Spectra Breast Pumps: Which is Best For You?

Review of the different Spectra Breast Pumps. To breastfeed or not? Everybody knows that there are advantages and disadvantages to breastfeeding. And, for those mothers who are determined in providing breast milk to their babies. But just don’t have the time or opportunity to do so regularly, then breast pumping is the best option! The decision to breastfeed or pump breast milk is a personal one. And there are a lot of things that should be taken into consideration.

Breast milk provides the ideal nutrients for babies. It has nearly a perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat required for infant growth. It also provides antibodies that help babies fight off bacteria and viruses. Whatever a mom’s decision is about breastfeeding. Considering that in this moment in time where a lot of moms are busy working or running tons of errands. A breast pump is definitely a must.  

What are breast pumps

Breast pumps are used to express and collect milk from the mother’s breasts. They work by creating and releasing suction on the nipple which draws milk out from your breast. The milk collected can then be stored in breast milk storage bottles or bags. It can be placed in the refrigerator for future use or can be directly fed to the baby.

Breast pumps will totally help mothers out especially those who cannot directly breastfeed their babies for some reason. Such as having a baby who will not or cannot latch. Also, those babies who might be experiencing teething pain, the list of different reasons could go on. Breast pumps can stimulate milk production so that the mother can keep her breast milk supply up. And, produce more milk so she can breastfeed her baby when they are together. And at the same time, be able to produce milk for storage and future use.

One of the best breast pumps are the Spectra ones. These breast pumps are the ultimate in efficiency, comfort, and style no matter where you are in your breastfeeding journey. Whether you’re a new mom or a mother of three. Breast pumps are will certainly help you with whatever choice you have with pumping. Choosing the right pump might be a tricky and confusing one. And, as to which one will best suit you, the details and reviews below will help you decide.

DISTINCTIONS AND COMPARISONS OF THE SPECTRA BREAST PUMPS

There are different types of breast pumps. Knowing that there is more than one type of breast pumps might be confusing and overwhelming. But don’t you worry because we are here to help you identify and choose which type will suit you best.

Spectra provides a wide range of breast pump type for you to choose from, this includes:

Electric breast pumps vs Manual breast pumps

This comparison is most probably the major thing you need to know right off the bat. Considering you already know how breast pumps work. Since it was mentioned in the early part of this article, the main difference of these two kinds is that the electric breast pump requires less effort. Since it is provided with a motor which works the suction by itself. Whereas the manual one needs for you to generate the suction to pump the milk out of your breasts. By yourself through squeezing and releasing the pump handle manually.  

While manual breast pumps work well for lots of mothers, there are also women who don’t have a lot of time allotted for breast pumping and don’t have lots of energy to manually pump as well. For those busy moms who need to do something like work, read a book or do paperwork and multitask while pumping, electric pumps might work very well for you. However, for those mothers who don’t need to pump a lot and those who are on a budget and still trying to decide if what type of breast pump will work very well for you then a manual breast pump will be an ideal option.

Here is a tip from Spectra:

Manual breast pumps can actually work better for a small minority of women because the user has complete control over the pattern of suction. Most people find them time-consuming and laborious to use, though. We would definitely suggest that an electric breast pump is a way to go if you will need to pump regularly, and definitely if you will be relying on the pump to maintain or build milk production.

Hospital grade breast pumps vs Personal use breast pumps

Both hospital grade breast pumps and personal use breast pumps are different types of electrical breast pumps. There might be a confusion in defining the term “hospital grade” since it is a regulated term and not recognized by FDA and there is no consistent definition of the term. The description can be used by a lot of different manufacturers to mean differently.

In general, a hospital grade breast pump is a pump meant for multiple users with a closed system that is safe for sharing, mostly offered for the mothers in the NICU, and has stronger motors for efficient suction and pumping compared to the personal use pumps.

Hospital grade breast pumps are undoubtedly the strongest and the sturdiest and durable breast pumps available in the market. These type of pumps effectively stimulate the breasts for adequate milk production.

Personal use breast pumps, as the description denotes, are meant for personal use and is supposedly not intended to be shared. These kinds of pumps also have weaker motors than those of the hospital grade ones.

