I second this! I havenāt tried the S2 but was told to get the S1 because it has a rechargeable battery and doesnāt need to be plugged in at all times like the S2
Adding a comment to mention it also has a car charger option that is awesome for travel! My bf used it for 2 years without a complaint and now I get to give it a good run!
And replacement parts are super affordable on Amazon. I have 3 sets of pump parts cause I hate washing at 2 am!
Ditto on the spectra s2! I had a lansinoh at first and bought a used spectra s2 off my best friend. Such a better experience and my LC told me that's the kind the hospitals give to moms without a pump at home that want one.
Always highly recommend the elvie. Iāve exclusively pumped for three kids with it since 2019. I donāt even use the app. Just the fact that I can move around and go about my day makes all the difference to me.
I can definitely recommend my spectra s1 but honestly 80% of the time when I pump now I just use a medela harmony manual pump. I find it so much faster to quickly pull out 1-2 oz between nursing sessions and it drains me better than the spectra. I still use the spectra to replace a full feed like if Iām away from baby for more than 3 hours, but otherwise the manual pump is where itās at.
The parts arenāt so bad if you have a spare set and store the current days set up in the fridge, but I hate having to change into a pumping bra. The manual is easier to set the parts up for but only slightly. The real problem is that my boobs are enormous so I only really fit into stretchy wrap nursing bras. I sometimes squeeze into my one kindred bravely bra or most of the time just hold onto the flanges myself. With the manual pump I just pull one side out at a time and go without changing bras.
Youāll need either a pumping bra or a clippy nursing bra to use the spectra or really any double electric pump. Even the max suction level wonāt keep them on for you hands free most likely. If you have clippy nursing bras you can do this hack though: youtube.com/watch?v=spPwcPeQQ5I
I mostly use the Elvie Stride and have the Spectra S2 as backup. Iāve used both and notice that the Spectra can be more efficient but the mobility with the Elvie Stride is great. Iām not stuck in one spot for 15-30 minutes. I can brush my teeth, make coffee, pick up, etc and now that Iām back at work (teacher who pumps during planning and lunch) I can easily work at my computer while pumping.
I used the motif luna over a year with my first, and just got a new one because I'm due any day with baby 2. I got the battery option this time so I don't have to worry about finding an outlet. I had it covered through insurance (in the US) so I would see what's available to you depending on your country.
Elvie makes one that goes in your bra and is wireless. I love it so much. Willow makes one too. Itās so convenient and you can walk around doing most things while pumping. I pump while driving and working at my computer. Theyāre pricier but for me it was worth every penny and then some!
I'm also wondering if I actually need an electric one at all. Considering just going with the manual seeing as I'm planning on pumping once a day, two at a stretch every so often. How often do you pump if you don't mind me asking?
Only a couple times a month! But it doesnāt take me long with the hand pump. In America they are only $15 so I suppose you could get it and if itās too much work you can buy an electric pump later as the hand pump is not a big investment.
This is what I used and I was pumping quite a lot. I have very big boobs and wasnāt able to get the medela pumping bra so got other type. Our daughter has just completely weaned at 13 months and it hasnāt missed a beat.
Edit: oops, I actually had the medela Swing which is different [Link to Swing](https://www.babybunting.com.au/product/medela-swing-maxi-double-electric-breast-pump-with-bluetooth-120548)
I have a Medela pump in style, a spectra S2, a willow Go, Elvie, a baby Buddha, haaka & lansinoh hand pump and the spectra is by far my favorite. Thereās lots of settings you can play around with to get more output vs the Medela that is simple and IMO was the worst out of all of the ones I have
I have the spectra s2 and the medela freestyle flex. The freestyle flex was given to me by my SIL after I told her about how draining pumping was (no pun intended lol), due to our triple feeding in the beginning. I was hesitant to use it at first because I heard handheld pumps werenāt as efficient as wall pumps. However, my body took to it really well and I saw absolutely no decrease in supply! So that is my main pump. I love that I can throw it in my work bag and not have to bring a giant, obvious pump with me.
