A lot of lovely mothers can’t do without breast pumps. From stay at home moms to work from home moms to full time working moms, breast pumps are essential right now.
The value of breast milk in the life of the baby can’t be overstated.
The breast milk is vital to baby development; that is why doctors and lactation consultants recommend exclusive breastfeeding.
All mothers want the best for their babies, and exclusive breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby.
But breastfeeding the baby directly from your breast is not always easy for the mothers to do. Here is where breast pumps come in.
The use of breast pumps to supplement direct breastfeeding is very important.
The pump allows mothers to feed their baby even when they are not around their baby. Breast pumps allow mothers to pump milk and store for their baby.
The benefit of this action is it will enable the mother to do her work, and at the same time, take care of the baby.
The use of breast pumps would also ensure that you, as a nursing mother maintain your milk supply.
Pumps also help you boost supply when it begins to diminish, which is typical for mothers breastfeeding exclusively.
There are several breast pumps available in the market for nursing mothers to use. Some are clinically tested while some are not.
In this article, we are going to look at two of the best breast pumps available: the Spectra S1 and Spectra S2 breast pumps.
We are going to look at them in detail. Our review would assist you in deciding which of them you would go for as a breast pump.
The Spectra S1
The Spectra S1 is a popular breast pump among many mothers. The breast pump comes with a rechargeable battery.
The system of the breast pump is a closed one. However, the price of the Spectra S1 is higher than the Spectra S2.
The S1 is a double electric pump. Which is very useful because it would help you pump both breasts at the same time. It also comes with a massage mode to assist you to let-down. Color is blue mostly.
Spectra S2
Spectra S2 is also a fantastic product. The features of the S2 make it a good buy for anyone who purchases it.
The spectra S2 does not have a rechargeable battery. The size is also smaller than the S1. The system is also a closed one. The color is mostly pink. The price is less than that of the S1.
Similarities Between Spectra S1 and Spectra S2
Both the S1 and S2 are nearly the same. The similarities are many. Here are some of them.
1). Closed System
The closed system exists in both pumps. The closed system means that the milk pumped don’t get in the breast pump itself.
The benefit is that all the fresh breast milk are free from mold and bacteria.
You don’t have to worry that your milk would get contaminated when using the closed system.
Another benefit of the closed system is that it makes it possible for the pump to have high resale value.
Though we don’t encourage our readers to buy a used pump, you might be able to sell your pump when you no longer have use of it.
2). Clinically Tested and Standard
It’s common knowledge that pumps made use of in the hospital are 10x better than the normal pump sold in the shops.
One thing about the spectra pumps is that they are all clinically tested and approved to meet the required hospital standard.
What this statement about hospital standard can sound very common, it means that Spectra pumps are the best you can get and can also be used by several mothers as well.
Except you want to rent the pumps in the hospital, the Spectra pumps are your best bet.
3). Comes With a Powerful Motor
One of the criticisms that have always gone to breast pumps is that it gets the same amount of milk out of the breast like the baby’s sucking can do.
With the Spectra pumps, you don’t have to worry about these criticisms. The motor in this pumps has the capability of 250 mm Hg suction rate.
This suction rate is almost as good as the one that comes from the baby.
The powerful motto means there would be less time used to pump out, and more milk would produce during the pumping session. This rate is significant to mothers who are on exclusive pumping.
4). Less Noise
With such a powerful motor, you would expect lots of noise, but that is not the case here.
The S1 and S2 are relatively quiet more than most pumps. So you don’t worry about noise pumping your breast in the office or during midnight. When the house is supposed to be quiet inside the house.
The quietness is very useful to work moms; you can do your pumping session without anyone being aware you are doing so.
Even at home, there is little chance of the pumping disturbing the baby or anyone in the house.
5). Comes with Personalized setting
With the opportunity to personalize the settings in the pump, it would save you the user a lot of time. The S1 and S2 both have the personalized setting feature.
You can set both the power and the speed to meet your body’s needs. The buttons are easy to adjust and simple to do.
So whenever there is a change in your milk supply, the adjustment can make it easy for you to do. There are about 12 levels of settings in the spectra pumps.
There are several adjustments for different stages of your pumping sessions. There are straightforward settings in the pumps.
6). Accessories
The two pumps come with the same type of accessories. The accessories include bottles, pump valves two flanges.
