August is National Breastfeeding Month. Just for working new moms, here are tips for getting ready to go back to work and pump—and then getting what you need at your job.

Before Your Leave Take a predelivery lactation class—with your partner and whoever else will be helping you after the baby is born—to learn about the basics of breastfeeding. Some other ways to prepare: Take as long a leave as you can negotiate. Also, if possible, schedule a gradual return to work so you can take time to get to know your baby and establish breastfeeding at your own pace. Get your caregiver in sync. Make sure your child-care provider is familiar with feeding a baby stored breast milk. Hire a lactation consultant. You may be able to find a low- or no-cost consultant through your hospital, obstetrician or pediatrician. Another option is your local La Leche League, an international nonprofit organization that provides information and support for breastfeeding moms (www.lalecheleague.org). Seek out other moms. If there are others who've pumped at work, pump these moms for insider tips on everything from finding a private space to negotiating breaks so you can pump in peace.

Don't Rush Into Pumping The most important things to focus on during the first few weeks with your newborn are resting, healing, bonding and nursing. "Often mothers think too much about managing their return to work and learning to pump rather than learning to nurse their baby," says Gale Pryor, author of Nursing Mother, Working Mother. She suggests waiting to try a pump until your baby is 3 or 4 weeks old—when your milk supply is established and your baby is likely to be sleeping for longer periods. Try pumping first thing in the morning, before your baby is awake and up, when your milk supply is greatest. Don't worry if you get very little milk during your first few pumping sessions. Your baby is probably getting enough (infants are much more efficient than breast pumps in extracting milk), and more milk will flow as your breasts continue to adjust. Also, don't worry about your baby not getting enough breast milk because you pump. Your breasts never empty completely, and both nursing and pumping stimulate milk production. Have your partner or caregiver give the first bottle of pumped milk, because your child will be more likely to accept it from someone who doesn't smell like Mom.

Back at Work Once your leave is over, seek support from the people at work who can help ease your reentry as a nursing mom such as your boss, if you need approval for pumping breaks, or your direct reports, who'll need to know your break schedule. If you're blazing new ground at your company with all this, simply stay positive and matter-of-fact, and come armed with as many facts as you can. For example, mention to your boss that the amount of time spent pumping pales in comparison to the amount of time a smoker will spend on breaks, and that studies have shown that employers who provide support for lactating moms are likely to notice improved productivity, increased staff loyalty, less absenteeism, lower health-care costs and less employee turnover. Also, realize that your on-the-job pace may need to ease up some now that you have a demanding little boss at home who needs your energy and attention. You may also find it harder to focus at work because your thoughts drift to your baby. "When a mom goes back to work, everyone may think things are back to normal, but the opposite is true," points out Pryor. So treat the first two weeks back to work like the first two weeks postpartum: Call in support; get help with the house; have dinners prepared or in the freezer. Most of all, relax, and remember that things may not go smoothly right away. Chances are you'll soon settle into a predictable rhythm, knowing how much you need to pump each day and which times of day are best. Before you know it, you'll be a pro at nursing and working, not to mention that little thing called motherhood.

Breastfeeding Boosters

• Drink lots of water. To stay hydrated, keep a bottle of H2O with you all day just like you did when you were pregnant.
• Nurse your baby on demand whenever you're together.
• Bring your baby's picture or one of his blankets (with his scent) to work, to help encourage milk letdown.
• Eat oatmeal for breakfast. Some moms say it stimulates and increases breast milk production.
• Prioritize pumping by putting it on your calendar. Schedule it as you would any other appointment.
• Keep an extra shirt at work, as well as a box of breast pads, in case of leakage or spills.
• Congratulate yourself for every ounce of milk you're able to provide for your baby, and no matter how long or short a time you breastfeed.