Join us for a prenatal workshop offered April 27!

Selecting a Breast Pump

As lactation consultants, we talk to moms about their pumping experiences and hear the pros and cons they encounter with various brands of breast pumps. We consistently hear the best feedback about Spectra pumps with Motif Luna as the closest runner up. Sometimes brands that have been around the longest, like Medela, have not kept up with the latest technology and have actually downgraded the quality of their pumps over the years. Features we consider most important are:

2 year warranty (especially if working full time)
Quiet motor (<45 decibels) so you can pump while on phone calls or at night without others noticing
Hospital strength motor (250+ mmHg)
Closed system
Separate controls for suction speed/cycle and suction strength/vacuum

Additional nice but not necessary features:

Built in rechargeable battery
Built in nightlight
Built in timer

In a prenatal consult or lactation consult, we can also help moms discern if a non-conventional pump might be the right fit for them. For example, the Momcozy M9 is an in-bra breast pump that is popular with mothers who anticipate having a difficult time fitting in pump sessions. Wearable breast pumps do not typically work as well as standard breast pumps but can be a great compliment to a standard pump when discreet, on the go pumping is necessary.

How to Order a Pump

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, most women are able to get a free breast pump through their health insurance with the birth of each baby. We recommend going through Edgepark to order an insurance covered breast pump during your third trimester of pregnancy. If your insurance does not cover a breast pump or you would like to purchase an additional pump, you can purchase through us or other retailers like Amazon or Target. We keep our prices competitive and below retail value, and you can use your Health Savings Account if desired to purchase breast pumps, parts and accessories. Pump and pump parts not subject to retail sales tax in NC.

Spectra Breast Pump Comparisons

The Spectra S1 pump is recognized by its blue face. Its standout feature is the built-in rechargeable battery. It can run off its battery for 3 or more hours of use (that's a least a full workday of pump sessions!) and can also be used while plugged in. It has a 2 year warranty and is ideal for moms who are working full time, pump exclusively or have twins. Because of its portability it's easy to walk around pumping, pump in the car or pump wherever an outlet is not accessible. With this pump you are able to separately change the speed/cycle and the vacuum, which operates at a hospital-grade level. All Spectra pumps utilize a gentle pull and slow release rhythm that moms report feels more comfortable. Its is a closed system pump so the tubing never needs to be cleaned. It comes with 24mm and 28mm flanges, nightlight, and timer. Amazon has it for $264.* Typically there is an upgrade fee for this pump if ordered through insurance.

*Pricing as of October 2024 and subject to change.

The Spectra S2 pump is recognized by its pink face. It has all the same features as the S1 including the hospital strength motor with two year warranty, separate cycle and vacuum settings, nightlight, timer, closed system, and 24mm and 28mm flanges but it does not have a rechargeable battery. Because of this, you'll need to stay connected to an outlet during use or purchase a car adapter plug for pumping on the go. We offer it for $150 or Amazon has it for $139.* Typically this pump is fully covered by insurance if ordered through Edgepark or another durable medical goods supplier.

*Not including tax. Pricing as of October 2024 and subject to change.

The Spectra 9 Plus pump is about the size of your hand and very lightweight. After charging it can run on its built-in rechargeable battery for about two hours of use. Although it does not have a hospital grade motor, it offers plenty of adjustable vacuum for most purposes. Its perfect for occasional pumpers such as stay-at-home moms who primarily feed at breast, or as a secondary pump used for travel and when out and about. We offer it for $125 or Target has it for $185.* Typically this pump is fully covered by insurance if ordered through Edgepark or another durable medical goods supplier.

*Not including tax. Pricing as of October 2024 but subject to change.

How to Assemble & Use a Spectra Pump

Tips for Spectra Pump Settings: After powering on your pump, click the "wave" button which initiates a light, fast cycle to help get milk flowing. Set the vacuum to level 3. After 3 minutes or when let down (milk sprays) occur, turn the let down mode off by again pushing the "wave" button. In the standard pump mode, we recommend setting your cycle speed at 54 and vacuum between 4-8 (maximum comfortable). Anytime your milk flow stops you can toggle back to let down mode by hitting the wave button to encourage another let down. For more suggestions, please see Top 5 Pumping Tips.

Mamas in the north Charlotte and Lake Norman area, we encourage you to setup a home visit so we can help you address these issues. If you are out of our travel area, you can setup a virtual consult with us or google "lactation consultant near me" to find local help.