Oh my goodness Natassia! I can't believe they did not have a lactation consultant come and see you before you left. Call the hospital and ask to speak to a lactation consultant.
Ok, now on to some pratical matters. Leaking in the beginning is VERY normal. Your body is adjusting to the whole supply and demand cycle of your baby. I'm guessing this is your first. My best friend told me that with her first it was as if her body was trying to sort itself out on breastfeeding, then with the rest of her kids it worked like clockwork.
Anyway, leaking. Yes. You will leak. You will leak when you hear a baby cry... yours or anyone elses. You will leak if baby took a WHOLE LOT the day before and not so much today. You will just leak. I suggest Medella breast shields. I tried ALL of them. I liked Medella best. They were thin but BOY COULD THEY HOLD THE LIQUID! And they were not scratchy. They are a bit more expensive, but in my opinion, they were worth it. With other brands I always felt 'wet'. Not with Medella. You can pick them up at Target.
Remember, milk supply is a supply and demand situation. The more baby takes, the more your body makes. However, your body is a wonderful wonderful thing. It will adjust to the various amounts baby takes at different times in the day. For example... if baby takes more in the morning then in the afternoon ... you will make more in the morning then in the afternoon.:-)
It does take some time for your body to adjust to all of this. Most lactation consultants will say 6-8 weeks and your body should be adjusted.
Now, I did have issues in the beginning. LOTS of issues. So much so I seriously considered stopping breastfeeding, but I knew it was the BEST thing for my baby...so I powered through and eventually made a private session appointment with a lactation consultant who was my ANGEL!
If you have engorgment issues. And if you are engorged, you will know it. It HURTS. Your breasts are hard and hot. It is NOT comfortable. Then you can pump just enough to relieve the pressure. No more. (remember, supply and demand) Also, cold cabbage leaves do WONDERS to relieve the pain. Don't know why...but they do. Just be careful how much you use them because they can cause milk to dry up.
I'm not a lactation consultant, and I would really encourage you to meet with one and/or attend a la leche leasgue meeting. But, when baby is latching on.... make sure baby's mouth is wide open WIDE open. Tongue out and down over the bottom gums. Have baby take as much of your breast in the mouth as possible. This will give you a good comfortable latch. Just sucking on your nipple will not stimulate your milk ducts properly, baby will have to suck harder, and you will hurt.
Also, in the beginning your let down may be a little forceful. It may be a little fast for baby. There are a couple of things you can do. If it seems like baby is gulping, you can express some milk off before baby eats to slow down the flow. Or you can take baby off the breast, cover with a shield and give baby a little break.
Don't worry about it though... baby will adjust. My daughter received MANY milk baths as an infant. The only problem with a fast let down like that is your milk WILL eventually regulate and the flow will slow down at some point. Then, you have to deal with a baby who is used to fast and furious milk...who now has to work a bit for it. It only took us about a week to work through that issue and then all was great.
You mentioned you were going to bottle feed as well. I'm hoping you mean you will pump and offer breastmilk in a bottle. Obviously it's your choice, but supplementing with formula can and most likely will interfere with your milk supply. Breastmilk it best. It's the BEST start to life you can offer your baby.
Pure lanolin is GREAT for sore nipples. If you do develop sore nipples it is most likely a latching issue. Nursing should not be painful. There is an adjustment period of your nipples getting used to be sucked on...but that is fairly short lived. If you exprience bleeding nipples, then that is a latch issue and you need to seek help. Pure lanolin is safe for baby and really does soothe. Also, allowing your milk to dry on your nipple before you cover up does wonders too.
Breastmilk has natural healing properties. (and by the way, is GREAT for pink eye if baby happens to contract that. Seriously...express some milk, use a dropper to put a couple of drops in baby's eyes and voila... pink eye is gone in a couple of days.)
Please feel free to message me with any questions. La leche league is a GREAT resource for nursing moms too. I would encourage you to hook up with your local chapter. And, a good lactation consultant is worth her weight in GOLD! There are some insurances who will pay for a consultation or pick up part of it. Most consultants will give you a receipt that has insurance codes on it.
Good luck and congratulations on your baby!