How To Use Your Spectra Breast Pump: OBGYN and New Mom Shares Tips for Getting Started with Pumping

[@AnaLampWoman]

The spectra is by far the best pump! I’ve had the Medela as well and I hated that it didn’t have a overflow protector and it is so loud! The spectra is silent, it has that awesome night light for midnight pump sessions and it just works so well like you said! I wanted to add a couple more “hacks” I’ve figured out so hopefully they can help someone:) 1. When the tubing gets loose or cracks at the connection point, you can cut a little bit off it and it’s like brand new again (only a tiny bit shorter) 2. The spectra flange fits the advent glass baby bottles perfectly so I can pump straight into those for fast feeding or just to have a bigger bottle for when I pump a lot of milk 3. You can put a lansinoh breastmilk bag in an advent glass bottle and screw it right into the flange to pump directly into the storage bag, and straight into the freezer it goes. This also saves me from having to wash the bottle when I’m pumping to store. Hope this helps someone!

[@akosuakris]

God bless you thank you so much I will be doing this

[@tasegomeara]

Thank you!

[@magnoliarose5910]

Thank you!!!

[@preethyphilip4165]

Hi, thanks for this. Does it have to be a glass bottle for the Lansinov bag trick to work?

[@AnaLampWoman]

@@preethyphilip4165 I don’t think so, I would imagine that any TALL bottle that fits should work just fine, I have only tried it with the glass bottle though since that’s what I have 😁

[@christinewalthers9278]

Hi! Lactation consultant here and an RN in a busy Woman’s Hospital. I appreciate your time in providing this video. We have such a limited amount of time to spend with patients and when they are at the hospital they use our pumps. It’s great to have resources for them online as there are so many different pumps out there. We are very lucky to have a good lactation staff and excellent follow up care, but it would be SO helpful if our OB-gyn partners stressed the pre-birth breastfeeding education classes before moms give birth! The breastfeeding/pumping experience is much less stressful during an already stressful time in life, when our parents come to the hospital with some education about feeding their babies. It sets them up for success and reduces complications when they leave the hospital.

[@stefaniab2077]

Glad I’m looking into this now 3 months before my due date, because it is a mountain of information that I really didn’t expect it to be. I am guessing most new moms have the same thought I originally did.

[@esteph0812]

I SO WISH I took a breastfeeding class before giving birth! Friends told me they help you in the hospital how to latch baby/breastfeed. The first day was the WORST, baby had a shallow latch which resulted in painful "cuts" on nipples. Nurses would try to help and say it looks like baby has a good latch. Lactation consultant didn't come until the next day ( I didn't even know they had them). That day I waited for HOURS for the lactation consultant to come see me. She came said do skin to skin I'll be back to help. I think two hours went by before we asked the nurse if the lactation consultant was coming. She finally came and did help me with latching positions and such. Said baby didn't have tongue/lip tie, went on her way. I was so tired and trying to rest, feed baby, feed myself, that I didn't even think of looking up a KZbin video 😪 Next day nipples were still bad, another lactation consultant came game me more tips and tips to actually help with the nipple pain/irritation that the first lactation consultant didn't mention.... I went home that day and kept noticing how baby's latch still seemed shallow. Was also recovering through the pain. Pain eventually went away. We breastfed ok. I just had to hold my boob at all times. Now let me tell you, learning how to pump, use a pump, store milk, etc. while sleep deprived and caring for a newborn was my least favorite thing of all. 😮‍💨 I learned a bit and breastfed 99% of the time. I mostly wanted to pump to have milk stored when I went back to work (I'm 6 months pp and still not back lol) plus I wanted some extra in case I had to go somewhere without baby. Now at 1.5 months a friend recommends I see a lactation consultant group, because I tell her how my baby has so much reflux and spit up. Lactation consultant says baby has tongue and lip tie and that's probably part of it and the shallow latch. Well baby get her lip and tie released. And just learning about all that and the procedure, and recovery was a lot of stress. Just now things seem to be going good with breastfeeding and we have a rhythm. Well two weeks ago I get mastitis and a fever from it. Mastitis is gone but my milk supply on that boob is lower, now I'm working on getting it back to normal 😪 I think just knowing more about breastfeeding/pumping etc would have saved me so much stress. I would still encounter setbacks but I'd have been better prepared. I SAY TO ALL FUTURE MOMS, PLEASE TAKE A BREASTFEEDING CLASS AND WATCH LOTS OF VIDEOS AND READ A LOT BEFORE BABY ARRIVES!!!!

