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A rising star in the pumping market, the Spectra S1 Breast Pump has many exceptional features.

SAFETY + HYGIENE | Backflow Hygienic Protectors

Spectra is the new kid on the block when it comes to breast pumps, and they aren’t here to disappoint. The Spectra breast pump sisters (the Spectra S1 and the Spectra S2) are hospital grade breast pumps and are rating higher than many (very expensive) hospital grade pumps on the market at a fraction of the price. They’ve only been on the market since 2013, but they go the extra mile to ensure that their pumps are safe and easy to use for you and your baby.

The Spectra S1 Breast Pump is a hospital grade pump. This means that it has a closed system and has a physical barrier between the milk and the pump. A closed system ensures proper hygiene and motor performance. The S1 has backflow hygienic protectors that help protect the breast milk and baby from bacteria, mold, and viruses while pumping. It also prevents condensation from building up in the tubing, which is a problem with other pumps on the market.

Spectra goes the extra mile to ensure that their pumps are safe for your baby.

All Spectra S1 Breast Pump parts are made with BPA-free plastic. The pump parts included in this package are easy to take apart and clean, so you won’t be spending a huge amount of time cleaning and assembling parts. They’re also easy to find and buy over the internet, which makes replacing them a breeze.

Spectra S1 Breast Pump Review Parts

COMFORT | Gentle But Powerful Suction

Comfort in breast pumps is hard to find, but the Spectra S1 Breast Pump doesn’t lack in this category. It’s an extremely comfortable pump. Most moms state that the S1 creates more of a gentle pulling sensation instead of the rough tugging like other pumps. A huge factor to consider when pumping is choosing the correct flange size. Although the Spectra pumps come with two 24mm flanges, finding the correct size is vital to not only comfort while pumping, but also to preventing engorgement, nipple soreness, and mastitis.

The ability of the Spectra S1 Breast Pump to adjust suction settings makes for a comfortable experience. Settings are customizable to your own body’s response and milk flow using touch buttons on the blue interface. In addition, the memory button allows users to go directly to their most comfortable pump settings, both in the Letdown Mode and in the normal pump settings.

A very important point to mention with this pump is that it was made to be a “hands-free” pump. In order to be hands-free, it’s important to find a good hands-free pumping bra that keeps the breast shields in place during pumping sessions. Otherwise, you’ll be left constantly holding pumping parts to your chest which can get frustrating very quickly and won’t be able to be mobile with this pump.

One hands-free option is the Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping Bra. Another great option that many moms have done is to make your own pumping bra at home by cutting holes in an old sports bra that you are able to fit the breast shields through. Either way, a hands-free bra is a must for your milk’s safety and your comfort!

Spectra S1 Breast Pump Review Simple Wishes Hands Free Breastpump Bra

Simple Wishes Hands-Free Breastpump Bra

EASE OF USE | Awesome Performance Features

Size

The size of the Spectra S1 Breast Pump is perfect for transporting and for portable pumping. It only weighs 4 pounds, and easily clips onto your pants when you want to walk around and pump. There’s even a nifty handle on the top of the pump that makes it easy to carry around when you’re on the go. One mom said she made a necklace out of the pump and carried it around her neck.

Spectra S1 Breast Pump Review Size

Its small size also makes the Spectra S1 Breast Pump easy to fit into a small bag, along with the pumping accessories that come with it. No matter how you carry it around, it’s the perfect size for carrying around the home and isn’t bulky or heavy.

Performance

Performance is the category where the Spectra S1 Breast Pump delivers. There are many fun and useful features included with this double electric pump that makes pumping so much easier. Besides being super comfortable, the S1 has a night light, timer, memory feature, rechargeable battery for portable pumping, and two modes to promote natural nursing rhythms of your baby.

There are many fun and useful features included with this double electric pump that makes pumping so much easier.