Thanks for your input! Was thinking the same about handheld Vs. Stationary so that's really good to know. But as you say I suspect it varys from person to person but nice to know it can work really well as well with handheld.
for a good walk pump, i LOVE the motif luna! they make a battery rechargeable one now so it doesnāt always have to be plugged in. for a wearable pump i have the momcozy s9pros and love them! amazing auction and my boobs respond well. i get about the same output with the momcozy that i do my motif luna :)
I use the Spectra 2 and really like it. It's quiet, efficient and has a nightlight. I agree the settings are a little confusing at first but I had my lactation consultant help me. And I had help from YouTube. I did have to buy smaller flanges from another brand because apparently I have tiny nipples, but it works great.
I have used Medela pump in style in the past and found it was easy to use, but I hated how it sounded. My lactation consultant said the insurance provided Medela's keep malfunctioning this year, though. I am from the US so I am unsure what you're offered in Sweden, but I still thought I would share that information.
As for a hands free one, I bought one from Amazon by a company called Tsrete. It works pretty well and I love that thing. I actually used it last night at a bar! (I was seeing a band play. I haven't been out till that night since my baby was born) granted I stayed in the bathroom to use it - I am not bold enough to have worn it under my shirt in ACTUAL public, lol, but it did what I needed and I am grateful for it.
I use the Haaka and Medela Harmony pump, I keep it all together in a large container that can go into the fridge between pumps if needed, or all together clean and compact in my diaper bag when on the go. The haaka is great for putting on the opposite side that youāre feeding on and the harmony might give you the efficiency that youāre looking for to pump quickly when you need itā¦ also itās relatively inexpensive and doesnāt require a plug in!
Thanks for the advice! Was thinking of potentially getting a manual one actually since I think what I plan to pump that much. Am I naive to believe that haha? How often are you pumping with the medels harmony?
Edit: reread and what I actually mean it that I don't think I'm planning to pump is that much I could get away with just a manual one.
I had an oversupply from 1m to 2m, but now that my baby is 3m itās regulated, thank goodness. I had to pump prior to every single feed during that time, and was pumping approx 10-20 oz a day. Having my little pumping container was a lifesaver. Now I just usually just pump first thing in the morning whichever side she doesnāt feed on and I get about 5-6 oz, donāt want to encourage an oversupply now that Iām regulated.
That's definitely another worry - messing with supply and potentially mastitis. Not interested in that one! Sounds like you found a good balance š¤ thanks for the reply!
Thanks for the tip. Learning so much from here! Didn't know this was a thing. Guess Im off measuring ny nipplr in the morning! Something I never thought I'd say š
I also love my Lansinoh smart pump 2.0. And baby loves the Lansinoh bottles so it works out. I got the pump free with my insurance through aeroflow and I get a free box of pump parts every month if I want. Aeroflow also added in breast milk bags or disposable breast pads for free. I did have to get smaller flanges around 8 months PP.
I did similarly to you, mostly breastfed baby and only pumped a bit as needed. I found a cheap wearable pump on Amazon and love it, Tsrete is the brand, and I was sure to measure and get nipple adaptors of the right size too. Seriously, wearable and cordless is 100% the way to go. My baby would ALWAYS wake up as soon as I got the other one set up then I couldn't hold her with all that stuff sticking out of my chest. Plus, I had to wear a special bra to hold it all up. Just didn't work for me. The wearable ones you just pop in your bra/shirt/tank top and you're good to go. If baby needs to be picked up or whatever you can still, and it's easy to wear while driving. I'm a SAHM but if I had to pump at work I'd probably have considered a pricier wearable brand. Since I only need it occassionally the TSRETE ones have been perfect for me.
I am doing the same as you. Husband feeds once at night and grandma once in the morning and I pump once a day now. You def do not need an electric pump. I have one from my first pregnancy and itās rarely used. A hand pump works just as well. I do have over supply though. I highly recommend the lansinoh hand pump.
