Breast pumping advice. I am mainly considering either the Spectra s1 or s2, but would also welcome advice about the Elvie. ).

[Satlie2019]

Hi,
I am looking at a breast pump to have one ready for when our baby arrives. I really only intend to pump once a day at night (so my husband can bottle feed one bottle) and maybe at one another time so I can build up a stash of frozen milk for emergencies. However, I have a few friends who have really struggled with breastfeeding due to latching on issues and ended up exclusively pumping, so I am prepared that I may end up pumping more than I plan.

My friends have mostly recommended me the Medella pumps, but they seem excessively expensive (I would want a double) and I want a closed system pump really. I have also been recommended the Nuby pump (but I read a few reviews about it leaking). The other pump that a friend has raved about is the Elvie pump. However again it is very expensive and although the portability would be nice, I think having an efficient pump is more important to me. I am not sure how efficient the Elvie would be or if it is worth the expense if I am only pumping once or twice a day (probably sitting down).

The pump that seems almost too good to be true to me is the Spectra s1 or s2 pump. I would probably go for S1. I know it is more expensive, but I imagine the battery function may come in handy and it is still so much cheaper than the Medella.

The one thing I have read is that some people find it a bit uncomfortable, but then I imagine this is the case with most pumps. However, I don't want it to make breastfeeding harder if it hurts my nipples.

Anyway, I wondered if anyone had any advice about the Spectra s1 or s2 pumps (especially around the discomfort issue)? Also for anyone with an Elvie do you think it is worth the money and is its milk yield far less than you would get with a conventional electric pump?

Thank you

I love my Spectra S1 - after issues with breastfeeding I now pump and top up with formula. You can adjust the cycle and vacuum rate to reduce discomfort and I found it far less painful than directly attempting (and failing) to feed! The only thing I find awkward is holding both pumps in place for a double session, so I’ve bought a pumping bra to attempt making it hands free.

@siddons1 thank you for the information, really helpful. I may look I to a pumping bra!

A quick update - the pumping bra is great! It's been really useful whether single or double pumping, and means I can hold my DD while expressing which has made both of us much happier. I ordered the LOVELYBOBO two pack on Amazon for £23.99 but there were tons of options.

I had fairly sore boobs the other day and took the settings right down on the Spectra and was able to keep pumping frequently, to reiterate the flexibility there. Hope you find what suits you!

The Elvie is incredible, I couldn't recommend it more and wish it had been around with my first child. Lots to be had second hand if you look around. I used mine during the second act of Hamilton in the west end and no one knew! Just brilliant.

Sorry to hijack your thread @Satlie2019 but @GlamGloria could you give me some Elvie tips? I can’t get along with mine , find it so temperamental. Get barely any milk from it and what I do get seems to leak.

@NWnature it took a bit of getting used to getting the nipple in at the right angle, just keep trying... I used to do it from the bottom of my boob up, does that make sense?

@NWnature no worries, hope you get yoir pump sorted.
@siddons1 thank you for the advice about pumping bras. Much appreciated. I will look into it :-) hope your soreness has resolved.

@GlamGloria I think I see what you mean. Argh will try and persevere. It’s driving me up the wall! I can’t get the suction right either it’s either literally pulling my nipple off or doesn’t seem to make a seal at all. Perhaps I need to get keep trying different positions etc . How long is a usual pumping session for you and how much did you manage to get ? Thanks so much for the speedy response by the way