so, do they actually "feel" hunger at 6,7,8,9 months?

[jimijack]

Just wondering because my 7 month old doesn't seem that bothered about food.
He is fully breast fed, I consider this most important, any food eaten is a bonus.
Ultimate plan is 3 meals a day plus snacks then drop milk feeds as food intake increases.
Problem is now he won't take a bottle, so trying with a cup. I'm rubbish at expressing though.
So, have I got it totally wrong with this plan?

They do feel hunger. But they associate milk with feeling hungry not food. How are you weaning him? Why are you expressing? You can still feed as normal

Agree with what mrsmartin says. The easiest thing in my opinion is to keep offering food whenever you're eating, keep bf-ing on demand and let them get on with it. We offered cups of water alongside meals from 6 months, so they learned drinking from a cup as they learned to eat.

At some point you suddenly notice they're taking more from solid food and drinks-in-cups, and less from breastmilk. Then you either stop breastfeeding, or if you carry it on it's more of a connection thing rather than essential nutrition (but still with extra benefits for both of you).

Ahh I see. I tried expressing a few weeks ago when he was biting me with his 2 shiny new teeth. Only got about 20mls so gave up.
He has 3 meals plus desert my porkly boy.mostly fruit pureed & yogurt.
He has breast milk every 2-3 hours on demand.
Still feeding 2-3 hours through the night too, which is completely exhausting me.
Any tips on what to do about this?

Re: your recent reply. If he's feeding a lot in the day - solids and milk - have you tried not feeding him to sleep at night (maybe start by getting your DP to soothe him back to sleep overnight until he gets out of the habit of waking). Worked for us but I know it doesn't work for everyone.