August is Breastfeeding Awareness months! This is a good time to consider your options once you meet your little one.

Have you taken the time to research how long your maternity leave will be? If you are planning on breastfeeding you will want to know this information so you can plan ahead.  There are no national standards for maternity leave. Check your state’s guidelines and familiarize yourself with your rights and privileges. After you have this information, and you know better when or if you will return to the work place, you can get ready accordingly. If you ARE going back to work, you should start looking at pumps and decide if expressing milk is for you.

Regardless of your return to work, you want to learn the basics of breastfeeding and be ready BEFORE you deliver. Yes, your baby is born very intuitive, but it never hurts to help her by knowing a thing or two yourself. There are many breastfeeding classes you can choose from (check with your hospital if they offer any), or you can speak to a lactation consultant for information as well. Knowing how the recognize your baby latching on properly will save you from cracked nipples, helpful tips about relieving engorgement will eliminate unnecessary pain, etc. Another resource is learning from other mothers’ experience how to get started or use the internet. Choose your method and get yourself familiarized with what’s to come and how to deal with possible hard times. Having the number for your local La Leche League or a lactation consultant may be helpful when in need.

Remember, knowledge is power!