Spectra Breastpump Review

I paid $95 to get a Spectra S1 through my health insurance with my second child. I could have received the S2 for free, but mainly chose the S1 to have the rechargeable battery. Otherwise they appear to be the same. You can buy a Spectra S1 for approximately $220 on Amazon and the Spectra S2 for approximately $125.  For comparison you can get a Medela Pump in Style Advanced (PISA) starter kit (just the pump) for about $150 (I also own a Medela PISA). I was not compensated in any way for this review, I just wanted to share my experience with this pump, specifically as it compared to other Medela pumps I have used.

The Spectra pumps are advertised as “hospital grade” but that is not a regulated term, so I only take it to mean that it is a closed system (milk won’t get into the pump itself) even though I never had that problem with my Medela personal pump, which is not considered “hospital grade.” In comparison, the Medela and Ameda hospital grade pumps are approximately $1,500.

The Spectra pump has worked great for me, and I have many things I like about it.

What I like about the Spectra

The biggest thing I like is that it is gentler than other pumps I have used. It has a vibrating motion instead of just a strong tug. I also really like some of the features that it has. My favorite is the timer – I hate watching the clock when I pump, and also forget when I started, so having a timer is great.

The Spectra pumps also have two modes 1) a quick light mode for letdown, and 2) a longer stronger mode for pumping. The best part is both modes are customizable and you can adjust the speed and the strength. This is huge, because the Medela pumps I have used are really too fast. I can adjust the speed to more closely mimic my baby’s suckling, which is long and slow. I have been able to get great output, noticeably more than I did with a PISA and comparable to what I get using a Medela Symphony (hospital grade) at work.

Another nice feature is the built in night light. There are two brightness settings. This is so awesome for middle of the night pumps. Luckily at 6 months postpartum I am not doing many of these, but in the early days or if I was exclusively pumping, this would be amazing. Another aspect of the pump that isn’t necessarily a “feature” but is an awesome bonus is it is so quiet. I can watch tv while I pump without turning up the volume.

Some of the things I don’t like about the Spectra

The Spectra S1 and S2 have “backflow valves” right behind the flanges which keep milk from getting to the actual pump. It is an extra piece to keep up with, and the membranes inside could tear or deteriorate, which would require them to be replaced. One of my only complaints about the pump related to these backflow valves. I am not sure if it’s related to the design of the flange, or just that the pump is more powerful, but milk does get into the backflow valves, and I didn’t realize it and mold started growing. Ew! I can just open them up and wipe them off when I am done to prevent this, but it is an extra annoying step.

There are only two other negatives to me: the bottles and the size. The bottles the fit the flanges are not ideal. They are “wide mouth” and don’t fit many other bottles. The bottles also only have a half thread to screw them on, so they are not super secure on the flanges. I haven’t had any accidents, but some very close calls with the bottles coming off. But, because I am aware of it, I check to make sure they are secure. There are a few ways to remedy this. You can use a wide to narrow bottle connector, or there is a converter piece made by Maymom that you can use Medela flanges with the pump and backflow connectors. I bought a converter, but I ended up just using the Spectra flanges and bottles since I only pump with it once or twice a day. It’s not a huge hassle to just transfer the milk.

The other negative is the size. It is about 8 inches round on the base, and does not fit will in bags for travel. It also weighs about 4 pounds. This is a comparable size to the Medela PISA, but because its round, it is just a little harder to fit in a bag for travel. (The Medela PISA is rectangular). I have carried it in a backpack, which fit fine.

Overall, I am very glad I got a Spectra pump. While I don’t use the portability aspect of the S1 all the time, it is nice not to always have to have a power source. I would highly recommend any mom look at getting either of the Spectra pumps if they are planning on breastfeeding and pumping.

Pros:

Gentle pull (huge Pro!)

Timer

Quiet

Adjustable speed AND strength

Nightlight

Rechargable battery makes it very portable (S1 only)

Cons:

Backflow valves are hassle and can collect milk and grow mold

Bottles do not fit securely and are a less common size (not compatible with Medela bottles/parts)

The round shape is a little unwieldy

 You can read more about Spectra’s pumps at http://www.spectrababyusa.com/