Having to pump breast milk is one of those topics that needs to be discussed that never actually comes up. There is a great number of women who pump for their baby, whether it’s to bottle-feed exclusively or part-time. So there is a huge demand for breast pumps and information to help women understand the uses, and not a lot out there. I’m going to help you figure out what you need, with a review of my personal favourite pump, the Spectra S1.
Isn’t it Taboo?
It has been in the past, but breastfeeding is becoming less “taboo” in the coming years which is really nice to see. Babies need milk to survive, and we provide that milk. Not all women are able to produce milk though, and it can be a really trying time for those who wish to.
With the amount of breast pumps out there in the world it can be hard to decide which to go with. You have a closed system vs. open system, electric vs manual, double pump vs single pump, and a lot of mumbo jumbo if you don’t know what any of it means. If you would like to learn about the history behind breast pumps, you can read it here.
So what does it all mean?
Closed vs Open system
A closed system means that the breast pump has a barrier in between the milk collection and the pump. It prevents air from being exposed to your freshly pumped breast milk, less exposed air helps keep it pure and fresh. This barrier will help prevent milk from getting into the tubing or pump within the machine so you’ll never have to wash the tubing. Yay for less work.
An open system does not have this barrier, therefore any dust, smoke, etc can be exposed to your recently pumped breast milk. It also means that milk can get into the tubing and pump within the machine, which means you will have to constantly wash and sterilize the machine to ensure no mold forms. You definitely don’t want your fresh breast milk to come in contact with any mold built up in your tubing or machine.
Electric vs Manually Operated
Manual breast pumps are extremely quiet compared to electric breast pumps. They are also a lot harder to use on a regular basis. So if you’re planning to pump regularly, you may find that a manual pump can be a nuisance. They are good if you only need to pump on occasion, say if you are going out for an afternoon and need someone else to watch and feed the baby. They are also mainly powered with a hand crank.
If you’re looking for a breast pump that will be easy to use all the time, an electric one would be the way to go. Most moms who are going back to work or looking to exclusively bottle-feed their babies will opt for an electric one over manual. Also, some babies just won’t latch properly, but the mom still wants her baby to have only breast milk, an electric pump would be a good choice.
Double vs Single Pump
A double electric breast pump will pump milk from both breasts simultaneously. This will be handy if you are in a hurry, or just don’t want to spend all day pumping.
A single breast pump will pump from just one breast at a time. This can be either a manual pump or electric pump. It can be helpful if you have a clogged duct on one side, or are watching the baby and only have one hand free. Or if baby is nursing on one side, you can express the other side at the same time.
Which Should You Choose?
Personally, I preferred having a double electric closed system breast pump. There is a wide range to choose from, but I chose to go with the Spectra S1. For many reasons, including the fact it’s a closed system.
To purchase the Spectra S1 click here.
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What Makes It So Special?
Pros
- Hospital grade
- Unique suction with vibration
- Mimics a baby nursing
- Customizable suction strength and cycle speed
- Super quiet
- Closed system
- Double and single pump
- Has internal battery
- Night light
- LED display
- Auto shut off
- Adapter to pump directly into alternate bottles
Cons
- Bulky
- Starts on expression mode
- Limited breast flange sizes
As you can see there are so many more pros than cons on this breast pump, which is why I decided to make it my go to when I needed to pump.
How To Use It?
The Spectra S1 consists of a few different parts including the flange, bottle connector, back flow protector, duckbill valve,
tubing, bottle, and of course, the machine.
When I first opened it, it looked like a giant pile of “what the… is this”? Excuse my language, but I had no clue what I was doing. Turns out, it’s actually extremely simple. If I can figure it out, you most definitely can too.
You will have to first find which flange will work best for you, you’ll have to size them as everyone is different. It’s a proper fit if:
- You have no pain in your nipple
- Your nipple is centered in the flange and moves freely in the tunnel to the breast pump.
- Only a little of the areola tissue goes inside the tunnel to the breast pump.
- Feels comfortable
- Breast feels well drained after a pumping session
It’s the wrong size if you experience any of the following:
- Your breasts are moving too much or too little
- Your nipple is rubbing on the side of the tunnel
- Your nipples are red or white after pumping
- Your breasts still feel full after pumping
Once you have your size of flange, you will need to put it all together.
It’s Together, Now What?
Now that you have it all together, here comes the fun part, actually turning the machine on. Don’t be intimidated, it’s all completely customizable to exactly what you need. For me, that was the lowest of the lowest settings. Everyone is different at this stage, and usually for your first time, you will need it low and build from there. With each time, you will slowly up the power. But Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.
On the front of the machine there are a few buttons. They consist of the Power button, Cycle speed increase and decrease,
Vacuum suction increase and decrease, the button that switches between the Expression and Massage mode, and the nightlight.
When the machine first turns on it will automatically go into Expression mode (one of the downfalls of this machine). Expression mode is needed when you want to start (you guessed it) expressing breast milk.
You first need to put the machine into Massage mode (press the bacon looking button). Massage mode will help get the breast ready to express the milk. It actually mimics how a baby suckles on the breast. A really nice feature that many breast pumps don’t have.
Once you have the machine in Massage mode it is highly recommended to start with cycle 70, and vacuum 1. Then slowly increase the vacuum until comfortable and the letdown stage begins (when you see the first few drops of milk).
Now switch to Expression mode on cycle 54 and vacuum 4/5 (or what feels comfortable for you, this could be too strong or not strong enough, it’ll be what you used on Massage mode).
You’ll start to decrease the Expression mode while increasing the Vacuum level. Only go as high of a level that feels comfortable to you, you should never be in pain.
Once you notice your milk flow has slowed or even stopped, you can turn off the machine and you’re done. Over time, you will know which settings work best for you and gradually increase how high of a level you can go with the vacuum.
I would also advise to put on some nipple cream when you are done to prevent any cracking or damage to your nipples. See which brand I recommend here.
Pick What Will Work For You.
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting the best breast pump out there, but choose what will work best for you. If you’re able to nurse regularly and don’t need to bottle-feed on a regular bases, a manual might be the right choice for you. If you want one that’s fast and can help you produce a big freezer stash, then an electric pump could be the right one for you.
If you have any questions about any of the content or products mentioned above, please feel free to reach out in the comments below.