How can I tell if my 6 almost 7 month old is eating out of habit or need during the night?

Edit: he wakes up about 2-3 times a night. First stretch is fine(about 4-5 hrs) but then next couple are about 2-2.5 hr gaps sometimes 3 hrs. He always falls asleep independently during naps and at bedtime. Wondering if he mostly eats because he smells my milk, I don’t have anyone who can help me during the night as my husband leave for work around 5:30 (yes I know he can wake up but I’d rather he rest up and be able to work well instead of drag during the day)