Milk production typically begins between 1-4 weeks after initiating mechanical stimulation. One study of induced lactation using medications describes onset of milk production between 5-13 days. At first, the mother may see only drops. During the time that milk production is building, women may notice changes in the color of the nipples and areolar tissue. Breasts may become tender and fuller.
Some women report increased thirst, and changes in their menstrual cycle or libido.
A study done by Kleinman, et al, looked at the chemical composition of milk produced by non-biological mothers. Milk samples were collected from five women with adopted infants who had induced lactation by infant sucking. Milk samples were collected during the first five days of milk production and compared with samples of milk from five biological mothers. The mean protein concentration in the induced lactating women was identical to that of transitional milk of post-partum donors. Levels of these constituents were higher in the colostrum of the biological mothers.