[@katecorrado8975]

I had a rough delivery and have a baby in the NICU and did not expect to need to figure all this out so damn fast. You are such a huge blessing to me!

[@SnehaShetty14]

Omg same here..bubs is 2 weeks old today, at NICU.. born prematurely in 27th week.. I wasn't ready at all...everything is just so overwhelming

[@Rhynae18]

​@@SnehaShetty14 girl same. My son was born 3 weeks ago at 29 weeks and the NICU life is already stressful - now throw in constant pumping with what seems like zero help - very very overwhelming. Hope your babe is doing well! ❤

[@teddysbabybear]

I used this one in 2019. If you pump on a somewhat higher suction, make sure to lower the suction before you turn it off or before you attach it to your breasts next time or it will feel like it's ripping your nipples off, since it remembers your last setting. That is my #1 tip lol. And a cost saving hack for tubes, if the tubing is starting to stretch, instead of replacing the tubes, you can cut off the tip that is stretched, like a quarter inch is good. I never had to purchase new tubing.

[@jeffwashington1174]

New dad since 7/7. Great video. Wife is starting pumping today❤

[@jenniferrosenbaum76]

Rewatching this again now that I’m transitioning from my Medela Symphony to my S1. As an Ob, I feel like I didn’t know anything about breastfeeding, much less pumping before I had a baby. Now I have so much more insight for my patients in the future. Thanks for the helpful video!

[@maggiedallam2880]

Amazing. I just started pumping for the first time today at 4 weeks PP and this video helped me figure out what I was doing wrong and now I am rockin and rolling! Thanks!

[@ktay785]

Already have the Spectra S1 at 31 weeks & you have taken a lot of the guess work out of navigating it which is extremely helpful as a first time mom! Thank you!

[@lashandaallenredmon2109]

Yesss 2 in 1 nursing/pumping bra is a lifesaver. I got mine from Target. About $15-$20 for one. So worth it! These are things I wished someone told me while nursing at the beginning!

[@christinalemar8595]

Which one do you use?

[@monkeybote]

Thank you for the comment about the wearable pumps! When I was in the hospital & had their Medela pump, I was producing so much more than when I came home and was using the Elvie. I thought something was wrong and my milk was drying up but turns out it was the pump! I used the Spectra once and I was back to my previous production. Thanks so much for your really informative video!

[@laurakowalchuk4779]

Thank you for all the great info! When I had my son in 2020, I was so clueless about breastfeeding and pumping. I went through 4 lactation consultants, but still struggled with low milk supply for 9 months until I gave up. Here's hoping for a better breastfeeding journey with baby#2 🙏

[@sincerelyscarlet]

I’m 38 weeks and my Spectra S1 is arriving any day now. This was so helpful! Thank you

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Hannah! You are so close to holding that sweet babe! Glad the video was helpful--a lot of learning as you go but hopefully this is a good starting point! Holler if you have any questions and sending you vibes for a smooth and safe labor!!

[@taylorewalters]

thank you so much for this! I'm due with baby #3 in October. I'm going to have the longest maternity leave I've ever had this time around, so I wanted to try exclusively pumping. it all feels a little intimidating, but this video really puts me at ease. I just ordered my Spectra, made a wishlist on Amazon for all the other goodies, & am watching SO many videos like this to do everything I can to feel the most prepared. THANK YOU.

[@beckp5456]

Start at the lowest suction, you can always increase it. You do not want to hurt yourself with too strong of a suction like I did. Giving birth and having a new baby is hard enough, dont make it harder on yourself

[@SydSquid856]

What did you do to heal after you hurt yourself? 😅

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Bull's Penis Bio Perine

[@zirifletcher]

Thank you. This is so clear and concise and practical. I'm 33weeks pregnant and trying to figure out all of this stuff.

