Hi Kea and all,
Breastfeeding is benefits not only baby as well as mom. I breastfed both my kids up till 20mths. For my no.2 I am in the process of weaning! It is not true you have to control your diet. A well-balanced diet is enough. AS for alcohol, like wat adeline mentioned, it evaporates at 70 degrees so not a problem when it comes to confinement food. Even things like ginger which many ppl claim to cause jaundice is ok if taken in moderation and so far no scientific proof that it casue janudice. Breastmilk jaundice is in fact good as the bilirubin that cuases janudice is an antioxidant. Both my kids has mild jaundice up till 3mths and my pead is not even worried.
The only thing you have to be cautious when it comes to breastfeeding is perhaps MEDICATION. Some drugs has contraindication when it comes to bf. Just have a balance diet.
As to spicy food, some babies has very sensitive tastebud so might reject the bm if mommies consumes spicy food. But all will. Some babies are sensitive to garlic as well as onions. You will know when the baby comes and adjust your diet.
I always encourage frens to breastfeed. It is not easy but you will realise the benefits when the kids are older. Children fall sick lesser and even if they fall sick they recover faster.
Oh yes, when it comes to breastpump. I highly recommend an electric one. As for brand, Medela is well sought after. But just a warning, different pumps works efficiently on different woman. So if you have frens who can lend you that brand of pump try it first. I know of frens who dun expereince let-down with certain brand.
we going swimming this coming sun and at the same time yoga and shopping also our planned events. 