You’ve heard from all your breast pumping friends about how great the Spectra S1 is. But you aren’t sure you want to drop that much cash on a breast pump. What makes the S1 worth all that extra money?
We’ve put together a handy guide to let you know all the pros, cons and features of this breast pump.
So if you’re trying to figure out if the S1 will be the greatest breast pump you’ll ever use or an epic waste of cash, read this Spectra S1 Breast Pump Review.
Product Overview
The Spectra USA S1 double electric breast pump comes in a color combination of blue and white.
In addition to the pump, you’ll also get a lot of extras including:
- Four 6-ounce large-neck bottles with no nipples.
- Two suction tubes and other pump connecting accessories.
- Two medium-sized flanges.
- One bottle tote.
- One carry tote breast pump bag.
- One power adapter.
Pros
- It’s built with a quiet motor so it’s discreet to use, even in public.
- Closed system means you don’t need to clean out the delicate tubing.
- Can increase a mom’s milk supply by fully emptying the breasts during pumping sessions.
Cons
- The Spectra S1 may be a little more money than some moms will want to spend on a breast pump.
- It only comes with one size of breast flanges, but you can order other sizes.
Key Features and Benefits
The S1 is a hospital-grade pump
Hospital-grade pumps don’t mess around – they extract milk quickly and efficiently with as little discomfort as possible. That’s a great thing for moms who are worried about their milk supply suffering from inadequate drainage.
This pump has a rechargeable battery
Rechargeable batteries rock, because you won’t have to spend additional money to keep replacing them. When the batteries are fully charged, you can get an hour of use, which means you’ll be able to pump two or three times before worrying that the juice has been drained from the batteries.
Closed systems make moms feel better in terms of safety
Nobody likes the idea of unintentionally serving their baby a bottle full of bacteria or mold along with their breast milk. Closed systems help avoid that scenario, plus they are generally easier and quicker to clean than open systems.
This unit is extremely portable
New moms enjoy the occasional getaway, even spontaneously. Packing up this unit will be a cinch. It’s easy to assemble, and with its rechargeable battery, you’ll never worry about where the nearest outlet is.
The timer will let you know how long you’ve been pumping
If you know your pumping sessions usually take about 15 minutes before you begin tapping a dry well, you can use the timer to keep track instead of peeking into the bottle to see how much flow you still have.
The handy nightlight lets you see what you are doing without blinding you at midnight
As a new mom, you’ll go from your former nightlife to needing a nightlight. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll appreciate this little feature.
When you’re pumping in the middle of the night, you want to find a way to get back to sleep as quickly as possible when your expressing duties are done.
Leaving the lights off helps you nod back off as soon as you store that precious breastmilk in the refrigerator.
The pump will allow you some quiet time
Loud pumps are distracting, both in the workplace and at home. Sometimes you just want a break from the everyday noise. Some breast pumps rob you of that. They are loud, and can be quite stressful, especially at work or at night.
The S1 is one of the quieter pumps on the market. While you’re using it, you won’t be wishing it had a volume control.
How Does It Compare?
This is how the Spectra S1 compares against its competitors:
Medela Freestyle
Moms who want a widely-sold brand for when they need to order replacement parts might want to go with the Medela Freestyle pump. The Freestyle is one of the most popular pumps on the market and you’ll easily be able to find and buy replacement parts or accessories when you need them.
Philips AVENT
Moms who want to receive a lot of accessories with their pump for a lower price point might want to consider the Philips AVENT double electric pump. You’ll get the pump, two breast cushions, two 4-ounce bottles, two nipples, two sealing disks, and a travel bag.
The First Years Quiet Expressions
Moms who only plan to pump once or twice a day may want to go with Tomy The First Years Quiet Expressions pump. It only costs a fraction of the amount the Spectra S1 does, and with less frequent pumping sessions, it will do the job and save you some money in the process.
Ameda Purely Yours Ultra
If the ability to pump in the car is important to you, you may want to check out the Ameda Purely Yours Ultra which can run off a car adapter.
Who Should Buy This Pump?
Moms who are looking for a top-quality breast pump, that has excellent pumping power and is built to last will want to consider investing in the Spectra S1. While it is more expensive than some other pumps, if your medical insurance is willing to fit the bill, we would say go for it.
It’s powerful, quiet, and built to last. This pump gives moms one more tool in their quest to successfully breastfeed their babies.
