Spectra S1

Thread: "Help me pick a breast pump!"

Picking a pump is so overwhelming!! I ended up getting the Spectra S1. I had to pay a little extra, but wanted it to be portable since often times wearables aren’t recommended to FTM until they feel more comfortable breastfeeding and know what works for them. Also, it’s so commonly used and has good reviews, I can get help at the hospital or with lactation consultants with it pretty easily.

Thread: "Breast Pumps, the good, the bad, and the ugly?"

The Spectra S1.  It’s the blue one.  This comment is the first comment but I bet you that everyone will upvote it because everyone knows it’s the gold standard

Thread: "Help me pick a breast pump!"

Spectra S1 of S2 are my pick! I loved my S1 with my first born.

Thread: "Completely overwhelmed with which pump to choose..."

I’m almost 1 year postpartum and I’ve taken my spectra s1 plus everywhere with me. The only downside that it’s a larger pump and not so portable.

Thread: "Hands free breast pumps"

Is this your first baby? I wouldn't want to get a wearable pump as your only option if you don't have any experience with them. They work for some people, but not great for others. I would get a Spectra or Motif if this will be your only pump. You can decide to purchase a wearable afterward if you end up exclusively pumping and need a handsfree option. I have a Motif Luna and a Spectra S1 from my first baby and got an Elvie Stride for this baby. I had coworkers who would pump using the Elvie Stride during meetings and it was relatively quiet. It was only 10 dollars extra with my insurance. If money wasn't an issue, I would have gone with the regular Elvies.

Thread: "Help me pick the best breast pump"

Spectra s1. Hands down the best. If anything, buy a wearable out of pocket and you can use your FSA for it. They’re typically cheaper than buying the Spectra out of pocket. Hands free can affect supply depending so it’s not always the best or works well for everyone.

Thread: "Hands free breast pumps"

I was on the same boat as you a few weeks ago. Did so much research and always ended up conflicted on which wearable to buy. I have the spectra s1 as my primary pump and ended up getting the momcozy M5. I love my momcozy! I can also use the momcozy cups with my spectra. I hated the flanges so it’s been such a game changer that I can wear the cups with the spectra.

Thread: "Help me pick a breast pump!"

I’ll second the Spectra S1. That thing is a workhorse: its powerful, its well made, its easy to operate and I got great, consistent output every time. Its not the most portable but it was fine on the go, I had to exclusively pump for the first six weeks pp because of a bad latch and that pump kept me sane.

Thread: "First Time Mom Choosing A Breast Pump!"

For primary Id do something semi portable. Spectra S1 is a great choice. That way you’re not tied to the wall but you still have the power that you need. You might want an additional truly portable or wearable pump as well

Thread: "Any wearable pumps that are good for exclusively pumping?"

You will most likely need a more powerful “wall pump” to establish and maintain your supply. A portable pump like a Spectra S1 counts as a “wall pump” but has a battery and allows you to pump anywhere. Wearables aren’t recommended until after your supply is regulated and even then it’s not recommended to use all the time because they tend not to empty as well. Obviously there will be a few people for whom wearables were enough, but speaking in generalities I would say you will need a wall pump especially those first few months.

Thread: "Help me pick a breast pump!"

Spectra S1 and momcozy M5 are the ones with most good reviews. https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/best-breast-pump

Thread: "First Time Mom Choosing A Breast Pump!"

you really can’t go wrong with the spectra s1. there are more portable pumps but most people respond really well to the spectra and it’s really easy to find parts and accessories

Thread: "Which breast pump should I get?"

I have the baby Buddha 2.0 and feel like the suction at its lowest level is still very strong compared to the spectra s1 pump. I’m glad I had the s1 in the beginning of my pumping journey as my nipples were very sensitive, and I don’t think I could have handled the baby Buddha. However, now I only use the baby Buddha to pump bc it allows me to move around more easily when I’m watching my mobile baby while pumping.

