This was a very helpful video and I appreciate your efficiency and speed with cutting to the chase on both pumps. I wish more youtubers followed this flow and speed when it comes to product reviews! Extremely helpful!
I can appreciate your final input at the end. I know some people may have been frustrated with the split decision, but you explained why both were great. Enough info, for me, to choose the Spectra due to being sensitive and being my first time breastfeeding. Thank you for the video!!
I have to agree on the sensitive thing!! The medela is definitely a bit much... almost wish I would have went with the other. I don't agree with the medela being loud though. I can't hear mine at all. :) Great comparison video! Thanks.
Thanks for the video! I remember watching your video when I was pregnant and trying to understand how the heck am I supposed to know how to choose the pump!!?? Since I was having Medela in style through insurance, I just went with that. But eventually chose hospital grade Medela symphony instead and RENTED IT FOR A YEAR. Just posted actually my review on Medela symphony vs Medela in style. I remember feeling so overwhelmed with all this pumping business!! Thanks again for the video!
Thanks so much! I could never imagine that I would stick it out for that long... I had mastitis twice in the first month after my daughter was born, had to be on antibiotics twice in the first 3 weeks! Thought I would go insane... But I am happy I was telling myself "One more week and maybe it is going to be better...", one more week turned out into almost a year)))
I’m a huge spectra girl. I’ve tried both, I like medela for portability, but I get almost 3.0 oz more on the spectra.. it’s a gentle suck but feels more comfortable. Love the light, love the shape, and the volume. It’s personal she’s right. I always recommend the spectra it’s my jam.
your AMAZING! thanks for the review I just started my channel after finding out that I'm pregnant and I will be a first-time mom so your review is super helpful and I just subscribed to your Channel
I'm getting the spectra s2 as my medela pump in style advanced pumps are failing, they are 4 years old and had them withe my second son. My third son, and final child, arrived on April 3rd, 23 and the new pump in style doesn't do crap for me. Even the portable rechargeable swing is a bit questionable with my body. I actually regret buying both of them. I had to choose the spectra s2 as the pump in style advanced isn't available anymore. I haven't really heard too much bad about the s2. My husand, 4 year old and baby are fairly found sleepers, no baby crying in the middle of the night if a loud noise occurs, cats are the reason for that sometimes. So even if it's not as quiet as it claims I doubt I would hear any arguments.
I've used medela and I just got the spectra because I wanted to just try it. I prefer the medela. Mainly because I feel it's more efficient at getting the milk out. I've felt like I still have milk in my breasts after pumping with the spectra as to with the medela I've felt quite empty. Also the spectra automatically shuts off after 30 minutes so I have to manually turn it back on and this is annoying since I use the timer to watch my pumping time. The spectra is quieter than the medela but it's a non issue for me.
I and my sisters think medela is not strong enough.. I put it on max to get out most my milk and I hate that ita not a closed system for me spectra wins hands down.. With that being said my medela is the one I travel with..
Thank you for your video!!! in regards to part accessibility for the Spectra, there are hacks you can get through Maymom or Nenesupply on Amazon that allow you to use Medela parts!!! love this option because you dont actually have to hack anything up anymore!
Momma Alia which would you recommend between the Medela Pump In Style Advanced and the Lansinoh Signature Pro? I know you've done individual reviews but I'm a little torn. I have purchased the Medela since I needed a pump a very short while after the hospital but I'm finding it very loud and I almost feel as if the suction is diminishing. I know you've recommended calling their customer service, which I will take into consideration, but for now would just like your honest opinion on the two compared. Love your videos! You're amazing, keep up the great work. Xo
Compared between the two, I would choose the Lansinoh! The Medela is great but it can be a little rough, especially with long pump session times. I love that the Lanisnoh has suction that's strong enough but it's also gentle on the nips(:
Alpha Gaming Medela in style is through insurance. I actually got it too but decided to rent a hospital grade pump FOR A YEAR😂 actually, just posted a video comparison with these two. I don’t regret at all renting for so long. But I feel like Medela in style will always remain a good pumping on the go travel option.
When going back and forth between the two pumps, my output remains the same but I did notice a small dip when I started using the Spectra all day long. I think it really depends what you're looking for. I personally prefer the Medela since I like high suction and fast cycle rates. If you need something more gentle though, I would definitely go with the spectra(:
I LOVE all your videos!! Thank you for helpful videos!! I received my free Ameda breast pump today, but I was wondering if you thought it would be worth it to pay the up charge and get the Medela Pump in style or the Spectra S2? Thank you!!!!!
