He is hard to get latched on when he is hungry, a friend suggested giving him about 20ml of formula first to take the edge off so he is not so desperate when he wakes. This seems to work with the latching on, since he was fussing and crying and getting himself in such a state initially it was an ordeal for us both. Once he is on, he is generally feeding for maybe 20-30 mins. By that time he is usually fussing about and I *think* he is done.
I'll definitely get onto the lactation consultant idea, it sounds like a really good way to go. I do find I am hearing different things from every different professional I see (in hospital as well as the community nurse). It will be a relief to talk to someone who specialises in bf.