[sfem]

It sounds like things are happening. I wouldn't go with 4,000/day. I think that the time-frame is about right for budding, and it may well be that the high dose isn't what is making things happen so much as the fact that you are sticking with it. Congrats on your achievement so far! The rough skin I sometimes get and it is a sign of growth in my experience and will pass, although it will be itchy at times. The puffiness and sensitivity of the nipples is the surest sign that you are getting real growth, not just fat or skin changes. As for blatantly obvious, I don't recall the budding stage to be blatantly obvious other than the nipples getting puffy. The "hard knot" others have referred to was never very much of a hard knot for me. To help with the drying itchy nipples I have used vaseline moisturizers in the past to help sooth them and let them recover.
Someone else will have to answer about lactation. It has never been something I wanted or tried for.