Spectra S2

Thread: "Help me pick a breast pump!"

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

Thread: "Best breast pumps?"

I love my Spectra v2 (the blue portable one, not the pink that has to be plugged into the wall). I also have the Medela Harmony hand pump, which is great for when I’m traveling, my last pump of the night, or when I just want to get a quick pump out. I also just ordered the Momcozy M5, but it hasn’t arrived yet, so I can’t speak to the quality.

Thread: "On so-called “hospital-grade” breast pumps..."

I HATED my Medela. I switched to a Spectra S2 which is hospital grade and is closed system. Many Medela pumps are NOT closed system so hygienically... yeahhh.. I got my S2 half way through my journey with baby #1 and wish I had it sooner tbh! The suction and customizability is MUCH more like a baby and you can provoke multiple letdowns which is awesome. It also has a light for night time, it’s compact, replacement parts are super affordable (Amazon) and it’s all around, more recommended by moms than most Medelas. I believe OB’s typically just have more marketing materials and such from Medela because of their previous market popularity before brands like Spectra became more readily available in North America.

Thread: "Help me pick the best breast pump"

I had a Spectra S2 and it was eating up my mental health. I ordered wearable Momcozy’s, two actually (M5 my fav and S12) and I meant to use all 3 but _very quickly_ (like probably in just half a day lol) dropped the Spectra and never looked back. I just couldn’t. Pumping was already ruining postpartum for me so the wearable option made it at least a bit tolerable. For me, it was wearable or nothing. I know many people can do the Spectra and even make it somewhat portable. I wasn’t one of those people, I didn’t have the drive for it. But if I were you, or more if I could go back in time, I would choose something wearable because I feel I completely wasted my free option with the Spectra. (Side note, you can order directly from Amazon with an FSA/HSA card without sending receipts or waiting for an approval! Lifesaver. That’s how I got my Momcozy “for free”.) ETA: I exclusively pumped because baby developed bottle preference and I couldn’t get him back to breastfeeding. They do not recommend portables only for exclusive pumping but I didn’t care. I really was about to explode mentally from being tied to a pump. It was getting really bad and wearables saved me.

Thread: "Best Pump for Working Moms"

I had an elvie for my second baby and loved it. Agreed, I personally wouldn't feel comfortable wearing it in an open office. But, even if you stay in the lactation room it allows your arms freedom to type emails or whatever. Or at least run to the bathroom while pumping. I had the spectra s2 (the one with the battery) for my first and liked it. Just found it cumbersome with all the tubes and protruding bottles/flanges. Made me hate pumping. Which is why I was a fan of the elvie when it came out.

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: "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: "Hospital Grade Breast Pump"

This is true. I plan on giving all of my pump stuff away for free when I’m done. It’s super costly and hoping to make it easier on another pumping mama 🙏🏽 I have the Spectra S2 and don’t mind it!

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

Definitely still the Spectra, and I see the 1 more often recommended. It’s also the one I have. The differences between it and the 2 were not enough to justify the price for the 2

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

I have momcozy s9 pros, m5, v2, spectra s2, v1 delivering tomorrow. I rank them as follows 1. V2 so nice to have light cups in my bra and have the motor in my pocket 2. M5, love they they fit in my bra beautifully and almost not noticeable in my scrubs at work. Just heavy cause the motor is attached to cup. 3. S9 pro, love the capacity for my morning pump but other than that it just feels super clunky in my bra. And i noticed that as o do things while wearing them they come close together in my bra and the pulling during this makes my nipples swell. 4. Spectra s2, my first pump. Didn’t know about flange sizing so i was pumping w 21mm when im a 15mm. Barely any output, bought inserts for my size and still barely any output. Only use if i washed my wearables for the next day and don’t feel like getting them dirty lol. And even then i still go for a Hakka or the hand pump that i got from the hospital lol

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

I like my spectra S2. I don’t mind taking the breaks to sit plugged in for 10-20 minutes a few times a day. I have an inexpensive manual medela hand pump for travel which has worked for me but I’m not on the go needing to pump very frequently.

