Words of wisdom from a breast feeding mama!

We have been exclusively breast feeding since day 1 and Em is a champ! She had some issues in the very beginning. We tried different positions, and I think she just needed some time to adjust as did I. After about 2 days, she took to it perfectly!
Breast feeding is all mind over matter. As "natural" as it's supposed to be it is truly a difficult task. I have found that the difficulty comes from the complicated minds that humans innately possess. Once we relax our minds and just convince ourselves that we can do it, it will be achieved naturally.
I of course was nervous she may not be getting enough and that she may not be latching properly because I was experiencing tenderness, but I asked my fellow mommies and read a great breast feeding book, and learned that tenderness is normal, and that the only way to measure intake is by output. She certainly has enough output, and with breast feeding, it is the pee pee diapers we need to look for!
My best advice to first time soon to be momma's is, TRY to breast feed. It is best for your baby, regardless of what anyone tells you, and the bond is like no other! Also, take people's parenting advice with a grain of salt. Everyone thinks they are the expert, but the truth of the matter is, every baby is different and every family unit is different and what works for you may not work for others. So go with your gut, try to breast feed, and do the best you can!