How do I choose a good breast pump?
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Breast pumping needs to be a rewarding experience for every mom since it supports the proper nutrition of the baby.
Over time, breast pumping is gaining popularity, especially in working moms since they can go about their work activities while at the same time being able to ensure that their babies are getting good nutrition that is provided for by breastmilk.
The market has various brands of breast pumps that vary in their functionality, prices, shapes among other things.
Therefore, as a mom, you have quite an array of breast pumps that you can choose from.
But what do you need to consider while shopping for a breast pump for your great pumping experience?
The first factor to consider is the functionality of the pump. Will the pump meet your pumping needs?
There are different types of pumps with different functionalities.
Some of the breast pumps are electric, others are manual hand pumps while some are fitted with rechargeable batteries.
Your choice will be dependent on your needs.
You also need to choose a breast pump that is easy to operate.
It is futile to buy a pump that will require to spend a lot of time on the internet or reading the manual so that you can be able to understand how it works.
It has been observed that not the improper use of a breast pump can cause injuries to the breast tissue and the nipples.
You might need to read through a few reviews before settling on a breast pump.
This will help you to choose a breast pump wisely.
You also need to choose a breast pump that is easy to clean or keep clean.
The hygiene of your baby’s milk is important since it keeps your baby from drinking contaminated milk that maybe because of the type of pump used.
Pumps have an open and closed system.
An open system breast pump has the milk going through the pump motor during pumping.
In a closed system, on the other hand, the milk does not pass through the motor at all.
The disadvantage with the open system is that it is not easy to clean since some milk can remain inside the motor and rot thus infecting the milk that will be passing through in the next pumping session.
The other advantage of having a pump with a closed pumping system is the fact that you can resell it once you have finished the season of breast pumping.
Because of this feature, it can easily be bought since the buyer is assured of its safety.
Another important factor you may also need to consider in your choice of a breast pump is the availability of its parts and accessories.
Breast funnels or flanges sizes vary from person to person.
- Super quiet, Letdown mode and fully adjustable program to best suit your body
- Closed system - hygienic for you and baby
- Night light and timer
It is important to consider a breast pump model that can provide for a range of these so that you can find one that is your size.
You may also need extra milk storage cups and bottles; therefore, you need to choose a brand that allows you to easily obtain these extras.
Another important factor to also consider the cost of the pump.
You need to choose a breast pump that fits within your budget.
You may also need to check with your insurance on how much they allow for the purchase of a breast pump since some of them cover you to buy one.
This can, however, be adjusted to fit other specific features that your breast pump of choice may need to have to meet your needs.
Spectra breast pumps
Spectra breast pumps are a fairly popular brand of breast pumps.
They boast of being the most advanced breast pumps in the market.
The most common variations of the two are Spectra S1 and Spectra S2.
Most moms are confused about choosing between Spectra S1 or Spectra S2.
So, are they similar?
Or are they different?
Which one of the two is better?
This article will attempt to determine the similarities and the differences between the two of them so that you can make an informed choice of these Spectra breast pumps.
How do Spectra breast pumps work?
Spectra breast pumps work in two phases in their pumping process.
The first phase is the per-letdown phase in which the pump’s suction is strong to stimulate the milk ducts to produce milk.
This production of milk is called milk let down.
Once the milk flow has been established, the setting is changed into a massage setting.
The massage setting works to mimic your baby’s suckling motions.
This helps in making the pumping process have a natural feel to it.
Spectra breast pumps are used either as single or double pumps.
This is a feature that is important when you need to pump milk from both breasts.
You won’t need to switch from one breast to another as compared to the single pumps.
You can also cap one side of the pump so that you can use it as a single pump if you need to express from only one breast.
This double pump feature in the pump saves you time in the pumping process.
Spectra breast pumps also have a closed system that prevents the backflow of milk into the motor and the tubes once the pumping process has begun.
This is an important aspect of keeping the hygiene of the pump since there will be no milk remaining in the tubes after a pumping session.
The remaining milk can be a breeding ground for bacteria which may infect the next batch of milk in the next pumping session.
Spectra has a fully customized digital motor that has control units that allow you to choose and state the exact strength of the suction of the machine during the pumping process.
These settings are saved so that you do not have to reset the pumping settings every time you are pumping milk.
This saves you time for the next pumping sessions since your speed and power settings will be saved.
Another thing is that the dials are easy to use thus making the setting adjustments very easy.
The pump has 12 levels of suction and you can be sure to find a suction level that works for you.
Spectra also has a stronger motor than most breast pumps in the market.
Spectra breast pumps are known for their role of boosting the milk flow because of their strong motor combined with their breast massaging technology.