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

Nothing compares to a Spectra (I had S2) for your primary pump. It’s the closest to “hospital grade” in my opinion. Empties you so well which is best for your supply!!

Thread: "Medela or Spectra?"

Hi, I only have the S2 of these two pumps but from my own research S2 works better for most people and is more practical bc you can actually see the timer, as well as expression and vacuum settings. Spectra seems to have the highest success rate for most people that i read on subs. But also consider checking out r/exclusivelypumping and r/exclusivepumping subs— There’s an old sub with many previous posts you can look at and one just created bc the sub needed a new mod. Even if you’re not going to be exclusively pumping i find it helpful bc the mamas with the most pumping experience are over there. I personally would get an S2 but also get a Medela hand pump. I know some people are not a fan of the manual pump but it’s been so helpful for me! i’ve seen greater output lately and my hands don’t even hurt! It’s also affordable so if you end up not liking it, it’s not a major loss. That’s just my two cents though. Hope this helps!

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

So "hospital grade" has no actual meaning. I used the Medela Symphony when we were in the NICU and the Spectra S2 at home for 3 months. I responded better and felt my Spectra had better suction. It's all a matter of preference.

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: "Best breast pumps?"

See what your insurance will cover!! I got a Spectra S2 free with insurance and it works great. After I was comfortable with that and felt I had a well established supply, I also bought a Medela Harmony hand pump (life saver, wish I would’ve had this from the get go for when I got really engorged) as well as a wearable called TSRETE double wearable breast pump from Amazon (cheaper than a lot of the popular options and works so well!)

Thread: "Momcozy's M9 Mobile Flow review"

I know this is kinda old, but I’d like to also talk about my experience with them. I am 9 weeks pp. I got the M9 and have been using it since Christmas Eve 2024. I also have a spectra s2 and a medela in style with the cups. I haven’t used the medela since I got the m9. The M9 has been my primary pump. I wouldn’t say I’m an exclusive pumper because I also breastfeed in the middle of the night and occasionally during the day, but baby girl gets more breastmilk bottles than boob. I pump anywhere from 4-6 times a day depending on how much boob baby gets. I absolutely love these. I am getting more ounces with the m9 compared to the spectra. I was averaging about 6 oz total when using the spectra for 15-20 minutes, because honestly I got over pumping and would rarely pump for the full 30 mins. With the spectra, even if I pumped for the full 30 mins, I’d maybe get an extra half ounce combined compared to stopping at 15-20 mins, so it wasn’t really worth it to me. My boobs were also very sore because I had to have it on the highest setting and have to manipulate the flanges while pumping, or I just wouldn’t get the same output. With the m9, I pump the full 30 minutes because it doesn’t feel like 30 mins actually goes by. According to the app, I’ve been averaging 7.06 oz a session, but I also pump after breastfeeding, so there have been quite a few 2-4 oz sessions in there that are bringing down that total. My highest session with the m9 was 11 ounces and was after not pumping for 5.5 hours because I was at a wedding and forgot to bring them lol my highest with the spectra was 10 oz in the same time period. There is a feature on them that can tell you when the collection cup is full. However, you have to turn it on through the app. I didn’t one time and it leaked. I also leaned all the way over to pick something up off the floor and it leaked. Other than that, as long as the collection cups are full snapped into the flanges, it shouldn’t leak. If you made it this far, I appreciate it! I’m going to shorten it real quick. Pros: Convenience Very good suction for those that need the high suction to get output (I average about a 10 out of 15 on the m9 and used 11-12 which is the highest on the spectra) No sore nipples or boobs because of the soft flanges The app is sooo amazing and convenient Same output as spectra Don’t look too crazy under a shirt Lids to store milk in the collection containers 4 collection containers come with the m9, along with different sized inserts, lids, charger cords, etc App keeps track of how much you pump as long as you enter in the ounces Charge lasts longer than a day for me (although my left one loses charge a lot faster than the right-I will end up calling momcozy about it eventually but right now it’s not an issue) Cons: Loud motors (people know I’m pumping but idc. Someone else might) Weird shaped collection cups (hard to get every drop of milk out of them) A lot of parts to wash And this one is dumb, but it doesn’t come with charging blocks. I have an iPhone with lightning charger and usbc on the other side. These take usbc with usb on other side and I had to buy charger blocks with USB’s in it to charge them Takes a long time to charge. About 3 hours to charge from 30-40% to 100% Pump will start on last setting, so if you were adventurous with high settings when the last session ended, there’s a good 3 seconds of shock before it adjusts down (I just change the setting before I turn them off now) Wish it was a 6 oz cup for me personally ETA: the fridge hack did not work well for me with these. Idk if the rubber pieces just get too cold, but I would get less output after they were stored in the fridge for a few hours

