OP is pretty perceptive to pick up on the anxiety behind the questions he’s getting asked. Empathy is a wonderful quality in a partner.
I am not lactating and do not have any interest in it, which is clearly stated in my profile. I’m driven to pursue this because of the connection that develops. Lactating requires significant time, effort, and funds and it’s a really low priority for me. I have also had multiple men ask me if I’m lactating, if I’m interested in it, and when I answer in the negative, the conversation loses steam fast.
On the plus side, it weeds out people who are only interested in what my body can provide for them. Same as a guy who wants arm candy or easy sex or whatever. So while the question can be disappointing, ultimately it’s a decent litmus test for why people are really here. For ladies who are lactating or interested in it, I would go so far as to recommend downplaying it when asked about it. It seems that if lack of milk decreases their interest, they aren’t going to make great partners anyway.