Arlyn0531 i honestly think it’s worth to rent Medela symphony - hospital grade pump. I received mined through insurance and rented symphony for A YEAR. actually, just posted a video comparison on those two... I went through so much trouble with breastfeeeding and nursing and I think Medela symphony was the best option for me.
I personally got more with the Medela because I respond to a stronger suction! I could get around the same amount with the Spectra but I had to really work for it lol
i’m not sure if you still respond to comments on this video anymore but i’ve been watching/ reading tons of reviews on these 2 and i still can’t decide. i’m a first time mom and i’m wanting to exclusively pump. i’m not sure if im sensitive and i get both free through aeroflow so the decision is hard for me. no one around me has used breastpumps either! : (
I try to respond once a week to all my comments! I see how you’re still undecided. I think I’d recommend for you to go with the Medela PISA just because it is expensive to buy out of pocket. If you find you need to buy a Spectra bc the PISA is too aggressive, they are significantly less expensive. I believe I’ve seen them go on sale for around $120 on Amazon. Maybe even lower now! But the Medela is still up in the $200-300 range depending on the model. This is why I wish there was some sanitary way of trying pumps before commitment! I hope this helps and you like your pump momma!!
the Pink spectra s2 is not as portable as the s1. Unlike the spectra s2 the spectra s1 (blue one) has a rechargeable battery which makes it a lot more portable.
Does anyone have any experience with the feel of the pumps? I've used the pis with all 4 of my babies but it's not comfortable. I have been fitted and I'm using the right side flanges. Looking at the spectra but I'm afraid it may not empty quite as well. I'm looking for comfort and efficiency.
That’s a very common complaint for the PIS pump. If you like the suction level but not the other sensations I’d suggest the Motif Luna! It has a hum vibration that is very comfortable and a wide range of suction levels. On the higher side of them it does remind me of the PIS pump!
I will be going back to work in the next week and currently am using the Medela In style and double pump. It is ok, I'm wondering between the two which one pumps both sides better?
That all depends on how things are going for you momma! If the Medela is comfortable for you and you're emptying your breasts when pumping, I wouldn't mess with it then. However if you think things could stand to be better and especially if you aren't emptying with it, I would try the Spectra.
Hey! I'm a big fan of your channel! For the pump in style advance, do you know of anyone that makes other carrying cases for it? Or somewhere i can find a replacement case? Thanks!
Thank you so much for the support momma! I’m happy to help!! Do you mean the black shell on the insurance pumps? I’ve never seems then sold anywhere but Medela may if you call and ask. There’s definitely different pump bags out there!
Momma Alia yeah! The insurance case. I live in Canada and havent been able to find one anywhere! My PISA came in the backpack but its massive. I will definitely give medela a call. Thank you so much for getting back to me! Side note, thank you so much for making these videos. You have no idea how much they helped me when I started my pumping journey 3 months ago. You rock!
All pumps will have some kind of valve/membrane mechanism to create and release the suction needed but there are a couple things you could choose to cut down on parts. Picking an open system pump (like the medela pump in style advanced) would eliminate having to clean any back flow proctectors. Also using the third party Maymom parts (available on Amazon) that are all one piece could help you cut back too. I think the Medela pump in style advanced with Maymom parts may be the best option for what you're looking for!
I’m interested in getting the willow, but I pump only 1-2 oz from each breast after my baby feeds. Would I be able to pump this much using the Willow, put it in the fridge and then continue pumping into those same bags in a later session? OR should I use one willow pump on both breasts consecutively in the same session? It would suck to be done with a bag after only filling it 1/4 of the way. Thank you for your amazing review!!!
Happy to help! I can't speak to experience with the Willow because I've never tried it but I wouldn't pump directly into the same bag after it's been refrigerated. I would just use one on both breasts. It will be more time consuming but you'd risk the integrity of your milk the other way.
Should I really obsess over an open vs closed systems if I'm the only user for the pump? I'm a FTM so which pump would you recommend using? It's such a hard decision since both pumps have great reviews.
Melissa Gascot closed is best for hygienic reasons. Open has a high possibility of milk in the tubes and mold spores being in the pump motor. Boiling parts can sanitize them well, however doing such wares parts down.
