When should I introduce bottle?

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DS2 is 8 days old and has taken to breastfeeding extremely well. I really want to breastfeed until 12 months however I also want to have me time now and again.

When should I start to express and introduce the bottle?
How often should I express?
How regularly should he have the bottle I don't want him to get confused.

thanks in advance!!

Firstly congratulations on your newborn!
I had a similar discussion with friends recently as health visitors gave conflicting advice.
Of our little group who were chatting, we've got 5 children between us - some given expressed milk from bottle at 3 days, some couple of weeks, one 6 months. Some babies took to it instantly, others took a while but it had no relation to their age IYSWIM.
All agreed that it's best for your DH/DP to give the bottle if poss as it can be less confusing but really all you can do is give it a try and if it doesn't work out have another go in a couple of weeks.
Sorry it's not a more definite answer!

I have just started at 4 1/2 weeks. I decided this as I wanted to be secure she knew how to latch a breast, but still open to learning. I need her to take milk from DH as I have hospital appt on my neck making upper body movement hard for the rest of the day.
I found she refused Avent: it was too big for her mouth (natural wide shape- but hard latex and big nipple). I tried another brand - mother care - and the first time she chewed and played. Next time she got some milk, didn't swallow. Next time swallowed, but got a bit of wind.
So allow time for learning and lots of time to express: takes me (with a manual) 3 sessions to get a 2-3 oz "meal" and I have slight over supply! Pumps just don't work as well as babies.
its a pita pumning then 'wasting' some when trying new bottles but has to be done.
Also I found hand expressing onto your hand, then warming the bottle milk to that temperature (I used a bowl of hot water; old school) helped her accept it.
We're moving on to "try a whole portion" next few days ... fingers crossed!

I agonised over this as DS was a complete bottle refuser... Really didn't want the same issue with DD!

I (or rather DH) introduced a bottle at 4 weeks. DD has one bottle a day, at around 11pm, given by DH.

I express at around 9.30pm before going to bed. I'm sure I would get more milk faster in the morning but just can't fit it in alongside getting DS to nursery school. I go to bed straight after expressing, DH wakes DD for a dream feed around 11 and I generally get a good block of sleep before DD wakes for a another feed around 3/4am.

HTH and good luck!

Update: she took a 2 oz bottle today.
She knew I was in the room so grumbled and cried at first. Didn't stop her drinking but it may be worth trying without you there!
I gave her a cuddle and boob after. She was OK with the cuddle, so must have drunk her milk from the bottle! Feeding fine overnight from the boob. Hence awake now!

DS1 is 9 wks and likewise a very good feeder with no bf issues. We started introducing a bottle at 3 wks just so I can get a break now and again. I just express a bit in the morning usually and when DH gives him a bottle at night, I'll express when he misses that feed from me. Some days I don't express, just depends.
It's taken a while for him to get used to the bottle. Didn't like Avent, seemed to be getting on ok with Tommee Tippee then went off it again. NUK with a latex teat was good but wide Dr Browns seem the best and he spills less milk with that one.
We make sure he has a bottle every day or 2 even when there's 'no need' just so he stays familiar with it.

I wouldn't wait until 6 weeks if I were you, we started him early on the recommendation of friends who left the bottke introducing late and the babies never took it.

Dc1 was a bottle refuser and she wouldn't take one at 4 wks or any other time after that we tried. My mw said with dc2 as long as she's bf well, i could start around 2 wks, which we have and she has taken to it and then bf soon after without issue.

Thanks all. He is now 11 days old.
I've bought the medela calma bottles however have tried to express this evening which has been a failure.

I have the avent electric pump which had great reviews however I barely got a few drops. Could I be doing something wrong? I need to be able to express when I go back to work etc. Could it be to soon for my milk?

I'll also start another thread on this subject for more replies.

Thanks again

I'd say it's possible baby's taking most of it right now - my baby's now 2.5 wks and I struggle to get much, kellymom says it can take 3 pumping sessions to get enough for one feed. I think rest is crucial for getting more milk if you can get it, and persisting. Interesting to see what replies you get.