Hello, we persevered through the first couple of weeks (cracked bleeding nipples, mastitis at day 10, sleepy baby who wouldn't suck, battleax midwife who terrorised us with her offers of violent 'help', no family support and husband in ADF not given any leave) and it did get better!. Those first weeks are not indicative of what breastfeeding is like. Many of our mothers abandoned their attempts at feeding in the early weeks because it was believed at the time that babies should only be fed every four hours, and as it's been pointed out it's the regularity of the feeds in the first weeks that gets the lactation going.

If you wish to breastfeed, arm yourself with as many resources as you can. Joining the ABA well before you have baby is a good way to get the best b/f information - and they're great for lots of support and other child-centred parenting tips too. Ask to meet the lactation consultants when you do your hospital visit and tell them how you feel. Don't be afraid to ask for help again and again if it's not working. In the end it was something quite unconventional that got us through, plus several precious hours spent with us by an off-duty lactation consultant, who worked elsewhere in the hospital.

And in the end, whether it works out or not - be kind to yourself. Every feed in those first days is literally liquid gold, but what matters most in the long run is how you love and nurture your child.
Good luck!
Marydean