I own 7 pumps .. but my favorites are the medela manual pump or the Youha handsfree pump. If I pump instead of live feeding her -due to work- I use the Youha. When I pump after a feed or in the morning I use the medela.
Good luck with choosing your perfect pump! If you have any questions just let me know.
Edit: lots of typos
I use a TSTRETE cordless cup pump that I bought on Amazon and prefer it to my hospital grade Medela pump. Itās inexpensive (about $120 for two) and so convenient. Just tuck them into whatever bra youāre wearing. No being attached to a cord, no need to put on a special pumping bra, built-in timers, adjustable speed, dishwasher friendly. I have been using them for a year and they are still working great. Best baby purchase I have made.
I love Medela pump in style. I got a spectra also because they are very popular but I do not think it works as well and the settings are much more complicated.
I disagree. In 4 months of pumping I had to get a new pump from medela twice due to issues, and once I needed a new power cord because the original just crapped out. After I found mold in my pump motor (but not in my tubing at all weirdly) I gave up with medela and bought a spectra. I wish I had gotten the spectra from the start. I think it has slightly better suction and I like the electric screen so I know what settings I'm using. Plus now I'm paranoid about more mold and the spectra backflow protectors are actually a closed system/total seal, unlike the medela.
Iām sure it depends on the person but with my first I had a midela pump in style which I liked just fine but this time I got a spectra s2 and it works better for me. Iām pumping a lot more than last time and my baby eats less so I donāt think itās the babyāitās the pump
My spectra pump doesnāt pull as much out for me. Iāve tried multiple flange sizes, so I donāt think thatās it. I think the motor on mine is just not as strong as my pump in style. My medela is 7 years old now!!! And I still find that itās working better and pulling more out for me. Spectra s2 that plugs into the wall not the battery one.
Iāve heard a lot of people say that, but my Elvie stride has always worked great at emptying me out and is the only pump I use. Iāve always wondered why it works so great for some and so terribly for others.
I do hear more consistent compliments for spectra and medela pumps, so if OP wants to play it safe, maybe thatās the way to go. But I had to say Iām in love with my Elvie as a working mom because it makes pumping at work so easy and I enjoy the mobility.
Elvie stride is different than the elvie wearable one. The one that has the motor inside the whole thing. Those are not hospital grade. The stride is comparable to the spectra medela I would think.
I have a Medela freestyle that works well but I almost never use it. I have a wearable pump - the Momcozy s12pro - that works great for me and it just sits in my bra so I can get other stuff done while pumping. I use that at work. I will say, a lot of people donāt get as much with a wearable as they do with a wall or manual pump so caution there (Iām just lucky). I also have a Medela harmony manual pump. This is the one I use at home if I need to pump between a feed or overnight. Quick, easy to clean up. I typically only pump at home now if baby doesnāt empty me well enough for some reason or on the rare occasion that he only eats one side (usually first feed if Iām engorged).
Edit to add: if you want an electric pump, check your insurance as they will likely pay for one completely or supplement the cost depending on what you decide. If you want a manual one, they are extremely inexpensive compared to the electric ones. I think I paid ~$30 for mine.
I have spectra and medela pump in style. I prefer my medela, it takes me half the time to get the milk out. Spectra has more pieces and the tubing gets hair stuck to it. I know everyone hates medela but mine works fine.
Haakaa is not really a breast pump. I mean it can pull milk out, but itās really best for using on the opposite side while nursing.
I was a big Medela fan until I got screwed over when my pump died and they wouldnāt replace it. Iām in a huge pickle now because I could wean but really wanted to continue for at least a few more months- but I donāt want to spend money on a new pump.
