Nipple pain during breastfeeding. Pain.

I am breastfeeding my 1.5-month-old baby (born at 34 weeks 2 days gestation) and experiencing persistent nipple pain and sensitivity. The pain is most noticeable at the start of feeds and sometimes continues during or after. Even outside feeds, my nipples are very sensitive to touch, clothing, or shower water. There are no visible cracks, wounds, discoloration and I don't think he has tongue-tie. My baby is feeding well, gaining weight appropriately, and usually self-latches. However, I am unsure if the latch is optimal, as I continue to have discomfort. I have tried deep latch techniques (which sometimes worsen the pain) and nipple shields, but neither has helped significantly. My pediatrician suggested this is normal and will improve, but the pain seems to be increasing. I would like guidance on whether this is a normal adjustment phase or if there could be an underlying issue, and how to manage or reduce this pain.