OK, so we've never had a problem breast-feeding. Perfect latch, my milk came in right away, no pain or cracking or bleeding or anything.

DS is 8 months old, and a week or two ago I started getting intense pain in one nipple. It feels like tons of needles stabbing into it...all the time, whether he's latched or not. When he's latched on that side my toes curl up in pain. No evidence of a plugged duct or milk blister or thrush or mastitis...so I'm at a loss.

DH thinks I should consider pumping instead of nursing so at least I won't tense up when he latches on to that side and he won't see my grimacing/holding back a cry.

Has anyone had anything similar? Any advice? Should I start pumping? Maybe just on that one side? I'm at a loss.