Oh Ali, that's awful! Don't feel embarrassed - you were a new mum! I was completely clueless with DS too!

I wasn't overly impressed with the b/f 'advice' I was given in hospital. I was never told or shown how to get DS to properly attach. Because I'd had a c/s, I had to buzz the midwives whenever DS needed a feed anyway, as I couldn't get out of bed. Only problem was, the midwives way of getting DS to attach was simply to force his head and my boob together . Before I had DS, I was told in the antenatal classes, etc, about how breastfeeding friendly the hospital was - but I really don't feel like I was offered much support. There seemed to be a bit of a 'work it out yourself' attitude.
I've found midwives are generally not much help when it comes to b/f - but LC are absolutely wonderful!

Sorry you had such a bad start - but look at you now!!!