Nursing with a nipple shield

Hi all! I’m wondering if anyone has any advice on how to stop using a nipple shield while nursing?? I had my son 3 weeks ago and he was having trouble latching, and they had me use a nipple shield to help. Well now 3 weeks later I’m still using one and my son absolutely refuses to latch without a nipple shield, it’s like he’s confused and can’t find my nipple because it’s so much different than the nipple shield. I’m really struggling with the nipple shield, he’s constantly ripping it off, it’s messy, I get milk everywhere, it’s nearly impossible to breastfeed anywhere but In a completely private place, because it constantly falls off and again, he rips it off and I have to keep putting it back on. I would really love to just throw them away and breastfeed like normal. Any advice?? I’m desperate.