Thanks for the link. all I can say really is that it contains lots of out of date information and various things I disagree with.
Breast milk was once thought to be too low in iron to give LO what they need (in some case making a big push for substantial portions of iron rich foods such as greens and meats at 6 months, parent's worrying that not a big enough portion is taken but LO is only 6 months and actually only ready for tastes and trying out foods) but more recent studies show the iron in breast milk is in a more easily absorbed form meaning that LOs are actually getting iron benefit from their milk and there is not need to "push" for iron rich foods so much (or to panic about the portion size).
The link also describes finger foods as being "small pieces" for LO to pick up using the pincer grasp (finger and thumb), this is not what is now generally meant as "finger food" which are large wedges or batons or chunks the size of an adult finger. The point being that LO can grasp in a fist and has great control of the item of food and can often lick or suck and still remove it (still in the fist grip) from their mouths rather than a small piece being put in which is harder to manipulate with tongue or hands.
I won't go on ... I don't rate the info I read there.
I thought dd was doing well with solids till I spoke to my friend and read a bit.
It sounds like you are doing really well and that the only "problem" is comparing with other babies or with out dated or unhelpful information.
It *is* important to introduce solids in a timely manner (ie offering tastes from 6 months which you have done), LOs who are not given the opportunity can find it harder to get used to the foods, textures, etc and self feeding has benefits of language development and fine motor skills etc - but this does not mean large portions or reducing milk or a certain amount of calories in a day.
LOs are very good at knowing when they are hungry and when they are full, the portion size can be led by your LO, if she wants more it is likely fine to offer more. The portion size will likely change day to day and week to week, sometimes seemingly no appetite and sometimes huge (growth spurt). It is also not a requirement that all the food groups are put in every meal offered. LOs can balance their food groups over a week rather than a day. eg one day just wants lots of carbs and refuses protein, another day takes double protein but not veg, another day only eats fruit. This is all normal at this age.
I’m also starting work on Thursday from 3-7pm so I really want her to bf before I go as her drinking from a bottle is hot and miss and it’s likeky she’ll hold out till I come home.
Perhaps a BF before you go. A solid snack with a drink or milk (ebm) or water, later on dinner, then I'm assuming a BT BF when you are home.
Are you expressing milk? It's possible to make a pudding (like a set custard or a blancmange) from your breast milk and perhaps this can be offered mid afternoon when you are working as her solids snack? or a regular sugar free yoghurt or a wedge of cheese.
I've seen LOs who barely ate a bite of solids at 8 months, a bit of yoghurt and that's all. Then at 9 months more interest and by 1yo they were eating big meals, good strong sturdy toddlers, exactly as expected. My DS ate lots from 6 months but he never looked particularly strong or sturdy, he's a skinny thing.