[@Innessofficial]

I can relate girl! Months of research. There is a science behind EVERY baby product. ;)))

[@williambennett5476]

Thank you so much for this helpful video! My wife is 38 weeks pregnant and we are trying to sort out this whole pumping process! Can you kindly share the adapter for the lac teck flanges? I didn’t see it on the video description but perhaps I missed it?

[@Olivia.teacher]

I have a few questions: How do you know if you are emptying your breasts? How to clean the parts? Do you clean them everytime you pump? Which parts should we wash more often? Do we wash the tubes as well?

[@breahnawilliams9657]

Fantastic video! This is informative content. It didn't even cross my mind that I should be replacing parts of this pump throughout my breastfeeding/pumping journey! Thanks for covering all aspects one would need for the spectra pump.

[@NiurkaRodriguez]

Love the spectra 1 tried the wearables like Willow and never get the same output. Spent more time trouble shorting it then pumping. Spectra is my primary and wearable is backup when I have to be out. Do not listen to other KZbinrs who get paid to tell you how amazing a pump is. Stick to the basics and find what works for you. Having my second baby soon and going to give Elvie a try since I know my toddler is going to try to grab my tubs when using the spectra.

[@michellelee3266]

You were so right. I spent so much money on wearable pumps and they don't empty. I never used my spectra until I saw this video. It is really good.

[@katieodle7609]

Finally-a KZbin video that’s actually helpful!!

[@jadarenee5268]

i just watched your “what to pack for the hospital” video and i’d love to see a video where you explain or talk about what items you actually used and what items you might have forgotten if there was any:) I’m a new watcher and i already love your guys channel!

[@bekahrussell2241]

I was recently gifted the spectra! Thank you so much for sharing this video! I get to welcome my little girl to this world next week!

[@brittneyfleming8374]

Love my Spectra S1! Watching this while pumping with it, and wishing I had this video 5 months ago lol. It definitely took a lot of learning on the job though, even after reading the instructions thoroughly!

[@JudiHakim]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m 34 weeks and was super stressed out about figuring out how to pump. I got the S1 for free from insurance :)

[@catieq5270]

I’m 33 weeks and got the spectra s1 too. Any thoughts on it so far?

[@sharonb5812]

This is right on time! I'm ordering my breast pump before the end of the month. Thank you!!!

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Cheers! Definitely spring for one with a battery if you can (blue if you're doing spectra) so you aren't tied to the wall!!

[@evrydaykris]

That looked so much more complicated than I had ever imagined omg I'm going to go through all my stuff and figure out how they work well before time

[@nazanosmanoglu5688]

The lactation team at my hospital provided Medela to me and lent it for one week before my Spectra S2 breast pump arrived. So I had experience with both. Both of them work great. Recommended for all. Very easy to use and has great suction. No complain.

[@fafashafe]

Hi there, do you remember which Medela model you used in the hospital?

[@amethystjaded]

Do you have to sterilize all the bottles and parts that milk touches after each use or is washing with soap and hot water good enough? I’ve been sterilizing everything in microwave bags but it takes so long to wash, sterilize and dry

[@Rnbbbbrnbbbb]

I’ve also found the little plastic cap impossible to pull out once fully pushed in… until one day I accidentally found out that the metal part of its own charger (meaning the part that goes inside an electronic outlet) fits perfectly to dig out the cap🤣

[@Arilovesearth]

Can you do a video on breastfeeding and using a bottle? I’m planning to breastfeed but also want to use bottles.

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Adding it to our list! Thank you for the idea! We are gonna try to do some quicker videos to cover some of our video requests so keep your eye out for those coming in the coming weeks!

[@ShannaCarlson525]

I also would love to see a video like this.