Thread: "Exclusive Pumping - Pump Recommendation?"

r/exclusivelypumping is USA focused but does have good advice if you want to go down this route. make sure to get a pumping bra if you don't have one already. my vote is for spectra s1 as you can walk around with it (i put a purse strap through the handle and wore it like a handbag, then with flanges in the pumping bra you've got portability and hands free - though hands-on pumping gets more out) feel free to ignore this, but i would also recommend looking at r/sciencebasedparenting to get a fuller picture of the benefits of breastmilk vs formula. it is a lot of effort to put yourself through for what the evidence shows is actually quite minimal differences. you might be able to tackle bottle preference with paced feeding + extra slow flow teat, and/or an SNS (dr brown premmie teat helped the most for us, and the haakaa SNS is cheapest and not too fiddly)

Thread: "Help me pick a breast pump!"

You'll want at least one that is hospital grade even if you also do wearable-- Spectra S1 or Medela. Most insurance covers one or you can rent at the hospital or lactation consultant. I had the Elvie for wearable and liked it but also heard good things about momcozy.

Thread: "Help me pick a breast pump!"

The S1 has a battery so it can be more portable. S2 must be plugged in to work. Otherwise they are the same.

Thread: "Help me pick a breast pump!"

Spectra S1 here too. I have 8 popular breast pumps because both times I was pregnant my insurance changed multiple times. I actually bought this one myself on Amazon and it is 100% the best of the bunch and still going strong after almost 4 years of breastfeeding.

Thread: "Best wireless hands free breast pump to use when I return to work as a teacher?"

I have an elvie and it’s the only way I was able to make it 11 months of breastfeeding/ pumping as an icu nurse! It is definitely $$$ and I’ve heard some people say it didn’t work great for them. But I personally loved mine! Super quiet, pretty discreet, and no issues with leaking unless you bend way over with it in. While working, I’d sneak away to the conference room in the back of the unit, set up and put the pumps in. Some days I’d be able to sit there to pump the whole time; other days I had to run around, check on my patients, go to the desk to chart, etc. Only downfall besides the price is that I did have to pump for a bit longer to ensure I was empty vs with my other pumps (spectra and pumpables).

Thread: "Breast Pumps, the good, the bad, and the ugly?"

You can’t go wrong with the spectra. Everyone who uses it likes it, and can’t go wrong with eufy for wearable. Works great sometimes even better than the spectra. Both are very popular for a reason!

Thread: "How’s momcozy wearable pump?"

I really like my m5 and get about the same output as my spectra s1

Thread: "Which breast pump should I get?"

Honestly, the baby Buddha is a hidden gem. I went with the Spectra S1 as my free insurance pump it works well and I like it. But then my company changed insurance providers so I could get a second free pump and I got the baby Buddha 2.0. Oh boy I LOVE it. It empties me so quickly and is much more portable than the spectra. It's super powerful. You gotta be careful or you'll hurt yourself.

Thread: "What is the Best/Affordable Hospital Grade Breast Pump?"

I’d go for spectra s1 or s2. Pumpables GA also worked well for me and can be used with the same pump parts as the spectra.

Thread: "What is the Best/Affordable Hospital Grade Breast Pump?"

The spectra s1 is probably the most popular. $75 with insurance for most people.

Thread: "Which breast pump should I get?"

FTM here! I know you asked which pump you would like to get from what you provided but my biggest regret is waiting to get a wearable and usually they’re cheaper through insurance and I read somewhere that you should put the main pump which is between $100-$200 on your registry instead! But to answer your question, I would recommend the spectra s1!

Thread: "Help me pick a breast pump!"

Spectra S1 no other options need considered.

Thread: "Help me pick the best breast pump"

Don’t get S2 thinking it’s the updated version. S1 is the one you don’t have to be plugged in to the wall when you use it lol

Thread: "First Time Mom Choosing A Breast Pump!"

Spectra will always be my ride or die. If you have the option of getting an S1, even for a small upgrade fee, I’d do it.

Thread: "Breast pump suggestions"

I liked the Spectra S1 since it has the option to be used unplugged

Thread: "What is everyone’s favorite pump these days?"