To clarify the confusion on what the term “hospital grade” would really mean, Spectra came up with a Before Spectra and After Spectra discussion and here it is:

Before Spectra:

Traditionally, hospital grade breast pumps have cost thousands of dollars and were mostly found in hospitals or were available for hire. They were big and bulky, very expensive and had powerful motors to ensure that they were strong and effective enough to help a woman initiate lactation or build milk supply. Personal breast pumps were much smaller, with smaller motors so not as strong, and were usually not safe for use by more than one woman for hygiene reasons, this is still generally the case for most brands out there, so this is something to check when buying.

After Spectra:

Spectra has kind of blown the above out of the water because we have several hospital grade breast pumps available for the same price as personal use breast pumps have been and all our breast pumps are safe for multiple users.

Spectra still divide their breast pumps into hospital grade or personal use, based on the motor size and power. Pumps like the Dew 350, S1 and S2 have large motors that bear up well under heavy use and are suitable for a mother to rely on to get milk production started, build milk production and to use many times a day. Smaller pumps like the Spectra 9 Plus have smaller motors and are ideal for mums for whom a portable, smaller sized breast pump is more important than having the very best breast pump in terms of power and effectiveness.

Double breast pumps vs Single breast pumps

Based on the adjectives used, this description just pertains to the capability of the breast pump of being able to express from both sides at once or just one side. These terms are only applicable and relevant when talking about electric breast pumps.

The good thing about the spectra breast pumps is that you can use any of their electric breast pumps from either one side as single pumping, or from both sides at once as double pumping. Double breast pumps have tons of benefits and advantages, for example, you can save time as you are able to express milk from both sides at once and for most mothers, time is really a precious thing especially for a working mom.

Also, double pumping promotes the increased levels of prolactin leading to increased milk output at the same time providing the milk with higher energy content. However, some mothers think that double pumping might be a handful for them and some women have low milk production or are not comfortable with pumping from both sides at the same time and maybe for some other personal preferences hence, the single pump will work best for them.

THE SPECTRA BREAST PUMPS: Reviews and everything you need to know

Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump

The S1 Plus hospital grade portable electric breast pump has a built-in rechargeable battery and has separate modes for suction strength and suction speed, which makes it able to adjust to the mothers’ preferences and easier to use than other breast pumps. This electrical breast pump provides efficiency, power, and performance of a hospital strength breast pump without compromising on portability.

What to love:

Like all Spectra pumps, the S1 has a pair of backflow protectors making it a closed system pump. It has a physical barrier between the milk and the pump which makes it more hygienic and ensures motor performance. The backflow protection helps protect breast milk and baby from bacteria, molds, and viruses and keeps tubing dry by preventing air flow between expressed milk and pump tubing while pumping and so that you will no longer need to clean the narrow tubing. Since it is a closed system pump, it may be suitable for sharing between moms provided that each one has their own collection kit.

This breast pump is extremely flexible and is adjustable to a massage mode and expression mode and with the touch button and digital controls it would be easy for all moms out there to set the pumping to the strength, speed and rhythm that will best suit your body. The pump’s ability to be used as a single or double pump is truly a plus too!
Since this breast pump has a promising suction limit and strength, it is powerful enough for maintaining and building up milk supply and this pump also works best for those mothers with low milk supply issue. This is also is a super quiet breast pump, you get a powerful pump but with a very silent operating sound which makes it perfect for night time pumping when you don’t want to wake your loved ones especially your little one.

Spectra S2 Plus Electric Breast Pump

Known as an innovative, stylish and extremely efficient breast pump, here is the best in breast pump technology, the Spectra S2 Hospital Grade Double Electric Breast Pump. This pump is nearly identical to the Spectra S1 Plus only that this model does not come with a rechargeable battery and needs to be plugged into a power supply, so this might not work for moms who are always on the go. But if you are a mom that can constantly stay at home with good power supply and does not really need a portable pump, then this breast pump will work well for you, and you can save a few dollars too!

What to love:

This is a pump similar to S1 so the S2 also boasts different great features designed for moms who want to feel confident that they are using an efficient, reliable, and powerful breast pump to meet every mothers’ need and the S2 as well, gives this confidence through providing support supply while incorporating features to make milk expressing a lot more convenient. Only that this breast pump can’t be carried anywhere because it doesn’t come with a rechargeable battery for power.

