for you regarding how to get your daughter to latch? I would keep working on that end of things and see if you can her latching so you can at least ease off on the pumping.

I agree with alh's comments that it definitely could be the pumping. But I have to ask - is the pain a burning pain at all? I had pain during all the activities you are describing and I thought it was "normal" because I was pumping exclusively for the first month after my babies were born. Then I went to an LC who said I had a really really bad nipple/milk-duct yeast infection (I got mine because I was given anti-bioitics after my c-section - yeast is a common side effect for me). My OB didn't even catch it ever after I complained of symptoms. I got medicine for it and OH MY GOD it was so much better after that - even when I went back to work and had to pump 3-4x a day, I never had that kind of pain. I had to take diflucan for 28 days, but I had a really really bad case. I don't know, it might be something worth asking your LC about...just in case what you are experiencing isn't "normal".

If there is pain, there is a problem. DS is 6 months old and although I typically love nursing, he is teething right now and it's killing me! But I know once I fix the biting/latching issue, the pain will go away.

LJ, yes its a burning pain. Did you have any other signs of infection? Because my nipples have some cracking, but theres nothing else weird that would make me think they were infected. Thanks!

Congrats on the baby!!

Pumping does totally suck. My DH was a shallow latcher so my poor nipples were very sore... all was better by week 7 or 8. Hang in there.. it will get better! Good luck!

Wow, congrats for sticking with it! Amazing! Yo may have the wrong size of breast shields. When pumping, your nipple should not touch any of the sides of the shield, otherwise, that wil cause bruising ad soreness. First thing I would do is ceck out if you have he correct size.

That alone may fix your problem. IF not, then yoU may have thrush. sEE THIS LINK FOR SORE NIPPLES:
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48:sore-nipples&catid=5:information&Itemid=17

If you have thrush:
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12:candida-protocol&catid=5:information&Itemid=17

I could not get my first to latch by himself until he was 3.5 mths old. SO, there is hope yet. However, I would really try to eliminate all bottles, asap. There are other ways that you can feed him, like with a cup or spoon, or bottle dropper or syringe.

Remember the #1 source is breastfeeding from the mother directly, #2 feeding method for a newborn is his mother's own bm, as per the WHO. This is because some of the antibodies in bm may get damaged during handling and storage. Also, iby bf directly, the baby can enjoy "kangaroo mother care". It helps ensure a good supply and gives baby physiological benefits, helps stabilise her body temperature, etc. Also, if you exclusively pump only, it may be harder, over a long period of time, to keep up supply. Finally, as you correctly state, pumping is real pain the arse, very time consuming, and less convenient than straight bf. If in the end you really do end up exclusively pumping, then my hat is off to you. But I would not want you to necessarily resignate yourself to that position just yet! :)

Giving a bottle, as you probably know, may lead to nipple confusion, which can mean that the baby will slowly but sure wean off the breast and drink from bottles only, as bottles are less work for him.

I would not give up on the bf just yet, but I would go back to the hospital and ask to see a good LC, or find one who can visit you at home. Find a local LLL chapter too, and get help.

finding a bf support person
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17:finding-a-breastfeeding-support-person&catid=5:information&Itemid=17

Here are some links for you:
starting bf right
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45:breastfeeding-starting-out-right&catid=5:information&Itemid=17

once your baby is latched and slows down with sucking, try breast compressions:
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8:breast-compression&catid=5:information&Itemid=17

finger and cup feeding
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5:finger-and-cup-feeding&catid=5:information&Itemid=17

try using an sns nurser :
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25:lactation-aid&catid=5:information&Itemid=17

how to know if a bf baby is getting enough milk:
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23:is-my-baby-getting-enough-milk&catid=5:information&Itemid=17

I know it is hard at first, because as moms we fret if the bb is getting enough milk. The short answer is that with a bf baby, you do not measure what goes in, but what goes out! (the number of wet and poopy diapers each day).

How to manage bm intake:
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29:protocol-to-manage-breastmilk-intake&catid=5:information&Itemid=17

skin on skin is very important to help a baby with latching and supply
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82:the-importance-of-skin-to-skin-contact-&catid=5:information&Itemid=17

when baby does not yet latch:
read this one attentively!
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54:when-baby-does-not-yet-latch&catid=5:information&Itemid=17

when latching
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=75:when-latching&catid=5:information&Itemid=17

IF YOU DO CONTINUE BOTTLES FOR SOME TIME, MAKE SURE YOU ONLY USE A STAGE 1 OR SLOW FLOW NIPPLE, TO HELP MINIMIZE NIPPLE CONFUSION.

It is important to pump to keep up your supply, and your supply is great, as you say, so that is very positive, since many babies lose interest in latching at the breast because there is not enough milk.

Finally, if a baby does get a bottle there ware ways to bottle feed a bf baby to maximise it resembling a bf session, and help prevent nipple confusion:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/bottle-feeding.html

Best of luck to you!I think with your grit and determination, you will succeed in eventually getting her to latch...just stick with it!