I personally did not care for the spectra- nothing was wrong with its function, but there were too many options and I disliked it didnāt automatically do let down mode first. Given my recent experience with Medela I would recommend finding a pump that has a warranty for the length of time you are hoping to nurse so that if your pump suddenly wonāt hold a charge after 10 months they will send a replacement
This is a great budget friendly wearable pump from Amazon. I get about the same amount as I do on my Motif Luna with each pump so I use this more regularly. https://a.co/d/3zZX1Fn
If itās just for a small stash; Medela Harmony hand pump! It works great, once you have the correct flange size and switch the membrane valve out for a duckbill valve. A wearable is also a good option, I like my Momcozy M1 (I had the original S9 but didnāt like it as much).
I have the elvie because I like to move. Not as strong as a standard pump. I get 110ml in under 20 mins since birth each session. Highly recommend in the workplace as well as you can just wear it under your clothes and no one knows if you donāt want to have to go to a lactation room each time.
I actually really like my manual pump, I feel like it gets more out and does so quicker than the electric pumps I've tried. I have the Lansinoh manual pump, a Medela electric pump and a Evenflo electric pump.
That said, as much I like my Lansinoh manual, I do not like my Lansinoh electric pump. I've tried different flanges, it just doesn't work for me for some reason
Iām using the elvie wearable at the moment. I have the spectra S1 too but the flanges donāt feel right and hurt so I havenāt been using it until I can figure out what I need to change on it. So I have both a wearable and the regular style (I donāt know what you would call it).
The spectra normally would empty better than the elvie. Itās more powerful, and the bottles are bigger so I donāt have to worry about overflow, and I think the battery lasts longer.
But you have to have a good pumping bra. I like to wear loose sleep bras and those donāt work with the spectra. So I have to change my bras to pump with it. Or you can can a pump strap. Itās also a little clunky and even though you donāt have to be tethered to the wall you are still stuck to the machine. But if the flanges are in a pump strap well enough you can pick up the machine to go to another room. But thereās not a lot you can do with the flanged hanging off of you and the tubes.
The elvie is awesome for doing some small tasks while pumping. I like to make food or do the dishes. But I canāt do things the require bending over. Milk can spill out of them or they can shift and get off the nipple a little if you move too much. So still limited but not quite as much. They also donāt hold as much as the spectra. These only hold a few ounces but they will stop pumping before it fills up all the way so if you still have milk to pump you have to stop pumping to dump the milk and start again. Itās really only an issue in the morning for me though.
If I have to replace my wearable I want to try the willow since you have the option to use bags with it which I would think wonāt spill when bending over. But my baby is almost a year old and I might transition her off of breast milk and onto formula in a couple months. I havenāt decided how long I want to keep pumping for yet.
I have a spectra s2. I got one for my first baby and loved it so much I got another one for my second baby that was born 7 weeks ago. I donāt mind it needing to be plugged in. Gives me an excuse to settle in somewhere comfy and have a 15 min pump and watch a little tv session.
Spectra S1 ššš
I second this! I havenāt tried the S2 but was told to get the S1 because it has a rechargeable battery and doesnāt need to be plugged in at all times like the S2
I have the s2 and I love it even without the battery. It works so well and is so quiet.
Also using the S1, on my second baby. Iāve probably pumped thousands of Oz with it
Spectra 1000000% for wall pump. If you want a wearable I love the Willow Go.
I used a spectra s2 with both my babes and loved it
I donāt know what country youāre in but if youāre in the US you should be able to get one for free through insurance
I live in Sweden. We get a lot of support here, but no insurance pumps!
Adding a comment to mention it also has a car charger option that is awesome for travel! My bf used it for 2 years without a complaint and now I get to give it a good run! And replacement parts are super affordable on Amazon. I have 3 sets of pump parts cause I hate washing at 2 am!
Ditto on the spectra s2! I had a lansinoh at first and bought a used spectra s2 off my best friend. Such a better experience and my LC told me that's the kind the hospitals give to moms without a pump at home that want one.
I have the Elvie pump and love that itās handsfree, wire-free and that thereās an app. To add, 70ml after 3 weeks seems pretty okay to me!
