i hated it for the first month - it was so painful. but saw a lactation consultant that was really good and had it sorted within a week.. and as bubs has learned to attach better too its so much better. and for some reason, lying down on the bed with bubs beside me made a huge difference to the whole breastfeeding experience for me - as soon as i started doing that, both of us seemed to relax so much more. that lanisoh was a lifesaver in the first few weeks too..
oh traveller - i am totally with you on the proving others wrong thing - my MIL - every time she sees me she says ' oh he seems so much happier on the bottle, why dont you just bottle feed?'' (grr).