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: "Which breast pump should I get?"

Spectra 100% I have the spectra 2, and I’m totally fine with that, I also have a wearable for when I’m on the go

Thread: "Momcozy pumps"

i love my m5! i got the spectra s2 as my main pump and the m5 as my ~travel friendly~ pump and it empties me just as well if not the same as my spectra tbh. my only mild gripe with it is that i can only wear it around people (except my immediate family) with verrrry specific shirts unless i want to openly be in my fembot era lol

Thread: "Help me pick the best breast pump"

This is so helpful. I appreciate your insight and vulnerability. I’m sorry it was so mentally draining. I’m so nervy to pump. It seems to mentally taxing!

Thread: "Help me pick a breast pump!"

I got the spectra s2 through my insurance for free. I used it at home and then purchased the momcozy m5 with my own money for on the go. Both were great

Thread: "On so-called “hospital-grade” breast pumps..."

Yea she actually recommended spectra for the at home pumping over the Medela. But it’s not hospital grade. They’re being sued over that

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: "Exclusive Pumping - Pump Recommendation?"

I’d recommend a Spectra. I’ve got an S2 and an S9, which is portable. The S2 is my primary unit, and I have a “pumping station” set up on the couch, while the S9 is the emergency unit for when I desperately need to get something done. Both are great for different reasons, but the S2 is more effective as it gives more control over cycle speed and vacuum power.

Thread: "Breast pump recommendations"

I got the Spectra S2 on the recommendation of my lactation consultant, but in retrospect, I wish I'd gotten the S1 so I'd be a little more portable. You still can't really accomplish anything (laundry, dishes, baby care, etc.) while hooked up to the S2, but at least it's easier to get a change of scenery. [This covers everything I wish I knew about Spectra when I was getting set up.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ87wwFOjGA&t=2s&ab_channel=TheDoctorsBjorkman) Make sure to measure your flange size. The Spectras come with 24 and 28mm flanges, but just anecdotally, it seems like a lot of people need something different than those two sizes. A good pumping bra helps a lot. I like the Pump Strap because I'm not wearing a bra otherwise (just nursing tank tops with some built in elastic for support), so something you put on while pumping and then take off works well for me. Other people prefer wearing a bra all the time, so an actual bra that is set up for pumping (like the Kindred Bravely ones, or there are lots of other brands too) would be good. If you want some kind of cup collector that fits in your bra and doesn't require you to have flanges and bottles dangling all over the place (this is most helpful if you're trying to pump discreetly and don't want your nips showing, or if you're trying to nurse the baby on the other side and want to reduce the amount of things that can be kicked/pulled on), there are Spectra's Cara Cups, Freemie Cups, Legendairy Milk collection cups, and probably others that are like Medela's hands free cups but work with Spectra pumps. You will probably want multiples of pump parts for whatever pump parts you get. Ideally you would wash and sterilize the pump parts after every use, but that's a lot of washing and sterilizing and may not always be feasible. You can store the used pump parts in the fridge after each use to reduce the number of times you have to clean them (the "fridge hack"), but the CDC technically doesn't recommend this, and you should still thoroughly clean and sterilize every 3 pumps or so. I wouldn't worry about buying a bunch of duplicates right now though. Get one set ready, and then once you have the baby and you're comfortable with the pump and the sizes you've got, you can order more.