Melissa Gascot however. I've used the .edema with both my babies and never had any back up...i just wanna know if the spectra can pump bith sides at the same time or if it's a single. I keep seeing single
+Bryce Hutson I'm an exclusive pumpers and by the time I had sent it in the first time I had put close to 180 hours on it. That's a lot of time and for people who aren't exclusive pumpers may never reach that. Plus Medela sent me a replacement at no cost to me, so it didn't put me out(:
Hello,I am currently using the hospital grade pump by Ameda and sometimes I have to go to 100% suction for it to draw out milk as I do not make much. So based on suctioning power, which one would you recommend. Also do any of these pumps come with an adapter that can be used in countries that have 240 volts? great work btw!:)
I would switch to a different brand hospital grade momma. Neither of these pumps are HG, so I wouldn’t choose either of these. I would pick the Medela Symphony. It’s hospital grade with great suction but gentle! I’m not sure about the adapters though ):
I have the Medela but barely any milk comes out. I don’t think it’s me because my baby has gained a good amount of weight I just can’t store any milk for dad to feed her if I need to leave. I just wanna know which one yields more milk can someone make a review about that and not the extra things the pumps comes with
The pump that will give you the most milk output is not going to be the same for every momma. Unfortunately it’s one of those things that you won’t know of until you try them and know what you respond best to. Some women respond better to longer, stronger suction. Others the opposite. It could also be a number of things that have nothing to do with the pump as well. Either way I hope you find your answer!
How do you get accepted into the EP fb group your in ? I've filled out the form and requested to join . I'm 3 weeks in to EP & I have sooo many questions and want to know others experiences so I hope I get accepted soon
Sometimes it takes a few days since they do get such a high volume of requests. Let me know if you continue to have trouble and I'll try to get a hold of someone for you(:
I'm torn I had the medela with my first and it was cool until I noticed milk in the tube and then eventually mold which really was upsetting. I'm a mom on the go and I'm now on my second baby and I can't decide to go with the medela again (which is good for traveling) or go with Spectra S2 (which isn't ideal for the traveling mom). I'm thinking now maybe I should get the medela through insurance and get the Spectra S2 out of pocket. Ugh!
I would look into the Lansinoh Smart Pump! I know that isn't an option you stated but if you liked the Medela, you'll love the Lansinoh. It's small and great for travel (it can operate on batteries but also has a wall adapter) and it has backflow protection to help prevent the milk situation helping. If you can't get your hands on the Lansinoh I would go with the Spectra!
You have to keep the pump on for atleast 5-10 mins with the tubes on so that it can get rid of the condensation in the tube. Since you left condensation in the tube it cause mold.
When liquid gets in medela tubing you're supposed to run the pump to dry it out. Possibly use rubbing alcohol too. According to older pisa instructions you can put some rubbing alcohol in the tubing.
Any idea how the Medela Freestyle or Spectra S1 compares to these two products ? I'm looking for a S2 like pump, but lighter and portable (and closed system)
They are the same exact pump except for the included battery pack and blue color of the S1 actually. So if you like the S2, I think that the S1 may be a good fit for you(: However I have the Freestyle and have to say that it has about half the suction that the other pumps have :/
This was a very helpful video and I appreciate your efficiency and speed with cutting to the chase on both pumps. I wish more youtubers followed this flow and speed when it comes to product reviews! Extremely helpful!
Happy to help and thanks so much for the feedback!(:
I can appreciate your final input at the end. I know some people may have been frustrated with the split decision, but you explained why both were great. Enough info, for me, to choose the Spectra due to being sensitive and being my first time breastfeeding. Thank you for the video!!
Happy to help!(:
I have to agree on the sensitive thing!! The medela is definitely a bit much... almost wish I would have went with the other. I don't agree with the medela being loud though. I can't hear mine at all. :) Great comparison video! Thanks.
Thanks for watching!(:
RaisingGrace my Medela was/is loud since day one ... Ugghh...
Thanks for the video! I remember watching your video when I was pregnant and trying to understand how the heck am I supposed to know how to choose the pump!!?? Since I was having Medela in style through insurance, I just went with that. But eventually chose hospital grade Medela symphony instead and RENTED IT FOR A YEAR. Just posted actually my review on Medela symphony vs Medela in style. I remember feeling so overwhelmed with all this pumping business!! Thanks again for the video!
Congrats on pumping for a whole year momma! How amazing🎉 So glad to hear you found a pump that worked for you!!
Thanks so much! I could never imagine that I would stick it out for that long... I had mastitis twice in the first month after my daughter was born, had to be on antibiotics twice in the first 3 weeks! Thought I would go insane... But I am happy I was telling myself "One more week and maybe it is going to be better...", one more week turned out into almost a year)))
How much is it to rent the symphony
I’m a huge spectra girl. I’ve tried both, I like medela for portability, but I get almost 3.0 oz more on the spectra.. it’s a gentle suck but feels more comfortable. Love the light, love the shape, and the volume. It’s personal she’s right. I always recommend the spectra it’s my jam.