This makes it a better choice for mothers with low milk production.
Spectra’s massaging technique makes it a preferred breast pump brand since it makes it kinder to the breast.
Because it mimics your baby’s suckling motions, it does not tug on your nipples like other breast pumps.
This makes the pumping process gentler on the breast thus making pumping a pleasant experience for you.
Spectra has a few extra features like the night light which can allow you to have your pumping session without having to put on the lights in the room.
You can go about your milk pumping session without the light waking your baby up.
Another extra feature is in its automatic setting that allows the machine to turn off after a certain set time.
This is in case you fall asleep during a pumping session; the machine will turn itself off at the end of the session.
Spectra breast pumps can be used even when placed on uneven surfaces because their level of vibration is not a lot.
It is a very quiet pump to use since its buzzing is tolerable.
Again, you can use it easily in the room while your baby is sleeping without waking them up.
The quietness of the pumping function can also come in handy for a working mom since they can be able to pump silently behind a closed door without attracting any undue attention.
It is important to note that all the parts that touch milk in the Spectra breast pump are BPA free.
This ensures that the milk stays as plastic-free as possible.
This assures the safety of the milk that your baby is consuming.
How similar are they?
Spectra S1 and S2 Breast pumps are similar in many ways.
They have the same dimensions and function similarly.
Both Spectra S1 and S2 have the function that allows you to control the speed and the strength of the suction.
The main features shared by Spectra S1 and S2 are that they are light in weight (below 4 pounds) which makes them easily portable, they have a closed system, they both have the same speed adjustment feature, an LED digital display, night light and auto shut off features.
How different are they?
The main difference between the two breast pumps is that Spectra S1 comes with an inbuilt battery that can last for up to three hours when fully charged.
Spectra S2 on the other hand only works when it is plugged into a power supply.
This makes Spectra S1 your go-to pump if you travel a lot because it is much more portable than Spectra S2.
You won’t need a power supply outlet and can pump anywhere and at your convenience.
Because of the inbuilt battery in Spectra S1, it is somewhat heavier than Spectra S2.
This feature also makes Spectra S1 more expensive in comparison to Spectra S2.
The other notable difference between the Spectra S1 and S2 is the color.
Spectra S1 is blue and white while Spectra S2 is pink and white.
Is spectra S2 a hospital grade pump?
Spectra S2 breast pumps have a closed system in its tubing that stops the backflow of milk in the tubing and pump motor.
- Natural Nursing Technology: Our Spectra S1 electric breast pump features technology that allows comfortable suction levels that mimic the experience of natural breastfeeding as closely as possible
- Perfect for Travel: The Spectra S1 is portable and rechargeable, making it ideal for an on-the-go mom, with the back compartment that fits a Spectra bottle
- Single or Double Pumping: Can be used as a single electric breast pump or a double electric breast pump and for best results, authentic Spectra Baby accessories are recommended
This means that the milk does not get into the pump itself.
This closed system keeps the pump hygienic by keeping your milk free from any germs that may have remained in the system.
Because of this backflow protection, one pump can be used by multiple users since there is no chance of one mother’s milk mixing with another’s.
This means that in a hospital set up, Spectra breast pumps can be used by multiple mothers to pump milk for their babies.
Spectra’s backflow protection also makes the cleaning of the pump easier.
Some breast pump brands may require that after a pumping session, the motor running for a few minutes to clean any remainder of the milk in the motor and tubes.
Spectra’s pump does not need to be kept running since there will be no milk remaining in its system.
Spectra breast pumps’ strong motor also makes it hospital-grade since it can gently stimulate milk production.
This is especially useful for moms who struggle with producing adequate milk for their babies.
Its strong motor will encourage your milk production which is a common problem in a hospital set up.
This ensures that your baby gets enough milk without having to put too much effort into it.
How do I choose between Spectra S1 and Spectra S2?
The choice between the two pumps is dependent on your needs and how your far your budget can stretch.
Spectra S1’s inbuilt battery gives it an advantage over Spectra S2.
If you need to travel or may not have the privacy to pump your baby’s milk at work, you can get the Spectra S1 since it is portable and you can get creative with space.
All you need is to have it fully charged before carrying it with you.
The inbuilt battery also gives the advantage of recharging it at least once in a day.
This also allows you to be able to move around with it without needing to plug it into a power outlet.
This saves you one step in the pumping process!
Given all its’ advantages, Spectra S1’s price should not be a deterrent when trying to decide which of the two to buy.
You will be paying a little more for the convenience of being able to pump anywhere and for a great pumping experience!
If you like this article you may also like the review of other useful of baby products by following this link here.