Thread: "Help me pick the best breast pump"

Spectra S1! I loved mine. Portable, easily washed, and strong. S2 is a downgrade get the S1.

Thread: "Spectra versus Medela pump questions"

I liked my Spectra S2 and did not find it too strong at all. You can adjust the suction strength. I used it on a medium setting. PS: You can make either pump more mobile with this battery hack. Cheaper than the S1 upgrade. I did it with my S2 and could get 25 twenty minute pumping sessions on one battery charge. Used it while driving, camping, etc. https://exclusivepumping.com/breast-pump-battery-packs/

Thread: "Best breast pumps?"

We were recommended the Spectra S1/S2 by a doula, midwife and friends and it has been fantastic for us. Both are basically the same unit, but the S1 is rechargeable, so you don't have to camp out attached to a power socket - this may or may not matter to you! It's a serious unit that we found was as/more effective than the Medela Symphony we had in hospital - and the Spectra is significantly quieter, which is a nice bonus (it's also a fraction of the price!). We also tried one of the hands free mini pumps (a momcozy I think it was), but there just wasn't any comparison for how much milk it produced, the Spectra was churning out 10x as much.

Thread: "Spectra S2 vs Medela Pump in Style?"

I just ordered a Spectra 2. This helped: https://momlovesbest.com/feeding/breast-pumps/spectra-s2-vs-medela-pump-in-style

Thread: "Best breast pumps?"

I have the wall plug spectra (pink) and it works really well but is inconvenient because I'm tethered one spot while pumping. Also rec a pumping bra if you haven't though about that.

Thread: "Ladies what breast pump do you recommend??"

I got the spectra s2 through insurance. I really like it, buttttttt I wish I would have gotten one that didn’t have to be plugged in. I wish I could pump in the car or on the go sometimes. I hate having to sit by an outlet

Thread: "Help me pick the best breast pump"

I also ditched my spectra for a wearable pretty quick and wish I had gone straight to that the first time.

Thread: "Help me pick the best breast pump"

Spectra S1/S2 is a great at home/back up pump, especially if you end up with an oversupply and need to swap collection cups during your big pump. Buying momcozy wearables saved my sanity for when I was solo parenting, on the go, and when guests were at the house. So worth it to have both wearables and a regular pump

Thread: "medela or spectra?"

Not sure if you have Instagram but @legendairymilk has an I for graphic on which settings to use for the spectra. I used to use the medela pump in style and it was not very effective at emptying me and with the instructions they posted I’m able to get more oz per pump. If you don’t have Instagram I can write out what they suggest. The post is from sept 2020 so a bit of scrolling is required Edit: infographic

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

Yes! I had the S2 with my first, and I paid the upgrade fee for the S1 with my second. The ability to charge and move around is life-changing.

Thread: "Best portables with hospital grade suction?"

I use a portable battery and my S2 in a bag that I carry on my shoulder around the house as needed while pumping + wearing hands free pumping bra and watching my 3 older kiddos! I never use the wall plug and it works great.

Thread: "Ladies what breast pump do you recommend??"

Another vote for Spectra S1. I had S2s for my previous two babies and being able to grab it to let the dog out or something is really wonderful.

Thread: "Best portables with hospital grade suction?"

Backing up others on this thread to highly recommend Pumpables Genie Advanced. It’s totally revolutionized pumping for me and has nearly replaced my trusty Spectra 2. I go between spectra flanges (knock off Maymom ones in my correct size so I have less to wash) and Medela cups with inserts. I get *slightly* less output with the cups, but not significant enough to outweigh the convenience. I did a conference last week and pumped throughout the day with the cups and my PGA and was able to sit in sessions while pumping! Total game changer.

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

Same here! I exclusively pumped for twins with an S2. It’s a good pump. But man. I felt like I was constantly chained to a wall. The freedom I felt with the S1 with my third baby 🤩 Worth every freaking penny and then some.

