Signs to Look For
I am a member of a few forums, and it seems people quickly get discouraged when the milk does not come rushing in while they are inducing. Then there are those who are looking for “signs.” I understand this. This is an exciting addition to the relationship and we look forward to actually having milk. It takes time and patience no matter what method you are using.
Since encouragement is often needed after about three or four weeks, and people are also often asking for signs, I thought I would post my opinion and encouragement. Here is what I generally share with those people.
[If any of you more experienced people have some corrections, I would appreciate them. I have only induced once, but I have spent hours reading other peoples experiences with inducing, and the majority of them resemble mine. (More of my personal experience is in the actual lactation, since I have lactated most of the first fifteen years of my marriage.)]
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EXAMPLE:
“I have greatly enjoyed the dry nursing, but I feel like a failure because after four weeks I do not have milk, except for a few drops.”
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It is going to take longer than 4 weeks to get the amount of milk you are hoping for. Our milk does not come rushing in during the first weeks like it does after a birth. You have not had the hormonal effects of a nine month pregnancy. In light of going through a nine month pregnancy, this journey will seem short. 
It is good that you enjoy the dry nursing because that is what is important. The milk is an added bonus. If you could concentrate on the enjoyment of your suckling times and relax, it will make time pass faster. Just know the milk will be there in the future. If you make a note of the changes you see just once a week, (like always on Saturday etc…) you will see them and notice you are going forward.
Examples of the slight changes: (They may not necessarily come in this order.)
- firmer breast before suckling
- nipple color changing
- nipple texture change, feels firmer, waxier etc.
- seeing blue veins
- felt a let down- (Might feel a pressure quickly build right behind the nipple. Might sting a little, but then go away in less than a minute. Let down can feel different for individuals. Some ladies never feel the let down.)
- moisture, (nipple can feel cooler than the rest of the breast while it evaporates.)
- occasional little drops that cling to the nipple
- consistent drops; see a few each day
- heavy drops that fall
- occasional squirt
- see a squirt each day
- see a squirt each time
- multiple squirts
- occasionally enough milk to get a good taste
- get enough milk to taste every day
- get enough milk to taste every time
- occasionally get gulps or swallows
- more frequently getting gulps and swallows
- takes ____ suckles before there is no milk
- takes more suckles before there is no milk
- milk for the first five minutes
- almost choking on let down :-)
See it is little changes weekly. It is not like after a birth where it comes in all at once.
Getting impatient or worked up, stressing, will only hamper the process. Confidence will help it.
Tell him/her each time how much you enjoyed it. Cuddle afterwards when you can. Never say “if,” say “when” and talk about next year. “Next year we will be suckling Christmas morning and the milk will be my best present.” etc… Take the pressure off of now.
Don’t give up!