The curved needle makes me feel as though I am handicapped at first, but like everyone says, you get your bearings and the momentum builds, then you are just singing along. Maybe your fingers are too smooth and you can't get a good handle on the needle, or your needle is too small-they come in many sizes.
I do this when the quilt is still stretched on the floor or table. The under surface stops the needle, that's when you push up. Similar to hand quilting, when the needle penetrates the fabric and reaches your finger/thimble.
I used the high-loft batting in the last two quilts that I tied, and the look and feel of a puffier quilt is well worth the effort.