The backflow protection helps protect breast milk and baby from bacteria, molds, and viruses. Since it is a closed system pump, it may be suitable for sharing between moms provided that each one has their own collection kit. This breast pump is extremely flexible and is adjustable to a massage mode and expression mode and with the touch button and digital controls it would be easy for all moms out there to set the pumping to the strength, speed, and rhythm that will best suit your body.   The pump’s ability to be used as a single or double pump is truly a plus too!

Since this breast pump has a promising suction limit and strength, it is powerful enough for maintaining and building up milk supply and this pump also works best for those mothers with low milk supply issue. This is also is a super quiet breast pump, you get a powerful pump but with a very silent operating sound.

Spectra M1 Electric Breast Pump

Spectra M1 is well known for its power despite the small size and portability. This sturdy little guy is everything you need if you’re a mom who is always pumping on the go so you need to have a breast pump in your bag most of the time! It is also an easy to assemble pump which makes it a lot easier to work with, store and carry for busy moms.

What to love:

This pump is a cute little one which promises the power of a big mighty pump. It has a suction strength of 300mmHg, almost comparable to that of the S1 and S2. This is provided with a built-in rechargeable battery so all busy moms out there can easily stash this love and a compact little guy inside the baby bag and use it on the go.

Like all Spectra pumps, the M1 has a pair of backflow protectors making it a closed system pump. The backflow protection helps protect breast milk and baby from bacteria, molds, and viruses. Also, milk particles in the pump motor can lead to the growth of mold and is a potential source of virus transmission, a closed system prevents this from happening.

The M1 breast pump also comes with five different settings for massage mode and expression mode and the cycle speeds adjusts with suction. M1 expression phase starts with a bit of nipple vibration followed by a long suction. The M1 is provided with a straightforward and easy to control buttons. They allow you to adjust the suction strength and cycle with one touch according to your preference. We just have to be honest with you and let you know that this breast pump is not as hushed as the S1 and S2. But Spectra promises to keep their noise down so this pump will still work for late night pumping sessions without waking everyone up.

Spectra Dew 350 Electric Breast Pump

The Spectra Dew 350 is a perfect combination of mother-friendly features and hospital grade technology. It’s made for busy mothers who want a fast and easy breast-pumping experience. This pump was made to initiate, increase and maintain a milk supply over a long period of time. This will work great for first timers since operating the pump is indeed very simple is very effective and easy to use. A lot of mothers also claim that this pump never gave them pain and discomfort despite the absence of a let-down mode.

What to love:

This breast pump is a hospital grade pump. It has a suction limit of up to 350mmHg which provides moms the powerful pump they need. The Dew 350 will work nicely on a lot of moms. But if you are a mom who kind of find it hard to express. Then we suggest that a pump with a let-down should be great for you. But if you are a new mom who relies on a pump to build supply. We can assure you that this can work miracles for you! Also if you are very sensitive when it comes to speed and suction strength, take note that the Dew 350 is not able to adjust speed and suction strength separately. And this constantly needs a plug for power supply since it does not have a built-in rechargeable battery.

Like all Spectra pumps, the Dew 350 has a pair of backflow protectors making it a closed system pump. It has a physical barrier between the milk and the pump which makes it more hygienic and ensures motor performance. The backflow protection helps protect breast milk and baby from bacteria, molds, and viruses. Despite its power and size, the Dew 350 operates quietly. It is possible for mothers to keep the pump set on their maximum comfortable suction level. And with minimal noise. Though this pump does not come with a night light. It will still work well for late night pumping sessions without disturbing the entire family.

Spectra 9 Plus Rechargeable Electric Breast Pump

Spectra 9 Plus is a tiny pump that has the ability to double pump. It also comes with a complete double kit. This breast pump is an answered prayer for moms who want a very flexible and portable one. So that they will be able to pump how they like, where they like and when they life! With its slim build and being extra lightweight with a built-in rechargeable battery. This breast pump comes in super handy and will easily fit into your bag, even your pocket!

What to love:

This personal breast pump is the slimmest and most portable breast pump from Spectra. And just like any other Spectra breast pump, this has a gentle and painless suction despite a high setting. Despite the Spectra 9 plus being tiny, it does not mean that it also has fewer features. This little guy has a five-level massage and 10 adjustable expression mode.

