Spectra Breast Pump review

This hospital-grade electric breast pump is simple and easy to use, plus it is both lightweight and extremely quiet, ideal for pumping near to your sleeping baby. The Spectra S1 breast pump is one of the best breast pumps for using both at home and away because it is easily portable and quickly recharges.

The Spectra breast pump has adjustable suction levels, including a 'massage mode' which simulates the natural suckling of your little one, and a letdown mode. The different suction levels are great to support you finding the best program to suit your body as well as providing a more natural flow of milk. With a closed system, it prevents the backflow of milk making it safe and hygienic.

Additional features include a built-in nightlight and timer, as well as a 30-minute auto power-off and a bottle holder at the back. It is a great breast pump for nighttime pumping. The accessories include two breast shields to allow for double pumping, all of which are BPA-free and slow-flow teats suitable for feeding your newborn.

Testing the Spectra Breast Pump

Reviewers really enjoyed how easy it was to set up this breast pump and said they could get started straight away, as well as mentioning it was easy to clean. One reviewer commented, "it is very easy to use. There's no complicated instructions or procedures for use. When assembled and switched on you can start pumping in seconds." She added, "the cup, bottle and valves are all plastic and can be stripped down easily for easy sanitising and even a 3am pump is not too complicated to reassemble."

Reviewers are delighted with how much milk they can pump using the Spectra. "This one was the first one I felt comfortable when I was using it. It didn’t pinch or pull and I was actually stimulated and let milk down. I struggle with milk supply and this was a great tool to help me increase it in between feeds, " says mum, Toni. She adds that, "this really helps to stimulate your milk. I’ve found a double pump is so much better as you’re not missing any let down." Caroline, a new mum, has found the Spectra extremely efficient: "I’m only on day 7 of breast feeding/ pumping for 10mins after on each breast - and already I've built up a milk supply in the fridge thanks to this."

The Spectra S1 has lots of great features, but one that stands out is the nightlight. "It has a light on it which is just enough to see what you're doing without the harsh light from a phone or torch. Would recommend," says Jessica, one mum tester. Another mum also recommended the nightlight feature saying, "I wasn't expecting to use this feature, but when I went through a phase of feeding the little one just one side in the night, I found I needed to express on the other side because it was full to the brim. Expressing by nightlight meant that I didn't have to turn the room lights on to operate the pump, which helped prevent me from waking up too much to go back to sleep quickly once done." In fact, Jade, goes as far as to say, "the night light has been a life saver for middle of the night feeds!"

Mums also enjoyed how quiet this breast pump was, especially for pumping at night. "An added bonus was the noise was soothing for the babies as well. They got so used to it, it was like white noise for them," says Toni, while, another mum, said, "the noise during operation doesn't bother us at all - we think it is quiet enough!"

Many mums were pleased with the performance of this breast pump, which is supposed to be hospital grade and some even said it was better than the ones they used while in hospital. Katie, a mum of twins, was very impressed with the performance of the Spectra S1. "I was using a hospital-grade pump, but I needed my own pump for at home. I came across the Spectra, and bought it a couple months ago. It works very well if not better than the hospital-grade pump for me. I've managed to express milk for my twins and was able to keep a freezer stash." Leah also preferred the Spectra breast pump to the one she used in hospital. "While in hospital I was given the hospital pump, the Medela Symphony which is obviously a professional grade pump so I thought this pump could never compare but I was pleasantly surprised and would say I actually found it more comfortable."

One feature which divided mums slightly was how portable the breast pump is. The majority of reviewers agreed that the battery life is excellent. One mum raved about the battery life saying: "Fantastic! I can use this for three days without recharging, if I'm expressing 2-3 times a day, with each session lasting 20-25min." Debbie was also pleased with the battery life. "The battery lasts in excess of 3 hours. I pump 3 times a day and because it’s such a quick pump, the battery lasts long enough to pump electricity free for a week." However, when discussing portability some mums thought it was a bit bulky. One dad, Timothy, said: "The only bad thing we can say is that it is a little louder than the Elvie and also not as portable if that is what you're after." Another mum tester agreed that the "only downfall is it's not as portable as they lead you to believe. A wearable double pumping bra is a must for this."

Spectra Breast Pump final thoughts

Overall, the Spectra breast pump is very popular with the majority of mum testers. Some said they preferred it to wearable breast pumps for the suction levels, despite it not being as portable or discreet. Advertised as hospital grade, it is appealing to lots of mum and most agreed that it was as good, or better, than the breast pumps they used in hospital, especially for comfort.

Although some mums did find it bulky to move around with, it is still portable and a popular feature is the great battery life. It can be plugged into the mains but many reviewers found this was not necessary because the battery lasts long enough to pump daily between charging. Another benefit is that it is great to use for pumping at night, not just because it is portable, but also due to the nightlight which many mums really liked, as well as being impressed with how quiet it is because the Spectra breast pump can be used next to a sleeping baby without disturbing them.

Most reviewers were impressed with the amount of milk they produced while using the Spectra S1 breast pump. Mum, Jessica, called it a "game changer", enthusiastically reviewing the pump by saying, "this pump is amazing. I'm getting way more milk off since switching from a wearable one. It doesn't need to be plugged into the mains, so I charge it in the day and use the battery overnight." Finally, another mum, Debbie, couldn't be happier with the Spectra. "I debated for a long time which breast pump to buy. I needed a pump that was quick, effective and that would be rechargeable for travel and work. The Spectra S1 does not disappoint on any of these counts."

FAQs

Do I really need a hospital-grade pump?

A hospital-grade pump generally provides stronger suction, and has a more powerful motor. It can be useful in the early days as you establish your milk supply and might produce more milk. It is up to you and your personal needs as to whether a hospital-grade pump is necessary.

Can you double pump on the Spectra breast pump?

Yes! The Spectra S1 gives mums the option of both single and double breast pumping. The pump includes everything you need if you want to double pump.

Is the Spectra breast pump worth the money?

The Spectra breast pump is quite pricey and there are certainly cheaper alternative electric breast pumps on the market, as well as manual breast pumps. However, it is a reliable breast pump which has efficient and adjustable suction levels, is lightweight, extremely quiet and it's portable. It is cheaper than other hospital-grade breast pumps and has some great features like a rechargeable battery and night light. A lot of mums who reviewed the product were pleased with their choice and also commented that is was very durable.

Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting, she is particularly interested in the toddler years and eco-friendly baby products, as well as children’s literature. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and has published short stories in the UK and Ireland, as well as previously writing freelance for her local paper.