[@markeisharobinson6437]

Yes please!! I think it’s called combination feeding. My husband and I are interested in this. I would love for him to be able to use milk in the freezer that I’ve pumped to give me a break lol. I do not see to many videos explaining this though

[@ControveryDisturber]

Just wanted to pop in and say that you really should look at the Doctor's Bjorkman's newer video about what to do about a clogged duct. Based on new research, as she relates, excessive suction and massaging is the opposite of what is needed for a clogged duct. You need: B - Breast rest A - Advil (Ibuprofen) I - Ice T - Tylenol or thereputuc ultrasound. If I remember the video correctly. Essentially, treat the clog as a sprained ankle or something. Rest it and try to reduce inflamation. The clog should resolve in about 24 hours with this method.

[@Aztec218]

Does the silicon flange have better, worse, or same suction as the regular hard plastic?

[@NatalieGrentzer]

I found out I may need to have my baby super early, possibly 3 months early, and have been trying to understand pumping in case and thus has been SO helpful ❤ one question I had though is if I should wash the tubing? I think you mentioned not needing to wash the back flow attachments each time, how often do you wash yours? Thank you so much for this amazing video ❤

[@ashleyspianoprogress1341]

This video is so helpful! Especially love the tips for hacking your spectra to make it more comfortable and easy to use!

[@tamigarbarino6036]

I got the Ameda mya joy and while I love that it’s portable, I’m kind of regretting not getting a spectra. My pump also has the hard flanges and the inserts for mine are just as hard 😢 I swear I’ve left milk behind on most of my pump sessions the first few weeks (not for lack of trying to empty) I’m hoping that investing in a different pump and power pumping and pumping more often will help me to up my supply to where it really should be. I’ve struggled with low supply and with baby latching so it’s been a challenging journey to say the least. Best of luck to all you mammas out there

[@paulacohen4923]

Also recommend getting a bag if you’re taking your pump to work. Such a headache to not have it in a bag that doesn’t fit everything.

[@sharrongilliam2794]

This video is such a life saver. They just gave me the pump and I've been trying to figure things out on my own. Definitely was using wrong.

[@unerevuese]

This video helped so much! I have been using my spectra a lot with great Results.

[@priscillacortes1151]

Thank you so much for this video. My hospital advised that I wait a month before pumping and now that I’m 4 weeks PP I had no idea where to start or how everything worked. You mention that you want to make sure you empty your milk, how do you know if you’ve emptied your supply for the day? I’ve been strictly nursing and using a Haaka on the opposite breast while nursing.

[@nicolepilgrim3142]

I have spectra s2 just started pumping with it about 2 days but I used the haaka for first 3 weeks I still use the haaka on one side and spectra on other I also use the kinde bottle system

[@hapi2009]

Thanks for this video! Can you also please do a video on how to store and freeze milk properly? Thanks!

[@IvesIrby]

Thanks for the forecast! A bit off-topic, but I wanted to ask: I have a SafePal wallet with USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?

[@TheMergie13]

I agree with the base pump, wearable pump info. I have the Spectra S2 plus & an Elvie & I get at least double the amount of milk with my Spectra. I wish I got more out of my Elvie since it’s more convenient & it’s stupid expensive but it just doesn’t have the same suction & oomph that a hospital grade pump like the Spectra has.

[@nanz4075]

Thanks for making this video! Can you link the pumping bras you used?

[@janzzzzzzz]

Thanks for this! I’m 8 days PP and i need a refresher course on this pump (used this with my firstborn).

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Oh congrats on your new babe, mama! Hope you are surviving baby #2! I hear its a totally different ballgame when there is a big sibling to also chase around. Hope you are feeling okay and able to get some rest!! Those first few days postpartum can be TOUGH. Thinking about you and your new family!

[@desiraebarquin4095]

I was gifted the mom cozy pumps and got the spectra s2 through my insurance can’t wait to use these once baby girl is here!

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

That sounds like a perfect set up! The spectra is an awesome base pump, and then having something more portable will be awesome.

[@sarahreavis6085]

What brand of milk bags do you recommend to use with the Spectra?

[@natashabenjamin4222]

I am still trying to find a breast pump. I am due in later Jan/ early February. So after researching cloth diapers for that I am now researching breast pumps.