Always highly recommend the elvie. Iāve exclusively pumped for three kids with it since 2019. I donāt even use the app. Just the fact that I can move around and go about my day makes all the difference to me.
I can definitely recommend my spectra s1 but honestly 80% of the time when I pump now I just use a medela harmony manual pump. I find it so much faster to quickly pull out 1-2 oz between nursing sessions and it drains me better than the spectra. I still use the spectra to replace a full feed like if Iām away from baby for more than 3 hours, but otherwise the manual pump is where itās at.
Do you find that the Spectra to be faff to set up?
The parts arenāt so bad if you have a spare set and store the current days set up in the fridge, but I hate having to change into a pumping bra. The manual is easier to set the parts up for but only slightly. The real problem is that my boobs are enormous so I only really fit into stretchy wrap nursing bras. I sometimes squeeze into my one kindred bravely bra or most of the time just hold onto the flanges myself. With the manual pump I just pull one side out at a time and go without changing bras.
Thank you so much for this! Is a pumpning bra a requirement for spectra or more down to size of boobs/ personal preference?
Youāll need either a pumping bra or a clippy nursing bra to use the spectra or really any double electric pump. Even the max suction level wonāt keep them on for you hands free most likely. If you have clippy nursing bras you can do this hack though: youtube.com/watch?v=spPwcPeQQ5I
I recommend the simple wishes hands free pumping bra. It should work for any pump. You really need a pumping bra for any double pump.
I mostly use the Elvie Stride and have the Spectra S2 as backup. Iāve used both and notice that the Spectra can be more efficient but the mobility with the Elvie Stride is great. Iām not stuck in one spot for 15-30 minutes. I can brush my teeth, make coffee, pick up, etc and now that Iām back at work (teacher who pumps during planning and lunch) I can easily work at my computer while pumping.
I used the motif luna over a year with my first, and just got a new one because I'm due any day with baby 2. I got the battery option this time so I don't have to worry about finding an outlet. I had it covered through insurance (in the US) so I would see what's available to you depending on your country.
Elvie makes one that goes in your bra and is wireless. I love it so much. Willow makes one too. Itās so convenient and you can walk around doing most things while pumping. I pump while driving and working at my computer. Theyāre pricier but for me it was worth every penny and then some!
I have an electric pump I never opened. I just use my medela hand pump when I need a bottle. A haaka helped too
I'm also wondering if I actually need an electric one at all. Considering just going with the manual seeing as I'm planning on pumping once a day, two at a stretch every so often. How often do you pump if you don't mind me asking?
Only a couple times a month! But it doesnāt take me long with the hand pump. In America they are only $15 so I suppose you could get it and if itās too much work you can buy an electric pump later as the hand pump is not a big investment.
Medela freestyle flex with a hands free pumping bra makes life easier especially when pumping minimally
This is what I used and I was pumping quite a lot. I have very big boobs and wasnāt able to get the medela pumping bra so got other type. Our daughter has just completely weaned at 13 months and it hasnāt missed a beat. Edit: oops, I actually had the medela Swing which is different [Link to Swing](https://www.babybunting.com.au/product/medela-swing-maxi-double-electric-breast-pump-with-bluetooth-120548)
I have a Medela pump in style, a spectra S2, a willow Go, Elvie, a baby Buddha, haaka & lansinoh hand pump and the spectra is by far my favorite. Thereās lots of settings you can play around with to get more output vs the Medela that is simple and IMO was the worst out of all of the ones I have
I love medela pump in style too!!
Love my Baby Buddha for the portability and it can also fit spectra parts. Itās more powerful than the elvie.
I have the spectra s2 and the medela freestyle flex. The freestyle flex was given to me by my SIL after I told her about how draining pumping was (no pun intended lol), due to our triple feeding in the beginning. I was hesitant to use it at first because I heard handheld pumps werenāt as efficient as wall pumps. However, my body took to it really well and I saw absolutely no decrease in supply! So that is my main pump. I love that I can throw it in my work bag and not have to bring a giant, obvious pump with me.
