Well it's good news i think that the pain isn't lasting... as that means your attachment is hopefully okay and that you don't have anything else going on... I think some pain at the beginning can be inevitable for some people (esp if you're strawberry blonde - I am!) It really should ease off and get a bit better each day esp after 2 weeks. Just hang in there! My DH pretty much knows (we've got 4) that for the first few weeks my job is feeding lol..

It will also get much easier because the baby will get stronger - she'll get way better at aiming herself on to the breast, her head control will improve, etc. If you can hang in there then before you know it, it'll be just like riding a bike You only have another week at most before the first hurdle (from my experience!) is reached, nipple pain will ease, the baby is just that little bit stronger so it's not all so unco feeling.

And I agree, I think people should be prepared a little bit better at the antenatal classes etc- this is a new skill, and a new part of the body you've never used before, and a new little baby who's learning too!