So happy to hear you found a pump that worked for you momma!
Momma Alia thanks for the video!
I like the way the sp pumped better cuz of the vibration but med was covered in my insurance
your AMAZING! thanks for the review I just started my channel after finding out that I'm pregnant and I will be a first-time mom so your review is super helpful and I just subscribed to your Channel
Aw thank you so much momma! Congrats
I'm getting the spectra s2 as my medela pump in style advanced pumps are failing, they are 4 years old and had them withe my second son. My third son, and final child, arrived on April 3rd, 23 and the new pump in style doesn't do crap for me. Even the portable rechargeable swing is a bit questionable with my body. I actually regret buying both of them. I had to choose the spectra s2 as the pump in style advanced isn't available anymore. I haven't really heard too much bad about the s2. My husand, 4 year old and baby are fairly found sleepers, no baby crying in the middle of the night if a loud noise occurs, cats are the reason for that sometimes. So even if it's not as quiet as it claims I doubt I would hear any arguments.
You can find spectra parts on walmart website now 😊
Awesome! Thank you!
Ugh. I'm still torn between the 2. 😩😩😩
Dang it! Could you get the Medela through your insurance and pay for the Spectra out of pocket?
Cant decide either
I've used medela and I just got the spectra because I wanted to just try it. I prefer the medela. Mainly because I feel it's more efficient at getting the milk out. I've felt like I still have milk in my breasts after pumping with the spectra as to with the medela I've felt quite empty. Also the spectra automatically shuts off after 30 minutes so I have to manually turn it back on and this is annoying since I use the timer to watch my pumping time. The spectra is quieter than the medela but it's a non issue for me.
@@MommaAlia is the medela suction stronger than spectra
Thanks, this was really helpful for a first time mom :)
Happy to help momma!😊
Ashe D. Congratulations! How are you feeling as a first time mom?) still a bit overwhelmed or just a bit less stressed right now?))
I and my sisters think medela is not strong enough.. I put it on max to get out most my milk and I hate that ita not a closed system for me spectra wins hands down.. With that being said my medela is the one I travel with..
Apple's bunches I also think Medela in style is not as strong. That’s why I chose hospital Grade Medela symphony,
Omg where’d you get the small bag for the pump in style advanced? I have the big bag and would love to downsize 😂
It’s the insurance cover that came with the pump!
Thank you for your video!!! in regards to part accessibility for the Spectra, there are hacks you can get through Maymom or Nenesupply on Amazon that allow you to use Medela parts!!! love this option because you dont actually have to hack anything up anymore!
Thank you for watching! I use the Maymom hack(:
momof20712 you can use lansinoh pump parts for the Spectra.
I would love to see a spectra s2 vs the medela sonata
On the list momma(:
Momma Alia which would you recommend between the Medela Pump In Style Advanced and the Lansinoh Signature Pro? I know you've done individual reviews but I'm a little torn. I have purchased the Medela since I needed a pump a very short while after the hospital but I'm finding it very loud and I almost feel as if the suction is diminishing. I know you've recommended calling their customer service, which I will take into consideration, but for now would just like your honest opinion on the two compared. Love your videos! You're amazing, keep up the great work. Xo
Compared between the two, I would choose the Lansinoh! The Medela is great but it can be a little rough, especially with long pump session times. I love that the Lanisnoh has suction that's strong enough but it's also gentle on the nips(:
you can get the free through insurance ours is on the way we got the Mendela or whatever its called
Hope you like it!
Alpha Gaming Medela in style is through insurance. I actually got it too but decided to rent a hospital grade pump FOR A YEAR😂 actually, just posted a video comparison with these two. I don’t regret at all renting for so long. But I feel like Medela in style will always remain a good pumping on the go travel option.
do you get the same output of breast milk with both? or do you think one does better than the other?
When going back and forth between the two pumps, my output remains the same but I did notice a small dip when I started using the Spectra all day long. I think it really depends what you're looking for. I personally prefer the Medela since I like high suction and fast cycle rates. If you need something more gentle though, I would definitely go with the spectra(:
I LOVE all your videos!! Thank you for helpful videos!! I received my free Ameda breast pump today, but I was wondering if you thought it would be worth it to pay the up charge and get the Medela Pump in style or the Spectra S2? Thank you!!!!!