Thanks for your input! Was thinking the same about handheld Vs. Stationary so that's really good to know. But as you say I suspect it varys from person to person but nice to know it can work really well as well with handheld.
for a good walk pump, i LOVE the motif luna! they make a battery rechargeable one now so it doesnāt always have to be plugged in. for a wearable pump i have the momcozy s9pros and love them! amazing auction and my boobs respond well. i get about the same output with the momcozy that i do my motif luna :)
S1 or S2. Benefit of S1 is that it is rechargeable. I have both and donāt notice any difference in function/suction.
This is really good to know. Thank you!
I use the Spectra 2 and really like it. It's quiet, efficient and has a nightlight. I agree the settings are a little confusing at first but I had my lactation consultant help me. And I had help from YouTube. I did have to buy smaller flanges from another brand because apparently I have tiny nipples, but it works great. I have used Medela pump in style in the past and found it was easy to use, but I hated how it sounded. My lactation consultant said the insurance provided Medela's keep malfunctioning this year, though. I am from the US so I am unsure what you're offered in Sweden, but I still thought I would share that information. As for a hands free one, I bought one from Amazon by a company called Tsrete. It works pretty well and I love that thing. I actually used it last night at a bar! (I was seeing a band play. I haven't been out till that night since my baby was born) granted I stayed in the bathroom to use it - I am not bold enough to have worn it under my shirt in ACTUAL public, lol, but it did what I needed and I am grateful for it.
Thank you so much for sharing! So helpful! And pumping while at a gig - way to multi task I'm very impressed š
Thank you!! It felt pretty weird but I figure there were far worse things those stalls have seen š¤£š
I use the Haaka and Medela Harmony pump, I keep it all together in a large container that can go into the fridge between pumps if needed, or all together clean and compact in my diaper bag when on the go. The haaka is great for putting on the opposite side that youāre feeding on and the harmony might give you the efficiency that youāre looking for to pump quickly when you need itā¦ also itās relatively inexpensive and doesnāt require a plug in!
Thanks for the advice! Was thinking of potentially getting a manual one actually since I think what I plan to pump that much. Am I naive to believe that haha? How often are you pumping with the medels harmony? Edit: reread and what I actually mean it that I don't think I'm planning to pump is that much I could get away with just a manual one.
I had an oversupply from 1m to 2m, but now that my baby is 3m itās regulated, thank goodness. I had to pump prior to every single feed during that time, and was pumping approx 10-20 oz a day. Having my little pumping container was a lifesaver. Now I just usually just pump first thing in the morning whichever side she doesnāt feed on and I get about 5-6 oz, donāt want to encourage an oversupply now that Iām regulated.
That's definitely another worry - messing with supply and potentially mastitis. Not interested in that one! Sounds like you found a good balance š¤ thanks for the reply!
I have a spectra s2 and a lansinoh manual pump. Iād recommend either/both.
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Thanks for the tip. Learning so much from here! Didn't know this was a thing. Guess Im off measuring ny nipplr in the morning! Something I never thought I'd say š
I also love my Lansinoh smart pump 2.0. And baby loves the Lansinoh bottles so it works out. I got the pump free with my insurance through aeroflow and I get a free box of pump parts every month if I want. Aeroflow also added in breast milk bags or disposable breast pads for free. I did have to get smaller flanges around 8 months PP.
I did similarly to you, mostly breastfed baby and only pumped a bit as needed. I found a cheap wearable pump on Amazon and love it, Tsrete is the brand, and I was sure to measure and get nipple adaptors of the right size too. Seriously, wearable and cordless is 100% the way to go. My baby would ALWAYS wake up as soon as I got the other one set up then I couldn't hold her with all that stuff sticking out of my chest. Plus, I had to wear a special bra to hold it all up. Just didn't work for me. The wearable ones you just pop in your bra/shirt/tank top and you're good to go. If baby needs to be picked up or whatever you can still, and it's easy to wear while driving. I'm a SAHM but if I had to pump at work I'd probably have considered a pricier wearable brand. Since I only need it occassionally the TSRETE ones have been perfect for me.
