Signs of Lactation

Full Breasts

• When you nurse your baby, you empty your breasts of milk. Over the course of a couple of hours, the milk flows in and fills them back up. When it's time to nurse your little one, your breasts likely feel heavy and full. Even if you don't notice this sensation, you should still be able to see milk flowing from your nipples, letting you know that you are lactating.

Cramps

• It takes a few weeks for your body to recover from pregnancy. During this time, your uterus contracts and returns to its normal size. When your body is ready to nurse your baby, you might notice cramps in this area of your body. This sign of lactation tends to go away within a couple of weeks, so it's only noticeable right after you give birth. Some women feel the cramps with let-down prior to breastfeeding, and others feel them during a nursing session as breast milk is flowing.

Leaking Milk

• Many a mother has been plagued with a wet shirt because lactation occurs when her baby isn't ready to eat. The let-down reflex causes your milk flow to speed up, and if your baby isn't latched on when it happens, your breasts might leak milk, which can soak your shirt. Many breastfeeding moms report milk leakage when the baby begins to cry; hearing your little one's cries can encourage let-down. The best way to prevent this is to use nursing pads to soak up leaks and to feed your baby on a regular schedule so that your body adapts to the need for milk flow at certain times.

Tingling

• When your breasts are full and you're ready to nurse, you might notice a tingling, or pins-and-needles sensation in your nipples and the surrounding area, according to Australia's Birth.com. You might also notice a shooting pain or contraction-like feeling when let-down occurs. These feelings are normal and can range in severity from a minor sensation to severe pain. If nursing causes you discomfort or pain, talk to your doctor to ensure that your technique is correct and that your baby is latching on properly.