Awe thank you for the sweet words momma. Awesome! How much is the additional charge?
Arlyn0531 i honestly think it’s worth to rent Medela symphony - hospital grade pump. I received mined through insurance and rented symphony for A YEAR. actually, just posted a video comparison on those two... I went through so much trouble with breastfeeeding and nursing and I think Medela symphony was the best option for me.
I know you said that the medela is more aggressive but which one do you the most milk with?
I personally got more with the Medela because I respond to a stronger suction! I could get around the same amount with the Spectra but I had to really work for it lol
i’m not sure if you still respond to comments on this video anymore but i’ve been watching/ reading tons of reviews on these 2 and i still can’t decide. i’m a first time mom and i’m wanting to exclusively pump.
i’m not sure if im sensitive and i get both free through aeroflow so the decision is hard for me. no one around me has used breastpumps either! : (
I try to respond once a week to all my comments! I see how you’re still undecided. I think I’d recommend for you to go with the Medela PISA just because it is expensive to buy out of pocket. If you find you need to buy a Spectra bc the PISA is too aggressive, they are significantly less expensive. I believe I’ve seen them go on sale for around $120 on Amazon. Maybe even lower now! But the Medela is still up in the $200-300 range depending on the model. This is why I wish there was some sanitary way of trying pumps before commitment! I hope this helps and you like your pump momma!!
the Pink spectra s2 is not as portable as the s1. Unlike the spectra s2 the spectra s1 (blue one) has a rechargeable battery which makes it a lot more portable.
Does anyone have any experience with the feel of the pumps? I've used the pis with all 4 of my babies but it's not comfortable. I have been fitted and I'm using the right side flanges. Looking at the spectra but I'm afraid it may not empty quite as well. I'm looking for comfort and efficiency.
That’s a very common complaint for the PIS pump. If you like the suction level but not the other sensations I’d suggest the Motif Luna! It has a hum vibration that is very comfortable and a wide range of suction levels. On the higher side of them it does remind me of the PIS pump!
I wish I watched this before I ordered the Madela
Aw sorry momma!
I will be going back to work in the next week and currently am using the Medela In style and double pump. It is ok, I'm wondering between the two which one pumps both sides better?
That all depends on how things are going for you momma! If the Medela is comfortable for you and you're emptying your breasts when pumping, I wouldn't mess with it then. However if you think things could stand to be better and especially if you aren't emptying with it, I would try the Spectra.
Hey! I'm a big fan of your channel! For the pump in style advance, do you know of anyone that makes other carrying cases for it? Or somewhere i can find a replacement case? Thanks!
Thank you so much for the support momma! I’m happy to help!! Do you mean the black shell on the insurance pumps? I’ve never seems then sold anywhere but Medela may if you call and ask. There’s definitely different pump bags out there!
Momma Alia yeah! The insurance case. I live in Canada and havent been able to find one anywhere! My PISA came in the backpack but its massive. I will definitely give medela a call. Thank you so much for getting back to me! Side note, thank you so much for making these videos. You have no idea how much they helped me when I started my pumping journey 3 months ago. You rock!
I was also wondering it but I never saw a different case than the one they sent the pump in. Did you end up being able to replace it?
do you know of any pumps that don't have membranes? or ones with less parts to put together or clean up? but still reliable?
All pumps will have some kind of valve/membrane mechanism to create and release the suction needed but there are a couple things you could choose to cut down on parts. Picking an open system pump (like the medela pump in style advanced) would eliminate having to clean any back flow proctectors. Also using the third party Maymom parts (available on Amazon) that are all one piece could help you cut back too. I think the Medela pump in style advanced with Maymom parts may be the best option for what you're looking for!
I’m interested in getting the willow, but I pump only 1-2 oz from each breast after my baby feeds. Would I be able to pump this much using the Willow, put it in the fridge and then continue pumping into those same bags in a later session? OR should I use one willow pump on both breasts consecutively in the same session? It would suck to be done with a bag after only filling it 1/4 of the way. Thank you for your amazing review!!!
Happy to help! I can't speak to experience with the Willow because I've never tried it but I wouldn't pump directly into the same bag after it's been refrigerated. I would just use one on both breasts. It will be more time consuming but you'd risk the integrity of your milk the other way.
Is the medela pump in style closed or open system? You briefly mentioned it for the S2.
Open system!
Should I really obsess over an open vs closed systems if I'm the only user for the pump? I'm a FTM so which pump would you recommend using? It's such a hard decision since both pumps have great reviews.
