Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) appears to be the herb that is most often used to increase milk supply. It is an excellent galactagogue, and has been used as such for centuries.

I recommend it to everyone needing assistance with low milk or even no milk. It is safe and is not a hormone, nor does it contain anything hormonal. You need to look up all that you can on it, but it is safe for both you and the baby. It is given to cows to increase milk production. It can also lower serum cholesterol as well and is used to treat diabetes.

To speed milk production and increase overall milk supply, the key is to remove more milk from the breast and to do this frequently, so that less milk accumulates in the breast between feedings. The more frequently you nurse, the more the message is sent to produce more milk.

It works within about 3-4 days. You’ll see your milk gradually come in and then by 4th day should be all back! Drink 1 cup every couple hours hot or cold for up to 4 days straight. That should produce the desired results.

For anyone with access to any middle eastern influenced food stores, Helba is Fenugreek. So if you want to save some money on Fenugreek and have a more fresh product, go to a middle eastern store and ask for Helba. It super cheap, and looks like little brown seeds, just boil a couple of tablespoon in a tea pot.

Another “nursing supplementer” that you can use in between your pumping sessions to feed your baby that will help him/her recognize you as food again. It is a contraption with a bottle you can put formula or expressed breast milk (once you have some) in, hanging upside down from the front of your bra. Then there are tubes that come out and you tape them to your breast alongside your nipple. When this is installed correctly then when (s)he sucks from you he gets through the tube what is in the bottle. Medela makes them, you can order it from their website, or you may be able to get one at Walgreens. Or you can order it on eBay.

I suggest doing the pumping routine as previously suggested, taking some herbals, like mother’s milk tea, and using the supplementer has the added advantage of stimulating your breasts much more effectively than even a pump.