It took me about 10 days. I kept asking till someone could help me latch on properly, think it was the 3/4th person (probably the hospital cleaner!). Nipples very sore on around 3rd day, I had to hold DH's hand and bear with the pain when she latched on- it went after about 30 seconds. Used a lovely numbing spray from Boots. I had major problems with engorgement (though not mastitis)-that was more painful than the sore nipples.
I'm not sure I can answer the one about restrictions as I didn't bottle feed to compare IYKWIM. I was also able to express fairly easily and did so from the second week onwards so was able to use EBM. As dd got older, and dropped feeds I did appreciate having more of my day back.
After practice I felt happy to breastfeed in most public places. I tended to have a glass/two wine most nights once feeding was established-at about 7pm as I could rely on not having to feed for a few hours, though I wasn't too worried about traces of alsohol passing. DD slept very well-after about week 7 she fed at 7-8pm and would go through till about 3-4, I never really did that 10pmish feed.
I enjoyed the closeness it gave and I am amazed at how my body worked and changed to make sure that dd got the right nutrition. When dd was around 5 months, the tiredness of getting up for the 5am feed started to get to me, after she showed signs of habitual wakeness, we did CC to get her to go through to the morning proper.
There were times where I felt fed up of feeding, in particular the bedtime feed and thought about stopping. TBH I never set out to feed for a targetted amount of time, I just wanted to see how I got on. I eventually gave up at 9 months after dd started fussing rather a lot, and at this point I felt ready to give up too. After 2 weeks of yet more engorgement, I started to feel normal again and did pick up more energy. It was nice to wear nice bras again and to not have to be back for the bedtime feeds.
I hope to breastfeed any future children but will still take it one day at a time.