I think the article reflects one of the challenges which the time our culture has spent formula-feeding, leaves us to face.
When breastmilk was really the only option, unless someone was rich enough to afford a wetnurse, or couldn't breastfeed and had a family member do so for them or whatever --- then we all knew that newborn babies needed to be nursed on demand, around the clock, for the first few weeks of their lives.
When someone else can (and sometimes does) "give the baby the bottle," then that 'round the clock schedule is less overwhelming (and less obvious). Parents can go out for a 6 hour date night and not worry about pumping, or bringing baby, or who's feeding baby. The babysitter does it.
And this is what is considered 'normal' for babydom. I think even if we didn't think it was normal, most mothers would still be overwhelmed by the first couple months of newborn days and the change in their world (and their partner's world). That's why we really need support (grandparents, aunts/uncles, friends, doulas) when we are first home with a newborn if at all possible.
....It is unfortunate that the author had latch issues, and apparently a rough LC at the hospital. I think that could certainly have compounded her worries about breastfeeding, and how difficult the time it took seemed to be for her. She doesn't mention it, but I wonder whether she also felt like she couldn't nurse in public (I know many mothers struggle with NIP while using nipple shields).
In the end, though, I do think one thing we battle as lactivists, is that the 'normal' baby in our cultural references, is often a formula-fed baby, with commensurate feeding patterns etc.