Thread: "Best Pump for Working Moms"

I had the Spectra S2 the majority of the time with my first. The S9 was my original pump but it doesn't work for a full time working mom and the motor wore out; Spectra gave me the S2 for free - their customer service was great. I used a Medela for a bit while I waited for the S2 to ship and it sucked and hurt and I hated it. Now I have the S1 (battery) and it's awesome. Everything I liked with the other Spectra but more portable. I am able to pump A LOT with the Spectra. I can easily fill 5oz bags if I'm pumping in the morning. Less throughout the day but still getting a very healthy amount. I use the simple wishes pumping bra and I'm able to be hands free while pumping. I don't see how something like the Elvie would fit into my shirt or bra - not much extra room there! I definitely wouldn't walk around pumping anyway. I opted not to get the portable ones because of being worried about output and getting clogs if it wasn't efficiently removing. Also, I like how available Spectra pump parts are if you need them urgently, parts can need replacing on short notice. Like for example I broke the backflow protector and was able to drive over to buy buy baby and get another one the same day. BF my first until 13 months! Was able to stop pumping at work around 9 months or so due to having such a big milk stash.

Thread: "Best Pump for Working Moms"

I pumped for 11 months with the Spectra S2. My insurance wouldn’t cover the battery pack, but I bought an extra long extension cord and was able to go just about anywhere I needed to while pumping. I also got a car adapter and would pump on the go.

Thread: "Momcozy's M9 Mobile Flow review"

I have had the same experience with my M9 outperforming my Spectra and was thinking that maybe I just wasn’t using the Spectra correctly. Nice to know there’s someone else out there that also gets more from their M9! It’s quickly becoming my main pump for the same reasons you listed.

Thread: "What are the best breast pumps on the market currently?"

Another voice in the chorus of support for the spectra S2 or S1. I’ve had my spectra for 8 years and just retired her after reaching age 1 with my last baby. I had to replace the power cord once, but otherwise she never lost suction and never gave up. Spectra is the Toyota Camry of pumps: not super flashy, but a simple reliable workhorse. And this is coming from someone who \*hated\* pumping.

Thread: "medela or spectra?"

I use massage mode 70 @4 until I get some flow. Then I switch to 54 @5 and increase by 1 every few minutes if flow slows until I get to 9. Seems to work for me but took some playing around.

Thread: "medela or spectra?"

I start at massage mode 70, 5 Then at around 8-9 minutes go to cycle 54, 12 I just pump for 15 minutes for a morning pump while my husband gives baby a bottle. Mainly breastfeed now, but was doing this for the first three weeks PP every 2-3 hours and it worked. There’s a video n YouTube on how how to use it. Its actually very simple, I think you change cycles from the middle button, I don’t have it near me and I am blanking.

Thread: "Medela or Spectra?"

I've used the older version of the madela in style and currently use a spectra. The madela is easier to carry around some it's smaller so more portable. I don't know what it's like now but the older version had a super weak suction in comparison to the spectra. I love my spectra 2. It's more bulky so it's more of a pain to take it places. There's also alot of parts that you need to wash and put together. I love the different settings for pumping so I feel like I get a good pump session in. There's also a light so I don't need to turn on the room lights when I pump.

Thread: "medela or spectra?"

Can I ask you what settings you use? I have the pump in style and the spectra S2 and have been using the pump in style. I would like to try the spectra but have no idea how to use it

Thread: "Advice on a pump for low supply"

My supply dried up with my first baby and I was exclusively using the spectra s2. At the time, I thought I was defective. However, I’ve been using the Pumpable Super Genie with the liquid shield kit for my second baby and it’s a night and day difference! I was even having supply issues with the Medela Symphony in the NICU until I switched to exclusive use of the SG. I’m convinced we all have very different boobs that respond wildly different to the various pump options. Definitely try something else if you can!

Thread: "Which breast pump should I get?"

S1 or s2! I have S2 and super powerful but does not come with a battery like S1.