I used my insurance on a Eufy S1 Pro and got a Spectra S1 secondhand, both of them are great for me so far but I’m only 3 weeks pp and pump once a day

Thread: "Best pump for exclusively pumping ?"

The spectra is tried and true for many pumpers. The S1 has a rechargeable battery to make it easier to take along. The suction is great. I liked the parts. It got me through 1200 hours of pumping until I weaned!

Thread: "Any wearable pumps that are good for exclusively pumping?"

I’m using the lansinoh and I get just as much with it as I do with my spectra

Thread: "Help me pick a breast pump!"

100% Spectra!! I also had a wearable and didn’t respond well.

Thread: "Undersuppliers, this is for you! Thinking about getting a wearable?"

My m5 is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I'm trying to stick with my Spectra schedule for one more night. Can't wait to be able to squeeze in more time for pumping while also being able to keep on top of everything else. My supply is already super low due to not having time to pump so I justified the purchase by telling myself more pumping is better than none even if it's considered less effective

Thread: "Best wearable breast pump"

I second another commenter… stick with a plug in until your supply is established (~3-4mo). If you’ve never had a kid before, you have no clue how you will react to pumps or how difficult your breastfeeding journey will be. It’s best to get the most capable pump which is a plug in (Spectra S1 or hospital grademedela symphony rental are generally considered the best). Exclusively pumping subreddit is an excellent resource for information.

Thread: "Help me pick a breast pump!"

I plan on getting a wearable one anyway so I guess the S2 is fine

Thread: "Help me pick a breast pump!"

This is what I did, I purchased the wearable cups to make my spectra a little more hands free without affecting the output. I love them.

Thread: "Working mom pump recs?"

Here to say that I've had both a spectra s1 and an elvie. *Most important factor* is getting flanges that *fit*

Thread: "Best Pump for Working Moms"

Totally get it - that was my worry while pregnant and so I got the Spectra S1 (paid for the upgrade) and told myself that if breastfeeding worked out I would spurge and get the Elfie. Breastfeeding did work out, but I honestly found the Spectra easy enough that I never felt the need to switch - even during peak pandemic shutdown when I was an essential employee. It may had been different if I was an exclusive pumper, but I mostly just pumped at work or the other rare times I was away from my kid! Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy and welcome to motherhood! (its awesome!)

Thread: "What’s your favorite wearable pump?"

I have the Imani 2 and it’s a gamble if it will fully empty me. I use my spectra s1 the most often. It’s so hard to take those pump breaks but you deserve them! It’s protected in the US now!

Thread: "First time mom! What do people find to be the best breast pump?"

I got the spectra S1 and the Momcozy M5 wearables and love both. If you can only get one I’d recommend the Spectra S1 or S2 since it has better suction and more modes but the wearables are a nice option to have when out and about or if you travel a lot. As a former NICU parent who had an hour commute twice a day to see my baby the wearables were a godsend for travel and I used them more than the spectra while my baby was in the hospital. Plan to use them for work when I go back.

Thread: "medela or spectra?"

Definitely Spectra IMO. I have a Spectra S1 and a Medela Pump in Style. The spectra empties me better and has timer and light functions that have been surprisingly useful, especially for middle of the night pumps!

Thread: "First Time Mom Choosing A Breast Pump!"

Second the S1. That’s a fabulous starter workhorse pump. I would recommend a pumpables genie advanced or baby Buddha if you want a second on the go pump that’s smaller & also a workhorse. You can use your spectra flanges with both of these pumps.

Thread: "Do you need a hospital grade pump?"

I used the spectra S1 which in Canada is deemed a hospital grade pump. Worked amazing and never had any issues. Don’t know if that was me or the pump though

Thread: "What are the best Wearable pumps?!"

