Can anyone give me some ear stretching advice?

I have been at a 4g since around October, so I decided to go to a 2g. I'm using swirly earrings to taper with (is that ok???). I got them half way through but then there was some resistance. I am afraid to rip my ears. Do I just continue to stretch them ,take them out, or leave them in there for awhile then continue stretching later?