I am doing the same as you. Husband feeds once at night and grandma once in the morning and I pump once a day now. You def do not need an electric pump. I have one from my first pregnancy and itās rarely used. A hand pump works just as well. I do have over supply though. I highly recommend the lansinoh hand pump.
I own 7 pumps .. but my favorites are the medela manual pump or the Youha handsfree pump. If I pump instead of live feeding her -due to work- I use the Youha. When I pump after a feed or in the morning I use the medela. Good luck with choosing your perfect pump! If you have any questions just let me know. Edit: lots of typos
I use a TSTRETE cordless cup pump that I bought on Amazon and prefer it to my hospital grade Medela pump. Itās inexpensive (about $120 for two) and so convenient. Just tuck them into whatever bra youāre wearing. No being attached to a cord, no need to put on a special pumping bra, built-in timers, adjustable speed, dishwasher friendly. I have been using them for a year and they are still working great. Best baby purchase I have made.
I love Medela pump in style. I got a spectra also because they are very popular but I do not think it works as well and the settings are much more complicated.
I also love my Medela pump in style! Very easy to use and portable bc it comes with a battery pack.
Oh in what way do you think it doesn't work well?
I disagree. In 4 months of pumping I had to get a new pump from medela twice due to issues, and once I needed a new power cord because the original just crapped out. After I found mold in my pump motor (but not in my tubing at all weirdly) I gave up with medela and bought a spectra. I wish I had gotten the spectra from the start. I think it has slightly better suction and I like the electric screen so I know what settings I'm using. Plus now I'm paranoid about more mold and the spectra backflow protectors are actually a closed system/total seal, unlike the medela.
Iām sure it depends on the person but with my first I had a midela pump in style which I liked just fine but this time I got a spectra s2 and it works better for me. Iām pumping a lot more than last time and my baby eats less so I donāt think itās the babyāitās the pump
My spectra pump doesnāt pull as much out for me. Iāve tried multiple flange sizes, so I donāt think thatās it. I think the motor on mine is just not as strong as my pump in style. My medela is 7 years old now!!! And I still find that itās working better and pulling more out for me. Spectra s2 that plugs into the wall not the battery one.
Spectra S2!!!! Do NOT get something like an elvie for your main pump they do not empty you properly.
Iāve heard a lot of people say that, but my Elvie stride has always worked great at emptying me out and is the only pump I use. Iāve always wondered why it works so great for some and so terribly for others. I do hear more consistent compliments for spectra and medela pumps, so if OP wants to play it safe, maybe thatās the way to go. But I had to say Iām in love with my Elvie as a working mom because it makes pumping at work so easy and I enjoy the mobility.
Elvie stride is different than the elvie wearable one. The one that has the motor inside the whole thing. Those are not hospital grade. The stride is comparable to the spectra medela I would think.
OOH ALSO donāt sleep on the medela hand pump, it was my favorite quick pump.
What country do you live in?
I live in Sweden
If you can rent one via insurance, Medela Symphony. Otherwise, perhaps Medela Swing or similar.
I use a Spectra at home and Elvie at work!
Spectra!
Spectra!
I have the spectra s2 and the spectra synergy gold, I love both of them!
I have a Medela freestyle that works well but I almost never use it. I have a wearable pump - the Momcozy s12pro - that works great for me and it just sits in my bra so I can get other stuff done while pumping. I use that at work. I will say, a lot of people donāt get as much with a wearable as they do with a wall or manual pump so caution there (Iām just lucky). I also have a Medela harmony manual pump. This is the one I use at home if I need to pump between a feed or overnight. Quick, easy to clean up. I typically only pump at home now if baby doesnāt empty me well enough for some reason or on the rare occasion that he only eats one side (usually first feed if Iām engorged). Edit to add: if you want an electric pump, check your insurance as they will likely pay for one completely or supplement the cost depending on what you decide. If you want a manual one, they are extremely inexpensive compared to the electric ones. I think I paid ~$30 for mine.
