Congratulations on the birth of your new baby. The first weeks with a new baby - recovering from the cesarean and getting breastfeeding established can make you feel like you are living in a pressure cooker. The good news is that nearly every problem can be solved, and despite all this you can go on to breastfeed just fine.
The use of a nippleshield was appropriate in the circumstance and at least allowed your baby to feed at the breast. So don't worry about that just now. You will get rid of that soon, but it's not your highest priority.
Getting a lactation consultant would be a very worthwhile investment in your future breastfeeding success. An LC will generally come to your home and spend quite a lot of time taking a history, observing what is happening and will make a plan for you and your baby, and then provide follow up support.
Joining the Australian Breastfeeding Association and utilising their helpline service is also another bery worthwhile thing. That support of a friendly, understanding and knowledgeable voice on the other end of the phone can really help you get through when the going is tough.
Most mothers are not prepared for the demands a baby makes. It is really normal for babies to feed 8-12 times in 24 hours. And feeds of up to 30mins per side are quite common. Are you still supplementing your baby with formula now? How much?
Many mothers find it helps to wake their baby for a feed every 3 hours. After 20mins or so on one side you will probably notice that your baby is snoozing more than feeding. If he hasn't come off by himself, gently detach him by breaking the seal with a clean finger in his mouth. He will probably make a desperate grab for the breast as though to say "no mum, I'm not finished" but take him off anyway! Give him a burp and a nappy change and offer the other breast. After 20 mins, take him off. Hold him against your chest and cuddle him, rock him or walk him to sleep. There are other ways to get a baby to sleep apart from just feeding him to sleep.
Don't hesitate to get back to us for some more information and support if you need it