I went a different route. Because I read so many reviews about wearables not having enough power, and I was already pretty accustomed to my Zomee collection cups and didn’t want to ditch those, I instead opted for a super-portable pump that to go with the collection cups. I got the Zomee Z2, and I wear it in a tiny little fanny pack when I pump. This pump combination puts my Spectra to shame. On top of getting better volumes than I’ve gotten from any other pump (including the Mandela symphony and Spectra S1), I am SO PORTABLE. Today I literally pumped while walking across the airport for an unexpected change to my travel schedule and not a single person had a clue I was pumping. Last but not least, it’s pretty affordable. I cannot recommend it highly enough. The ONLY criticism I have is that even the lowest setting can be a bit overwhelming at first.

Thread: "Is the breast pump debate basically Medela vs Spectre?"

I used the Medela PIS for my first, and Spectra S1 for my second. I preferred Spectra. Output was the same but Spectra was quieter, smaller, had a nifty light, and was much easier to keep clean.

Thread: "Best breast pump for work"

It really depends on what your setup/location will be for pumping. For example, I have my own office so I just had to shut the door and put a curtain over the door’s window. I pumped 3x during the work day, and needed all the milk I could get, so I wanted something powerful. I was very happy with the Spectra S2 (has to be plugged in) as I was always in the same spot, and it was similar to what I had I at home (Spectra S1 that can be charged). I could use the same parts between them. Some people like wearable pumps, but I’d consider that they’re still very visible (it’s like putting water balloons in your bra), and you don’t get as much output from that style. However, if you’re a naturally high producer and/or you’ll be in a place where you want to be wire-free but can still pump in private, then they may be for you! There’s also different approaches to whether you’re going to clean everything up at work or store it to clean later, and how you’re going to store the milk. I got my own cleaning brush set, a drying rack, and the Ceres Chill for storage and was very happy. I walked through my office with my stuff and used the kitchen sink with no issues, but every work environment is different. Glad to elaborate further if helpful!

Thread: "Help me pick the best breast pump"

EP x 10 months here. It’s so hard to predict how your breastfeeding will go. To start I 100% recommend spectra s1, it’s a powerhouse and I loved the nightlight and rechargeable battery in the early days. If you end up needing to pump a lot, or exclusively pump, you will most likely need a “primary pump” like the spectra to best remove milk and thus maintain your supply. After you have a better idea of how breast-feeding is going, then I would highly recommend considering adding a wearable as your “secondary pump”, my favorite has been the Eufy S1 pro with the heated flanges. They will go on great sale most likely for Black Friday, etc. on Amazon. After my supply was established, I did well with first and last pumps of the day on my spectra, and everything in betwee on my wearable. I am also someone who the Eufy worked really well for (meaning I often got the same amount of milk that I would with my spectra) and probably could have used it more regularly sooner, if I had it. I also had low supply, if that helps to know.

Thread: "Help me pick the best breast pump"

I have Spectra S1 and Motif Wearables. Both have their own upsides and downsides. Spectra will be the closest to the hospital grade one in terms of suction power. Motif is wearable so it’s a bit more convenient if you don’t want to be hooked up to a pump for 30 minutes. Spectra parts can be thrown in a dishwasher or a bottle washer, Motif ones have to be hand washed unfortunately. Whatever you pick, make sure to size your flange correctly with a lactation consultant at the hospital!

Thread: "What is the BEST hands free pump you've used?"

Follow Bemybreastfriend on insta. I would personally get a Pumpables GA and pair it with the Medela cups. The Pumpables flanges are amazing and you can bend over and be mobile with them on as well without them leaking so I’d use those at home, and use the medela cups on the go. I use Pumpables GA right now as my primary and it’s amazing. I started with a spectra s1 and get more output using the GA. I also put the Pumpables GA in a mimi and pal Fanny pack like bag and I cut the tubing down so it doesn’t get caught on things. It’s great for portability!

Thread: "What is everyone’s favorite pump these days?"

I got the Baby Buddha and LOVE that I can just hang the entire device from my neck and get a snack, use the bathroom etc. It feels plenty powerful, I've only turned the setting up to 2. I haven't tried the Spectra so not sure what the difference is, but it looks like it'd be annoying to move around since I often pump in different places in my house and want to get back to sleep asap so really appreciate that I can multitask while wearing it