Spectra - S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump for Baby Feeding - Convenient Breast Feeding Support

This is one of the two best purchases I have made as a new first-time mom (the other is the Snuza Portable Baby Movement Monitor)!Here is some background about me: I am an exclusive pumper. I hemorrhaged very badly after the birth of my son, and my milk supply was extremely late coming in and extremely low due to the large blood loss. My son is a large baby (he weighed 10 pounds 1 ounce at birth and 15.5 pounds at 8 weeks), and he started to have difficulty due to so little milk. He became dehydrated and began losing weight very quickly. At 4 days old, I began supplementing with formula using a SNS at first and then a bottle. He wouldn't stay latched long enough (even with the SNS) to empty my breasts and tell my body to make more milk. Working with a lactation consultant, I decided to make the switch to exclusive pumping when my son was 3 weeks old. I began renting a Medela Symphony for the first 3.5 weeks. It did help my milk supply increase some (I went from 4-5mL every 2 hours to .5 ounces), but I found it painful to use even on the lowest suction. It also was very heavy and not portable - it was difficult even to move it from room to room. It was also pretty loud, although my son found the white noise it created to be soothing and it did not seem to bother him. I knew I had to purchase a pump since I would be going back to work eventually. After many hours of research and comparing different pumps, I took the leap of faith and bought this pump. (I was leery because there were so few reviews and very little information available about this pump and brand in the U.S.)Once I decided to purchase a Spectra pump, I was undecided about whether to get the S1 or the S2. I didn't know if I could justify spending over $100 more for the battery option. I am glad I spent the extra money on the S1 since this is something I use at least 6 times every day. The battery option is definitely convenient, and I use it often. However, I wouldn't consider it a necessity for me, but that's just my opinion based on my individual situation!I could not be happier with my decision! Not only does this pump empty my breasts better than the Medela Symphony, it is also MUCH less painful, even on the highest suction setting. My son is now 13 weeks old, and I've been using this pump for 2 months. My milk supply is still not enough to stop supplementing, but it has increased from .5 ounces every 2-3 hours to 2.5-3 ounces. (I am also taking Fenugreek, but I have been taking it since my son was one week old. In addition, I realize this increase is likely in part due to my blood supply increasing.)This pump is quiet enough that I can pump in the middle of the night while in bed with my husband beside me and my son in the co-sleeper next to me and it never wakes or even disturbs either of them. It is also VERY portable and lightweight, especially for being a hospital grade pump. I started back to work this week, and I can pump several times a day in my office and no one is bothered or even knows I am pumping. I did not think the nightlight was important or a feature I would care about, but I use it every night and have found it to be very convenient for pumping in the dark without disturbing anyone.If you are wondering (like I did) if this pump is too good to be true, wonder no longer! This pump meets and exceeds all of my needs and expectations as an exclusive pumper! I would highly recommend it to anyone.Note: I also purchased two of the Spectra Baby USA Silicone Massagers and I would not recommend these. Not only did they do nothing for my milk supply, but they were extremely uncomfortable and even painful at times. I used them twice and that was it. They are unnecessary as this pump functions great without them!

My 3rd child is now 7 months old, so I feel I can truly review the spectra s1 now that I have been exclusively pumping this long. I have tried several pumps over 3 babies, including a hospital grade ameda, ameda purely yours (run from this one), medela symphony, medela pisa and finally the spectra. This is easily THE best pump out there. It is an incredible pump and a value for the price.If you are having any doubts, don't. It's superior. First, it is so quiet, like a purr! You can pump in bed and not disturb hubby or nearby baby. Second, the built in timer and digital display are helpful with keeping track of time as well as learning which settings you prefer. There is a built in 2 setting nightlight, which again, is helpful if you pump bedside in the dark.What I love most however is how comfortable it is! It doesn't hurt at all even though you can adjust the suction to be pretty intense if you want. All the other pumps have been painful or at least left me with sore nipples (especially the pisa.... ouch!).It's an extremely smooth and gentle pump and with it I have a decent oversupply. I had an undersupply with both ameda pumps my first baby. This time I have donated 1000 ounces and still have a freezer stash.The s1 is rechargeable and has a convenient handle so you can walk around while pumping and don't need to be stuck by an outlet.... i often pump while doing hair and makeup to save time. This also means you can pump in the car without needing an adaptor.The only con is the availability and price of spectra parts.... but... you can hack your medela parts with stuff from amazon to use so if you are like me, you won't even have to buy new parts!It does take a bit of trying out settings to find what you like best. For reference, I have super sensitive nipples so for me, I use 70 and 3 or 4 for about a minute until I have letdown. Then I switch to 46 and 5 or 50 and 4 until I am empty. Several others I know use much stronger settings though but this is what works best for me.I think that's it. It's a truly well made, quality pump and the price is excellent for what you are getting! I can't see why anyone would regret going with the spectra.