How do you know when bf is truly established?

[cat811]

Just that really!
Don't want to think about expressing/potentially introducing a bottle (so I can get more than an hour of sleep in eve!) until it's 'safe' to - how do I judge that it's properly established?

I would say best not to until 4 to 6 weeks.

Lots of mums find they get more sleep if they share a bed with their baby ... would that work for you?

She's almost 4 weeks... I've read in other places that you need to introduce a bottle by 6 weeks if going to, or they are less likely to accept it - is this true?
We've ended up doing a bit of co-sleeping (accidentally as I have fallen asleep while feeding) but feel really uncomfortable about it - just very worried I'd end up hurting her so am reluctant to do this (I know many people do, and it's fine and safe, but I'd be too anxious I think)
Any other 'signs' to look for, or is it just the timing of 4-6 weeks?

Speaking from dealing with DD1 and DD2 (and seeing what my friends did with their children) I'd introduce a bottle sooner rather than later. I gave DD1 a bottle of EBM at week 3 and DD2 has been mixed fed since the end of week 1 so she takes a bottle too.

Those I know that waited until the recommended 6 weeks all had trouble with their little ones accepting a bottle to varying degrees.

As for the co-sleeping - repeat after me..... "whatever it takes to get through the day/night!" DD1 has just been 2 and DD2 is 10 weeks old and trust me getting to the end of the day is sometimes a result itself!

I think the point with expressing is partly to avoid over production/engorgement rather than it working the other way. You wouldn't want to start building a freezer bank before 6 weeks ish, but I can't see expressing for one bottle feed each day could be harmful. I'm with cbmum on introducing a bottle sooner rather than later. Both mine got occasional bottles very early (DS at 1 week, DD at 2 weeks) due to bf difficulties and neither had any signs of nipple confusion. I used the more "breast-like" teats (in my case TT Closer to Nature).

I'm gradually getting more confident with co-sleeping. Like you I frequently ended up doing it accidentally, and hated it! Now DD and I are finally getting the hang of feeding lying down I don't mind so much. It's better than trying to force myself awake, but I still don't sleep that well.