[@marianicole1610]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share all this helpful information!

[@baskin283]

I’m so exciting, I get my spectra s1 in January from when the insurance says they’d send it! I’m not due til March. I hear so much good things about spectra🥰 thx for sharing

[@sarasidor8023]

With the silicon flanges. Do I need to get the adapter? Also with the adapter does it connect to the spectra? Do I use the adapter then the backflow? Then the tubing?

[@nickajohnson4570]

Thank you so much for sharing the silicone Flanges!

[@LuzVillalobos-qd8yq]

Do the spectra valves work for the silicone flanges you found elsewhere? Thank you so much!

[@beccamtz2008]

Thank you! Great tips and I might try the other flange type.

[@carleyprater2440]

Do you notice that the silicone flanges don’t hold as well in pumping bras? The base seems smaller.

[@BevyBooBoo]

Thank you so very much for this video. I was struggling using my pump and i followed your settings and got so much milk! I was actually doing the settings backwards lol

[@caseyobrien7321]

Question, will the lacteck silicone flanges stay in the adaptor while using a hands free pumping bra or do they sometimes fall off because it's not one connected piece? Thanks for the video!

[@jill5006]

Great video. I’m in process of becoming an IBCLC so this was helpful!

[@aleciawilliams4602]

Hello I know this video was a while back but I’m just now watching it - the silicone flanges link in the description doesn’t seem to be working

[@soniasaidani2730]

I have the pink one so please is the same with the blue one thank you in advance

[@foxyone25]

Hi Dr. I am a little confused. I purchased the silicon flange from Lactek per your recommendation and the Spectra 1 however the flange that comes with the spectra is connected to the breast shield. Did you purchase additional pieces or how were you able to connect the breast shield to the silicon flange?

[@aloysha2141]

In the Amazon link there is an adaptor

[@Dmplz88]

how long is the battery life before needing to connect to the charger?

[@kathrynloughrige9882]

I’m only 10 weeks but am already stressing about breast pumps as I’ll be exclusively pumping. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

You are so welcome! I hope this helps--knowledge is power and knowing what to expect always helps with my anxiety too!! Hope you are feeling good mama!

[@JenniLevenbook]

What is the circle indentation at the back of the pump for? The instruction manual doesn't say.

[@amandayacnha6633]

Hello! Did you use the 3rd or 4th Gen silicone flanges?

[@osh135]

Do you think it's possible to take this pump to work or is it too bulky?

[@heaterhorse411]

I definitely appreciate the mentioning of how important it is to proper size your nipples and I also completely agree with the uncomfortable plastic flanges. I would also like to add some women have something called Lactiferous Duct Dysmorphia also known as elastic nipples. Highly HIGHLY recommend checking out Beaugen Breast pump cushions OR pumpin pals literally saved my breastfeeding journey and something no one told me about.

[@emilyschrodek9688]

Thank you for this video! Also didn’t realize to dry the back flow protectors and had mold gah! My spectra is a hand me down from my friend (I purchased all of the new parts via Amazon). When should I replace the pump itself?

[@Christineog11]

Love the pump! HATE the bottles. I can’t tell you how many ounces I’ve lost because the nipple band isn’t screwed on to the bottle correctly because of the horrible design of the bottles.

[@andreaarana8843]

Thank you for sharing this! I’m mommy second time and with my first baby don’t have enough y production , now I have my 10 days newborn and I want to have a good production so when do you recommend to pump ? Right after feeding him ? Another question I have a sore so strong in my right nipple it’s broke and I have to use nipple shield but still hurts , any advice ? When do you think this pan will pass ?Baby 10 days old .

[@danielleburns9803]

Toe curling pain and chapped bleeding nips = bad latch. I'd recommend go see a lactation consultant if possible. Also have babe seen for any tongue or lip ties by a ENT or pediatric dentist. Positive vibes your way ❣️

[@annereyes1726]

Hi. Thank you for this informative video. I was able to get spectra s9. My question is how long do you usually pump because I can't seem to drain my breast during both breastfeeding ang pumping. I usually only pump 15 mins and suction level 2 to 3

[@stacywallen5245]

I think I'm getting a Spectra through insurance & wanted to see what it was all about. It's been almost 10 years since my first baby so I was really confused, thanks for the info!