An invaluable feature that comes with the Spectra S1 Breast Pump is the two modes that promote the natural nursing rhythms of your baby. It starts off in “massage mode” which is a short, shallow mode designed to stimulate your body’s let-down reflex. The pump will then automatically switch to expression mode which is a deeper and slower pattern of suction, mimicking your baby’s nursing once milk starts flowing. Using the pump’s digital controls and buttons, users are able to switch back and forth as needed. Suction is also adjustable whether you are in let-down or expression mode.

The S1 has a blue cover, night light, and digital display with adjustable settings

The S1 has a blue cover, night light, and digital display with adjustable settings

The night light is a two-level nightlight and a motor that is extremely quiet. These features are great for those nighttime pumping sessions and with ensure your loved ones stay sleeping. Adding to the features are the built-in timer and memory settings. The timer allows users to keep track of the amount of time spent pumping each session, helping to get the most milk in the best amount of time for your body. The memory feature remembers what your last settings were and automatically flips to your last “normal” and “massage” settings.

Adding to the features are the built-in timer and memory settings.

The last, and most important, feature of the Spectra S1 Breast Pump is the inbuilt rechargeable battery. This allows for portable pumping around the house or at the office. A belt clip is included, making it easy to hook onto your pants. One mom strung ribbon through the top handle of the S1 and made it a portable pumping necklace! And, unlike some other pumps, the battery option doesn’t cause the suction or power to diminish. It works just as good as if it were plugged into the wall. The battery lasts for up to 1 hour, but many moms state that they are able to get about 3 to 4 pumps out of the battery. However, the battery will drain faster if using the nightlight feature while pumping.

PRICE + DURABILITY | Great Price for Hospital Grade Pump

Durability

The durability of the Spectra S1 Breast Pump is pretty standard compared to other breast pumps on the market. However, it’s sleek and compact design makes it easy for transport, and the handle on the top makes it easy to carry around, making it less likely for it to be dropped. A strong motor delivers powerful but gentle suction. Sometimes, the more features that come with a piece of baby gear make it more likely to malfunction, but this hasn’t been the case with the S1. This pump is made for everyday, heavy use.

This pump is made for everyday, heavy use.

Spectra S1 Breast Pump Review

Price

Price for the Spectra S1 Breast Pump is outstanding for a hospital grade pump, not to mention all of the included accessories that come with it. This package includes the S1 Pump, bottles with caps, 24mm breast shields, tubing, and a cable to charge the pump. This gives you everything you need to get started pumping right out of the box.

This package includes the S1 Pump, bottles with caps, breast shields, tubing, and a cable to charge the pump.

A great option with this pump, because it is a closed system, is to resell it once finished with use. This is totally safe because there is no risk of cross-contamination between users. The only thing a new user would need is a new set of pumping parts. To some moms, this makes the price much more reasonable, especially because there’s a chance to get some of your money back.

Spectra S1 Breast Pump Review Accessories

Parts included in the box

PROS

  • All parts included to start pumping right away
  • Two modes help promote natural nursing rhythms
  • Portable breast pump with rechargeable battery
  • Memory settings, timer, and night light included
  • Hospital grade pump promotes optimal hygiene

CONS

  • Battery lasts up to one hour

THE BOTTOM LINE | Perfect for Heavy Use

This pump is absolutely meant for the everyday or frequent pumper. It’s very comparable to the Medela Symphony Breast Pump in comfort and efficiency but is a small fraction of the price. It has everything you need to get started pumping right away and is durable enough for heavy daily use. This double, hospital grade breast pump also has some of the best features that a breast pump can have. The Spectra S1 Breast Pump has a night light, timer, memory feature, rechargeable battery for portable pumping, and two modes to promote natural nursing rhythms.

The S1 comes with a rechargeable battery, making this the perfect pump to use on-the-go. However, the battery life only lasts up to one hour which means that this pump might need to be charged frequently. This downside doesn’t subtract from the fact that the S1 is a sturdy, economical, and feature packed breast pump that could make any mom happy. Even though Medela dominates the market when it comes to breast pumps, the Spectra S1 Breast Pump is a rising star and an awesome choice for any mom looking to pump for her baby.