yummy your nipples do protrude sometimes. I think the NHS thing very much depends on your midwife. I was in for 6 days and the range of advice I had from different staff was unbelievable. I had old fashioned advice and up to date advice. The very best thing I can say is yes, it can take time, yes it can hurt a bit when your start, some women find the let down very uncomfortable, but after the first week or so then it becomes a lot easier and then after 6 weeks or so you'll wonder why it was ever difficult.
In the early days, allow time, FEED ON DEMAND and don't be surprised at how much that can be-dd used to take about 45 mins to feed and feed every 45 mins. I felt I was continuosly pinned to her.
Drink and eat plenty, always try to go to the loo and have a snack and drink nearby, take your time, don't stress, being in a relaxed position and frame of mind will help a lot. If your baby is screaming your instinct will be to flop out your boob and get on with it but it wont matter if baby cries for a few seconds while you get comfy and make sure you're catered for. make sure your nipple is well in babies mouth and not rubbing on any gums-your nipple should essentially be in empty space in babies mouth. Wait for baby to give you a nice wide gape before attempting to latch.
It's also important to remember, not everyone will find it easy, some people do and others don't and not every baby can feed effectively so if it's not successful and you have given it a damn good try give yourself a break and don't don't don't give yourself the guilts over it if you cannot manage it. One of my friends expressed for over a month before she gave up, her son simply did not latch on ever, she said in the end she was spending more time with the breast pump than the baby!