[@MM-tc9bo]

I had no idea that my insurance may cover this cost. Thanks

[@timluu2460]

thanks for the video it's very helpful review as my wife and I are thinking to get the Spectra S1. Could you share the adapter for the Lacteck flange I can not seem to be able to find it on the Amazon affiliate link.

[@MsNaps-ri1sc]

Saving this for future reference. 31 weeks and planning to get this exact pump from insurance.

[@alohilanizapata53]

Would you please explain how to get the milk into those freezer storage bags? And how long the milk usually lasts?

[@lalaland2133]

Thank you so much for this, it was SO helpful!

[@Eliza816]

Thank you for these. Learn so much! You’re are seriously the best at explaining things I need! So appreciate you.

[@couldbericher]

How do I connect the nipple to the spectra bottle? Why does everyone assume that this is obvious?! The instruction booklet does not explain this and neither does any of the videos on KZbin!

[@amasjabruggeman5154]

Should you have reserve parts like tubing and flanges incase it needs to be replaced and you still have to pump?

[@danielleburns9803]

Yes I'd have back ups. Typically depending on how often you use it. You don't need to pump if you don't want too. But is great for if you're going to be working or being away from baby during feedings.

[@TheJk9]

You said to replace the tubes if moisture, and I just used for first time and washed my tubes and can’t get them dry, was I not supposed to wash those? Or how do I get these long tubes dry now?

[@americanpie624]

My lactation consultant said wash everything but the tubes. You don't want water in the tubes because it will damage your machine.

[@markeisharobinson6437]

Can you link some stores that carry bras for women with bigger chest? Lane Bryant surprisingly does not carry much nursing clothing

[@dineliw9272]

Super helpful! Thank you so much!!

[@badalujm]

Do you have any coupon codes for the products you recommend?

[@janethro7203]

What would be a good breast pump bag?

[@jenifercastillo4985]

can anyone give me the link for the silicone plunge ? thank you

[@MommyWalrus]

Did you find the LacTeck BabyMotion flanges fit large? A lot of people are saying to size down when ordering - did you have to size down?

[@a_v_16]

Such a great video! Thank you for all the info!!

[@Cricketismylyfe]

Just got mine in the mail. Sooo helpful! You are the best!

[@LacedwithLacey2424]

Just ordered mine today. Question? Did you have heartburn during pregnancy?

[@fayshaw2714]

Thank you for this review it was very informative. ER RN here and I will definitely look into the spectra for a base but I think I will surely need a wearable pump. Do you think you can review your willow pump?

[@christinecastillo2965]

Where did you get the connection to add the silicone flange to? On the spectra website it only has the ones where it all comes attached.

[@LuciaMarizan1]

So helpful! Thank you 🙏🏽 You should also do a video on babies travel system because I honestly don’t know which one to get. Do you have any recommendations?

[@claudiaa1280]

Is it too late to increase my supply at 6 weeks pp? Thanks!

[@jeongyeongong6401]

Anyone can compare Madela Symphony to Spectra? I have borrowed a symphony a couple of weeks ago but my milk supply is not that much haha😂 My sis said madela symphony should be the best in the market since it is the most expensive in the market(over 2K on amazon). But the period for borrowing the machine might be over this december and I want to be prepared in case I cannot loan the symphony from the county anymore.

[@farhanahaque9652]

My one doesn't have suction what am I doing wrong

[@misstulane14]

So helpful! Would you consider also doing a video on the willow?

[@Abuvallodz]

Thank you soooooo much for this! 🥰

[@ASMRKay_]

Kinda silly question, is nipple size the nipple only or including the areola too? Thank you!

[@ASMRKay_]

@@loulou-i7r I appreciate it😊

[@magnoliarose5910]

Nipple only.

[@leannewelch3815]

Mine only came with one size flange