Melissa Gascot closed is best for hygienic reasons. Open has a high possibility of milk in the tubes and mold spores being in the pump motor. Boiling parts can sanitize them well, however doing such wares parts down.
sw33tnycandy Thanks! 😊
Melissa Gascot however. I've used the .edema with both my babies and never had any back up...i just wanna know if the spectra can pump bith sides at the same time or if it's a single. I keep seeing single
Are you able to screw standard bigger bottles on to the spectra 2 system?
If you get an adapter you can!
Momma Alia ok thanks
So, why doesn't the fact you sent the Medela back twice weigh into your review? Just curious. Great video!
+Bryce Hutson I'm an exclusive pumpers and by the time I had sent it in the first time I had put close to 180 hours on it. That's a lot of time and for people who aren't exclusive pumpers may never reach that. Plus Medela sent me a replacement at no cost to me, so it didn't put me out(:
Difference between s1 and s2.?
S2 has a rechargeable battery
Momma Alia s1* has rechargeable battery
Hello,I am currently using the hospital grade pump by Ameda and sometimes I have to go to 100% suction for it to draw out milk as I do not make much. So based on suctioning power, which one would you recommend. Also do any of these pumps come with an adapter that can be used in countries that have 240 volts? great work btw!:)
I would switch to a different brand hospital grade momma. Neither of these pumps are HG, so I wouldn’t choose either of these. I would pick the Medela Symphony. It’s hospital grade with great suction but gentle! I’m not sure about the adapters though ):
I have the Medela but barely any milk comes out. I don’t think it’s me because my baby has gained a good amount of weight I just can’t store any milk for dad to feed her if I need to leave. I just wanna know which one yields more milk can someone make a review about that and not the extra things the pumps comes with
The pump that will give you the most milk output is not going to be the same for every momma. Unfortunately it’s one of those things that you won’t know of until you try them and know what you respond best to. Some women respond better to longer, stronger suction. Others the opposite. It could also be a number of things that have nothing to do with the pump as well. Either way I hope you find your answer!
Momma Alia
I actually bought a cheap $60 pump that works way better for me. It’s also a lot stronger and portable.
Jamie Armstrong which pump did you purchase looking for a strong pump as well.bought 2 pumps already but so far no luck!
Have you seen the Yunbaby breast pump - we currently have it in the uk , it’s a portable pump with breast massage
Idk why I thought spectra had more suction power
They feel different to every momma!
How do you get accepted into the EP fb group your in ? I've filled out the form and requested to join . I'm 3 weeks in to EP & I have sooo many questions and want to know others experiences so I hope I get accepted soon
Sometimes it takes a few days since they do get such a high volume of requests. Let me know if you continue to have trouble and I'll try to get a hold of someone for you(:
+Momma Alia I got in now :)
Can you find different color bottles for the spectra instead of pink more like green or blue ?? 🤔
I’m sure you can!
Avent bottles work with spectra as far as I know.
my medela pump stopped working
will they send a new one?
They may momma! Definitely give them a call!
Tamera lynn did they end up sending you a new one??
I'm torn I had the medela with my first and it was cool until I noticed milk in the tube and then eventually mold which really was upsetting. I'm a mom on the go and I'm now on my second baby and I can't decide to go with the medela again (which is good for traveling) or go with Spectra S2 (which isn't ideal for the traveling mom). I'm thinking now maybe I should get the medela through insurance and get the Spectra S2 out of pocket. Ugh!
I would look into the Lansinoh Smart Pump! I know that isn't an option you stated but if you liked the Medela, you'll love the Lansinoh. It's small and great for travel (it can operate on batteries but also has a wall adapter) and it has backflow protection to help prevent the milk situation helping. If you can't get your hands on the Lansinoh I would go with the Spectra!
You have to keep the pump on for atleast 5-10 mins with the tubes on so that it can get rid of the condensation in the tube. Since you left condensation in the tube it cause mold.
When liquid gets in medela tubing you're supposed to run the pump to dry it out. Possibly use rubbing alcohol too. According to older pisa instructions you can put some rubbing alcohol in the tubing.
Spectra s1 is rechargeable and portable
Any idea how the Medela Freestyle or Spectra S1 compares to these two products ? I'm looking for a S2 like pump, but lighter and portable (and closed system)
They are the same exact pump except for the included battery pack and blue color of the S1 actually. So if you like the S2, I think that the S1 may be a good fit for you(: However I have the Freestyle and have to say that it has about half the suction that the other pumps have :/