Yes, you will have to move into your son's college dorm and nurse him to sleep!

OK, maybe you don't find that so funny right now.

Neither of my kids were keen on cups or bottles -- well, never bottles -- until close to 12 months. So the good news is that your situation will change eventually even if you don't do anything about it.

You could try giving him sips from a tiny cup with no lid -- like the cup that comes with cough medicine (obviously not the one you actually use). This seemed to help my second baby especially in learning to drink in a different way. Also, yes, just keep giving the cup over and over and over and eventually he will catch on.

Also, make sure he sees you and others drinking from cups, maybe from sports bottles. This will make it so much more interesting to him. My second DD really liked having little sips from the cup I was using, too. (Just be sure to use plastic!)

As far as dehydration, just watch for the wet diapers. If he is having them (4 in 24 hours, I think?) than try not to worry! He is self-regulating. Older babies can nurse very quickly, so maybe he is getting what he needs really fast?

Just remember that you did Not make a mistake by not pushing bottles!! Things may not be working as you planned or as you would like, but that doesn't make your nursing a mistake! I know it rings hollow now, but before you know it all this will be behind you and you'll barely remember it. If he is happy and healthy, then do what you can to keep your own energy up, treat yourself to hot baths, chocolate truffles, or whatever makes you happy and healthy too, and know that your nursing days are numbered.

Shaun