I'm inducing for the first time, have never lactated before. I started 6 weeks ago. For the first 4 weeks, I only pumped, hand massaged and used a tens. I do anything between 6-10 total sessions per day, averaging around 8 per day, with 6-7 of those being pump sessions on average. I use a spectra and wearable pump with correct size flanges.
In week 5 I introduced Goats Rue and Shatavari. The Shatavari in particular seems to be helping.
My problem is this - progress seems to have stalled significantly. In the first 4 weeks, I saw very noticeable breast growth and change around my areolas and nipples. In the last two weeks this has slowed considerably.
I also found I reacted very quickly to pumping, finding by only my 3rd day of inducing that I felt the need to pump after 3 hours. By week 2, my boobs were waking me up overnight to be pumped. However in the last 2 weeks I have been able to comfortably go 8 hours without feeling the need to pump.
I had my first milky-clear drops by week 3, increasingly significantly in week 5. But this has also now dropped off as well.
What's going on?? Someone suggested maybe I need to shake up my routine? I don't have a regular nursing partner. Any suggestions?