If you need more bottles to store the milk, you can easily buy them both online and at the stores.
Also, several parts from different companies are compatible with this particular product. So you don’t have to worry about finding compatible parts.
7). Flexibility
Both types of pumps you can use as a single or double pump. There are very flexible in their use.
If you desire to pump one breast separately or both at the same time, these pumps are here to bend to your every need.
All you need to do is to configure them using the servings available or provided by the brand.
Differences Between Spectra S1 and Spectra S2 Breast Pumps
Since we have discussed the differences, it is only logical that we consider their differences.
The significant difference between them is that one comes with a rechargeable battery, and the other does not. Another difference is the price.
1). S1 can work anywhere.
The s1 can work at any time you want because of the rechargeable battery feature it has. The s2 does not have a rechargeable battery, so it’s usage is limited.
2). Cost
The S1 is more expensive than the S2. Therefore for those who see price as a factor to determine which pump to buy, you should get the S2.
Why You Need Spectra Breast Pumps
Spectra pumps come with several advantages. The main ones are what we shall discuss here.
The one’s started here are from the reviews we have gotten from mothers who have used them.
i). Comfort
One thing that has made the spectra pumps stay above other pumps in the market is the reported comfort it gives the user.
Lots of mothers who used spectra pumps mentioned how gentle it was on their breast when compared to other pumps they have used.
Soft pumps mean that there won’t be sore nipples after each pumping session, which can cause pain and discomfort in the nipples.
ii). Little Noise
Another thing most mothers who use spectra pumps have stated is the little noise it makes.
The noise is so slight that once your door shut, no one would know you are pumping. According to the spectra website, the sound is around 45 decibels.
This sound can compare to the sound of your personal computer and refrigerator.
Some working mothers have said that they use it when working at home or on the phone discussing with people, and no one would be aware they are making use of the pumps.
iii). Relatively easy to use.
The spectra pumps are relatively easy to use. The steps on how to use them are simplified so that the most technologically laid back person can use them effectively.
Another thing is the spectra company has excellent customers services, which can be very important when there are issues to fix with the pump.
Like when the flanges don’t fit or when you need extra parts. The company response is relatively quick from what users have said.
Disadvantages of Using Spectra Breast Pumps
Though the spectra pumps are an excellent device, they are not without their drawbacks. Here are the major ones.
i). Cost
If you are on a budget, spectra breast pumps might not be an ideal product for you. There are lots of other brands who are breast pumps are cheaper than the spectra type.
ii). Replacement parts are scarce
Without contacting the company, it can be difficult to get replacement parts of the device.
Typically, you can’t go to any store and get the parts of the device like other brands.
To avoid this, it would be wise if you order extra parts when you are buying online. That would help you worry less when you need to change a part of the device.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Brand of a Breast Pump
There are certain factors you need to take into consideration before you decide to purchase a pumping device.
The best thing you need to consider before purchasing a pumping device is to determine what is best for you.
Pumping is a big commitment because it would require you to spend at least two hours give or take in a day.
Some of the underlying factors are mobility, noise( can it tamper with your work), and price.
One thing that helps you determine what to consider is communicating with past users of the pump to know the experiences they had with the pumps.
One other thing you should consider is the weight of the breast pumps.
Conclusion
For a mother who has decided to do exclusive pumping, a breast pump with a rechargeable battery is essential because it makes life much more comfortable.
When you’re pumping exclusively, you would like to be able to pump the breast with freedom.
The rechargeable battery would give you the flexibility to pump anywhere. This flexibility makes us suggest you purchase the S1.
For a person who is on a budget, the S2 would be my suggestion. The reason for this suggestion is because the S2 is cheaper than the S1.
It would be wise for you as a mother to speak with a doctor or a lactation consultant.
They would help you understand the process of choosing and buying a breast pump. Both pumps are high for someone who spends most of her time outside as the noise is very minimal.
However, if you know you wouldn’t have regular access to electricity where you consume most of your time, the S1 would be the best for you.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice of which of the spectra pump device you choose lies with you.
All we can tell you is that both pumps are highly recommend by moms (for moms as well). For anyone who decides to use them, you won’t regret your choice.
Whatever pump you decide to buy, ensure that your baby gets enough breast milk for his or her development.