Like all Spectra pumps, the 9Plus boasts a closed system pump. It has a pair of backflow protectors which serve as a physical barrier between the milk and the pump. Which makes it more hygienic and ensures motor performance. The backflow protection helps protect breast milk and baby from bacteria, molds, and viruses. So that you will no longer need to clean the narrow tubing. Also, milk particles in the pump motor can lead to the growth of mold. And is a potential source of virus transmission. A closed system prevents this from happening.

Small but terrible is what best describes this portable breast pump. With a size that could fit your pocket: this pump has a powerful suction that reaches up to 300mmHg. Moms out there have to take note that this breast pump is more on the noisier side. Not as hushed as the S1 and S2. But Spectra promises to keep their noise down. So this pump will still work for late night pumping sessions without waking everyone up. Since this claims that it is still a lot quieter than pumps of other brands.

Handy Manual Breast Pump

The Spectra Handy Plus is everything you are looking for in a manual breast pump. The mighty Handy Plus Manual Breast Pump is small, portable, and lightweight pump allowing you to express wherever you are. It is intended for individual use and ideal for occasional manual expression.

What to love:

Well, who hates the traditional stuff? No one, right?

Since this pump is operated by hand, this saves power so we can save mother earth as well. This pump is especially very convenient if you have a confined space and electricity is sometimes hard to come by. And with a lightweight, ergonomic design. The Spectra Handy Plus will reduce hand and wrist fatigue. It also comes with a silicone massager insert to gently cushion the breast and enhance milk flow.

There are moms out there who find more comfort when pumping manually. If you are one of those then the Spectra Handy Plus will work best for you! Since this breast pump is efficient, small, lightweight and portable. This manual breast pump will help you make pumping a breeze. And, this also has a powerful suction a manual breast pump can offer that reaches up to 250mmHg.

Even if this one is operated manually, hygiene is still very important. So just like all the Spectra breast pumps. This has a built backflow protection to ensure safe and hygienic expressing all the time. Also, this backflow protection helps protect breast milk and baby from bacteria, molds, and viruses.

 

COMPARING THE BREAST PUMPS:

Spectra Breast Pumps at a Glance from Spectra themselves!

Grade

All Spectra breast pumps have a closed system, which means they’re hygienic for use by multiple users, but our hospital grade breast pumps have a bigger motor, so they bear up under heavy use. Think V8 vs 4 cylinder – while both will tow well on a flat road. The V8 will perform better going uphill. In the same sort of way, both personal use and hospital grade breast pumps are fine for normal use. But if you’re relying on your breast pump for exclusive pumping or to build supply. Get a hospital grade breast pump.

Suction strength

This is measured in mmHg. All Spectra breast pumps are extremely strong and you’re unlikely to use them on maximum setting. The Dew 350 does have the strongest suction. But you will find when double pumping that there doesn’t seem much difference in strength between Dew 350 and S2. In fact, because the S2 has extra cycle speed settings, you may need a lower suction strength.

Note

Because the hospital grade pumps have a bigger motor than the portable pumps, they will maintain suction strength better.  For example, although the S2 and the S9+ both have suction strength over 300mmHg. The S2 may give you a better performance if you’re double pumping on a higher suction level.

Cycle speed

This is how often the pump ‘sucks’ per minute. For some women, varying the cycle speed can make a big difference. Especially if you’ve been breastfeeding for longer and your body is very used to your bub.

Letdown mode 

Some Spectra pumps have a ‘massage mode’ to encourage letdown. A letdown is the physiological process. It occurs when your body responds to your baby’s signals and starts the milk flow. Babies tend to have a light, quick suckling pattern. This happens when they’re telling mum to get things started. The massage mode of Spectra pumps copies this. Once the milk is flowing, you swap to regular expressing mode, which is slower and stronger.

Closed system 

This means that there’s a complete physical barrier between your milk and the pump motor. This is very important and is a feature missing from many very well-known brands. If the pump has an ‘open system’ then milk particles and moisture can travel down the tubing. This will possibly enter the pump motor. Where it is impossible to clean properly or sterilize. Over time, this can lead to mold inside the pump. It also means that sharing a pump with an ‘open system’ is a possible source of virus transmission. This is why you should never buy a second-hand breast pump with an open system. Even if you buy a new milk collection kit, you cannot sterilize the actual pump. Spectra has this covered – all our pumps have a closed system to protect your breast milk and the pump motor.

Comparison Table