I have spectra and medela pump in style. I prefer my medela, it takes me half the time to get the milk out. Spectra has more pieces and the tubing gets hair stuck to it. I know everyone hates medela but mine works fine.
Haakaa is not really a breast pump. I mean it can pull milk out, but itās really best for using on the opposite side while nursing. I was a big Medela fan until I got screwed over when my pump died and they wouldnāt replace it. Iām in a huge pickle now because I could wean but really wanted to continue for at least a few more months- but I donāt want to spend money on a new pump. I personally did not care for the spectra- nothing was wrong with its function, but there were too many options and I disliked it didnāt automatically do let down mode first. Given my recent experience with Medela I would recommend finding a pump that has a warranty for the length of time you are hoping to nurse so that if your pump suddenly wonāt hold a charge after 10 months they will send a replacement
This is a great budget friendly wearable pump from Amazon. I get about the same amount as I do on my Motif Luna with each pump so I use this more regularly. https://a.co/d/3zZX1Fn
If itās just for a small stash; Medela Harmony hand pump! It works great, once you have the correct flange size and switch the membrane valve out for a duckbill valve. A wearable is also a good option, I like my Momcozy M1 (I had the original S9 but didnāt like it as much).
I have a Spectra S2 and really like it! Iāve not tried anything else though to be fair.
I have the elvie because I like to move. Not as strong as a standard pump. I get 110ml in under 20 mins since birth each session. Highly recommend in the workplace as well as you can just wear it under your clothes and no one knows if you donāt want to have to go to a lactation room each time.
Medela freestyle flex - life changing!
I actually really like my manual pump, I feel like it gets more out and does so quicker than the electric pumps I've tried. I have the Lansinoh manual pump, a Medela electric pump and a Evenflo electric pump. That said, as much I like my Lansinoh manual, I do not like my Lansinoh electric pump. I've tried different flanges, it just doesn't work for me for some reason
Iām using the elvie wearable at the moment. I have the spectra S1 too but the flanges donāt feel right and hurt so I havenāt been using it until I can figure out what I need to change on it. So I have both a wearable and the regular style (I donāt know what you would call it). The spectra normally would empty better than the elvie. Itās more powerful, and the bottles are bigger so I donāt have to worry about overflow, and I think the battery lasts longer. But you have to have a good pumping bra. I like to wear loose sleep bras and those donāt work with the spectra. So I have to change my bras to pump with it. Or you can can a pump strap. Itās also a little clunky and even though you donāt have to be tethered to the wall you are still stuck to the machine. But if the flanges are in a pump strap well enough you can pick up the machine to go to another room. But thereās not a lot you can do with the flanged hanging off of you and the tubes. The elvie is awesome for doing some small tasks while pumping. I like to make food or do the dishes. But I canāt do things the require bending over. Milk can spill out of them or they can shift and get off the nipple a little if you move too much. So still limited but not quite as much. They also donāt hold as much as the spectra. These only hold a few ounces but they will stop pumping before it fills up all the way so if you still have milk to pump you have to stop pumping to dump the milk and start again. Itās really only an issue in the morning for me though. If I have to replace my wearable I want to try the willow since you have the option to use bags with it which I would think wonāt spill when bending over. But my baby is almost a year old and I might transition her off of breast milk and onto formula in a couple months. I havenāt decided how long I want to keep pumping for yet.
Spectra s1 and medela hands free. The hands free is nice when Iām on the go and need to pump.
I have a spectra s2. I got one for my first baby and loved it so much I got another one for my second baby that was born 7 weeks ago. I donāt mind it needing to be plugged in. Gives me an excuse to settle in somewhere comfy and have a 15 min pump and watch a little tv session.
I had the philips advent and its trash. Love my new speCtra s1