Introduction
Pumping is sometimes an unexpected part of your breastfeeding journey. If your baby is not transferring enough milk during breastfeeding or struggling with delayed or low milk supply, it’s critical you are using an effective breast pump for milk removal.
The spectra pump is generally a highly effective pump but it is not intuitive!
Getting Started with the Spectra Pump
Step 1: Push the power button.
Step 2: Immediately push the waves (or "bacon") button to turn it to Cycle 70. Make sure your nipple is centered in the flange.
Step 3: Remain on Cycle 70 until you see the milk start flowing or spraying, or about 2 minutes, whichever comes first. Turn the vacuum suction level as high as is comfortable. Pumping should not be painful! I like to increase vacuum by 1 every 60-90 seconds. High vacuum doesn't necessarily mean more milk.
Step 4: Push the waves button again. In this mode, you can toggle between cycle 38 and cycle 54. I like to gradually decrease the cycles as you increase the vacuum but some people can stay on cycle 54 for the majority of pumping.
Step 5: Once the milk stops flowing, press the waves/"bacon" button again to get back to cylcle 70. Stay on Cycle 70 for 2 more minutes.
Step 6: Push the waves button to go back to the expression mode (cycles 38-54) for a couple more minutes.
Try to limit the entire pumping session to approximately 20 minutes
Experimenting with Pump Settings
-There isn’t a “prescribed” method to the spectra pump since each individual’s body responds differently.
Increase the vacuum level by 1 every 1-2 minutes. If it is painful, turn down the vacuum. Pumping should not be painful!
Make sure your nipple is centered in the flange
Make sure you are using the right flange. You want to see the nipple gliding through the flange, not aereola. This results in less milk output and nipple damage & pain.
Conclusion
- Everyone’s experience is different, so continue to experiment with cycles and vacuum for optimal results.
Spectra pump are available through your insurance. The S1 and S2 are identical except the pink one has to be plugged in to work.
It's important to experiement what works best for you while maintaining a sustainable pumping routine.
This is a guideline! Reach out to an IBCLC to help you meet your feeding goals.
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