Hi there
The question of nipple confusion is a very tricky one. Tracy felt strongly that it was a bit of a myth and the problem really is confusion about speed of flow. Bottles have a much faster rate of flow and babies can become frustrated when they go back to the slower breast. This can be remedied by buying a bottle with a variflo system or a Haberman feeder which only allows milk to come out then the baby sucks if it something you are concerned about. She suggested you introduce a bottle early on to avoid later refusal.
Contrary to this however many lacation consultants will say to you to hold off on any bottle especially if you have had any difficulties establishing a good latch and wait until nearer 6 weeks. Some will advocate using a cup, finger feeder or syringe rather than a bottle.
Having said that many people on this site have introduced a bottle of expressed milk very early on and have absolutely no problem at all. I have several friends who have.
I think you should consider ensuring your nipple has a slow flow (presumably it'll be a newborn one), considering the shape of the nipple vs your shape, if you do feel any problems arising (e.g baby choking on faster flow) consider buying the variflo type bottle.
If you have had struggles with latch perhaps get further advice.
Also remember when the bottle is being given that means your breasts aren't getting stimulation to up their supply at the same time. e.g if you give a bottle for a couple of evenings your evening supply will dip. If it's going to be a regular thing then your supply will fall into that pattern so that's no problem - you just might find it tricky if one night you want to bf the dreamfeed and find your supply isn't expecting it.
Good Luck.
