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In this article, we will review the Spectra S2 breast pump. We’ll review some of the key features of the Spectra S2 breast pump that may help you decide whether it’s the right option for you, and then we’ll go over how to make the most of your Spectra S2 breast pump to give you the most efficient and comfortable pumping experience. I’ve been using a Spectra breast pump personally for the last 7+ years for over 68 (and counting!) months of total pumping and nursing as a mom of four, so you can rest assured that this is a topic that is right in my wheelhouse!

spectra s2 Plus breast pump key features

Here are some of the key features of the Spectra S2 breast pump.

• Single or Double Pumping - the Spectra S2 breast pump can be used for single pumping (one breast at a time) or for double pumping (pumping both sides at once).

• Electric - this is an electric, not a manual, breast pump, meaning you don’t have to squeeze anything or manually pump in order to remove milk from your breasts.

• No Internal Battery - the Spectra S2 pump does not have an internal battery, which means it must be plugged in to a source of power at all times in order to work.

• Night Light - if you find yourself wanting a little bit, but not too much, light during late-night pumping sessions, the Spectra S2 has you covered with a built in night light

• Fairly Light - compared to other similarly-sized electric breast pumps, the Spectra S2 is fairly light at around 2.5lbs. This can make it easier to either carry the Spectra S2 around your home or to pack it in a bag when you’re on the go.

• Customizable Settings - the Spectra S2 breast pump allows you to adjust and customize settings to what works best for you. With two different modes, twelve different suction strengths, and six different cycle speeds, you can undoubtedly find the right combination that allows you to maximize both comfort and milk supply with the Spectra S2. Not all breast pumps have this level of customization!

spectra s2 Plus breast pump settings explained

spectra s2 pump modes

Spectra pumps, including the Spectra S2, are designed with two primary modes: massage mode and expression mode.

• Massage Mode - you can think of this as your warm up, or you let down mode for your Spectra pump. This mode mimics the suckling of your baby and triggers your let down. I typically use this for the first 1-2 minutes of pumping.

• Expression Mode - switch to this mode once your letdown occurs and your milk starts flowing. This will be your most efficient pump setting for the majority of your pumping session.

spectra s2 suction settings

The Spectra S2 pump offers 12 different levels of adjustable suction strength. I recommend starting with a low suction strength to start and then gradually increasing until you find a setting that is both comfortable and effective. Stronger suction does not necessarily mean more milk, so find the sweet spot that works best for you. At a level 12, the Spectra pumps have a suction strength of 270 mmHg.

cycle speed on the spectra s2

The cycle speed is the frequency of suctions per minute, and the Spectra S2 breast pump allows you to adjust this. Both the Spectra S1 and the Spectra S2 have cycle speeds of 70, 54, 50, 46, 42, and 38. This means that the pumps range anywhere from a 38 cycles per minute on the slow end to 70 cycles per minute on the higher end.

Like suction strength, there is no perfect answer for cycle speed. For this setting, I again recommend you experiment with different cycle speeds to find which works best for you to maximize both effectiveness and comfort.

spectra pump parts replacement

Over time, your Spectra S2 pump parts might need replacement, or your may want to purchase extras to have on hand. You can easily order Spectra replacement pump parts. Here are the most commonly replaced Spectra pump parts:

• Spectra Backflow Protector Replacement Parts

• Spectra Pump Tubing

• Spectra Duckbill Valve Replacement (2-pack)

• Spectra Premium Breast Milk Pump Accessory Kit

Here is the recommended frequency for replacing pump parts directly from Spectra’s website.

spectra s2 breast pump vs. other options

From a durability, reliability, effectiveness, ease of use, and longevity perspective, I can personally attest to the fact that Spectra makes excellent breast pumps. Additionally, the pump offers enhanced customization of settings compared to many other breast pumps on the market, which can help you find that sweet spot between best milk production and maximum comfort. That being said, there are many other options outside of the Spectra S2 available on the market for moms today, so here are other options you may want to consider:

• Wearable Breast Pumps - as easy to use as Spectra pumps are, they don’t compare to the portability, small footprint, and flexibility of a wearable breast pump such as the Elvie or Momcozy. I’ve done a full review of the Elvie breast pump, so check that out here if you want to know more.

• Breast Pumps With An Internal Battery - internal batteries, even for traditional, non-wearable breast pumps, provide an enhanced level of flexibility and portability over pumps such as the Spectra S2. The Spectra S1 is essentially the same as the Spectra S2 except the S1 has the internal rechargeable battery, which means it doesn’t have to be plugged in to function. Personally, the S1 is my favorite Spectra breast pump model for this reason, and although it comes with an added cost over the S2, the convenience of not having to be near an outlet at all times is well worth it in my opinion.

conclusion

Ultimately, finding the perfect breast pump is about makes what you comfortable, maximizes milk output, and supports your overall well-being. The Spectra S2 breast pump is an excellent choice. From a 7-year and counting Spectra breast pump user, I wish you happy and productive pumping!