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Loading...Spectra Hospital Strength Breast Pumps
The Spectra range is one of the few closed system breast pump brands for domestic use that is growing in popularity every day.
Within the range, we can find the Spectra S2 breast pump and the Spectra breast pump S1, which we will review in this feature.
The brand was launched in the US in 2013, and since then it has built a strong reputation like no other we’ve seen, hence decided to write a review about it.
Apart from the classic S1 and S2 models, spectra launched the Syngergy Gold, the Spectra 9 Plus and the SG portable pump.
Spectra S1 vs S2
Both the Spectra S1 and S2 feature a similar shape and size of body. These pumps stand out by their semi circular shape and top handle.
Spectra S1 Plus and S2 feature similar qualities: efficiency, power, comfort, nightlights. The main difference between both products is that the S1 features a rechargeable in-built battery for added portability.
That means you can get all the good things Spectra S2 has to offer in your brand new S1, and take them wherever you like.
We recommend the Spectra S1 Plus over the S2 for busy moms that need to pump on the go. If you do not need the versatility offered by the Spectra S1 Plus, we would recommend you pick the S2, and save a few dollars.
Same as the Spectra S2 breast pump, the S1 Plus is also a closed system breast pump. The benefit of this is that milk cannot go into the tubing and motor, different from open system pumps. The drawback of S1 is that it is bulkier than other portable pumps and slightly heavier at 3 pounds (1.3 Kg).
As previously mentioned, the Spectra S1 price is dearer than the S2, so this is something you may also wish to consider before you make your purchase.
Spectra S1 vs Spectra S2 Considerations
Spectra S2 and S1 features more pros than cons. These pumps are efficient, easy to use and clean, gentle on nipples and hygienic (as they are closed system). They are also quiet and offer many options for pumping program customisation with different cycle (speed) and vacuum (power) options.
Spectra is a highly recommendable brand for moms expressing many times a day. The S2 is not portable as it can only be operated with power adaptor (no option to use batteries). On the other hand, the S1 will overcome the portability issue as it can be battery operated. However, it is more expensive than the S2.
The real drawback is the bottles that come with the pumps. However, if you use the spectra S2 bottle adaptor, you can attach the Medela brand of bottles. Another option is to use Philips Avent bottles, which are compatible and don’t require adaptor.
The Spectra breast pump brings some features that is hard to compete with. The S2 breast pump is one of the few breast pumps under $200 that is a closed system.
If you are thinking of buying any of these pumps, feel free to use the Amazon links on this site. We are Amazon affiliates, which means we will receive a commission (at no extra cost to you).
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Advantages of the use of Breast Pumps during lactation
You may be asking yourself whether you need a breast pump, and what the advantages of using one would be.
A pump could become an invaluable tool for both experienced and new moms, especially if you’re exclusively considering breastfeeding your baby. It is always important to be informed about big decisions such as these, and for this reason, we’ve compiled a list of reasons why moms may choose to use breast pumps, so keep reading to learn more.
Allow dad or other family members to feed baby
Breastfeeding is the most organic and natural way of forming a close bond with your baby, especially during the early days of their life.
Using a breast pump can help a nursing mom pump and store breast milk which allows the baby to enjoy the nurturing benefits of breastfeeding even when another member of the family is involved in the feeding process.
For example, working dads and older siblings could form a closer bond with your newborn by providing feedings, making them feel both more involved and supportive.
Give mom a chance to relax
Any mom can tell you that breastfeeding on demand can be stressful and tiring. Although you may want to be known as “Supermom”, it’s important to be patient with yourself –sometimes even taking a short break.
Having a bottle of expressed milk can help you along this journey, giving you some much needed time to sleep or just relax your body. At the same time, you can still have the peace of mind that a valued family member is taking care of your adorable newborn.
Need to return to work
Having to return to work, even shortly after giving birth, is a reality that many moms are faced with nowadays.
Although the separation can be painful, both for you and your baby, using a breast pump and storing milk can mean that you are able to provide your baby with the adequate nutrition –even while away.
It is essential to note that breast pumps are not only ideal for working moms, but also for stay-at-home parents. Being able to take a relaxing and steaming hot bath, preparing food, or going on a short walk means that a second caregiver can take your place while you catch up on some well-deserved “me-time”.
Multiple babies dilemma
Breastfeeding one baby can be trying even for the most experienced parent. Feeding twins, triplets, or more babies will only add to the challenge of motherhood. If this is the situation in which you’re in, you are both brave and amazing!
Nonetheless, it’s still important to make sure that you pump milk using a breast pump in order to guarantee that you can provide all your babies with breast milk without having to nurse around the clock.
Create an emergency supply
Having an emergency supply means that you can store a vast amount of breast milk in your freezer, being able to use it for emergency situations in which you may need to take medications, or for when your little one gets sick.
Latching problems
In some cases, babies aren’t able to latch on to their mother’s nipple, and this can result in the mom not producing an adequate quantity of milk. Pumping out by using breast pumps can help during this trial-and-error period, while also saving you from the clutches of engorgement and the heaviness of your breasts.
Additionally, lactating can be substandard during times of stress (i.e., having a premature baby), thus using a breast pump to squeeze out milk can help with round-the-clock feedings.
Next Gen Pump: Spectra Syngery Gold Breast Pump
We can easily call the Spectra breast pump gold a new generation breast pump because it is powered by 2 motors (independent from one another) that can pump simultaneously.
If there is a clear benefit of double pumping, is that you save a lot of time. Especially if you are pumping full time.
With the Spectra gold breast pump, double pumping is taken to the next level. You can adjust speed suction and power for each individual breast, without affecting the other. It is also quiet and it is equipped with 15 expression modes.
No wonder why the Spectra Gold Synergy was awarded the Baby Maternity Magazine TOP CHOICE award in 2021 and 2022. The Synergy showcases an LCD screen with timer control, 5 stages of soft massage settings, 3 levels of illumination for you to choose from.
Like the Spectra S1 and S2, the Synergy Gold is an hospital grade pump, enabled with a closed system with backflow protection to prevent contamination of mother’s milk and pump engine.
