BREASTFEEDING question

So . I'm new at breastfeeding (baby is 6 days old) and am having a hard time . I've heard if baby latches correctly it won't hurt ??? I find that hard to believe considering every single mom I know says the first 2 weeks or so its very painful . My nipples are currently scabbed, cracked and so painful . Is it harder to get baby to latch on correctly if you have somewhat bigger nipples ? Also I have pretty big areolas so I don't know how much areola I should be seeing outside of baby's mouth ???