Nursing surprises

I know I have a few months before I will be nursing, but I have been reading up on it, as well as buying supplies in preparation.  However, I do think that there are a few things that moms to be need to know.  Things nobody told me and even though I took a breastfeeding class was shocked to learn how much was NOT covered in the class. First, I didn't know how hard it would be the first couple weeks. For something so natural it did not come naturally.  I spent the first couple nights in the hospital crying because I was struggling to nurse. I also didn't know about flat and inverted nipples, (which caused us grief in the beginning). I had to use a nipple shield or pump to be able to get DS to latch.   We only used the nipple shield a couple times, and once I learned I could just pump for a minute or two first to get him to latch that is what we did.  I thought it was more painful to use the nipple shield, so I wanted to go without it. I also did not know that for about the first month they want nursed about every 45 minutes, or at least DS needed nursed that often. I didn't know milk comes out of more than one hole, and that they do not all spray in the same direction! I cannot tell you how many times I sprayed Owen in the face with milk.  Took several months before I had it semi under control. I didn't know to wear a nursing bra and nursing pads the first time we had intercourse. (oops!) So when your milk lets down it is because your body releases oxytocin, the same thing that is released when a female orgasms.  Therefore, during intercourse it is important to keep the bra on. I didn't realize how much it would hurt to be full. Your breasts definitely help keep you nursing on schedule.  When your breasts become engorged they become hard as a rock, a very misshaped rock. It is painful and can lead to clogged ducts, so it is important to pump or nurse before you become engorged. I took a breastfeeding class but they didn't go over any of this. I am sure there is more that surprised me I just can't think of it at the moment. What surprised you about nursing?