breastfeeding does it get easier?

[Ladypug]

Starting to struggle with breastfeeding. I was managing it really well but now (5 weeks in) nipples are cracked and sore due to constant feeding (not latch, I had it checked). DD is now feeding every hour and has been for days. Health visitor says its a growth spurt but it's been going on for days on end. Basically I'm sleep deprived, sore boobs and constantly on call for feeding - I mean constantly, like hourly! I will continue and don't want to formula feed but when will it get easier? Will I ever get a nice chunk of sleep eg 5 hours in one go (that's the dream). Will she settle into a feeding routine? How long do people breastfeed for? I thought initially it was 6 months solely bf then 6 months of solids and bfeeding stopping at 12 months but today someone told me they bf until 3 years of age - is this right? Help!

Not much to add, op, but I'm in sympathy with the cracked nipples.
I only had one, but twenty-plus years later I can still remember the tears rolling down my cheeks as I fed from that side.
Take all of the advice here, I hope it helps.

Thanks everyone, such great advice here!

I would try a dummy if I was you, dd had one when she was small and it is better for them to have a dummy than suck their thumbs. I will probably give ds one in a few weeks once I think bf is well established. I think some babies do need to suck to get to sleep even if they aren't hungry. You aren't supposed to use them in the first few weeks of breastfeeding as the baby constantly sucking is good for building up your milk supply but if you have too much milk then a bit less sucking might be a good thing!