My recipe makes three loaves, and we go through 4-5 loaves a week, so some weeks it's one batch, and some weeks it's two. Making one loaf at a time just would not work.
I got a Bosch mixer (so worth every penny!) to do the kneading for me. I have tendinitis in my thumbs/wrists, and so kneading the dough by hand would kill me.
It has taken a lot of practice to get it right, but I can now make 75/25% whole wheat/white flour bread that is every bit as soft as store bought sandwich bread. In fact, dh was complaining it was too soft when it was 50/50, so I upped the whole wheat content. Everyone loves it.
It took me a long time to figure out how exactly the dough should feel because I didn't have someone to guide me. If you can find a friend to show you how to make bread, that would be really helpful. Or maybe a YouTube video. If all else fails, you can ask here, and I'm sure all the bread bakers will be happy to help you out.
Jennifer