Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about pumping, breastfeeding, or simply caring for your baby, don’t worry-odds are we’ve had them too. See below to find answers to our frequently asked questions. Do you have a question you don’t see answered? Just give us a call or send us a message – we’re here to help.

Breast Pump Comparison Chart >

Customer care is available,
Monday – Thursday 8am to 8pm EST
Fridays – 9am to 5pm EST
Saturdays – 8am to 4pm EST

About Spectra Pumps

What is Included?

The Spectra S1 and S2 pumps:

  • Two (2) 24mm Spectra Breast Flanges.
  • Two (2) 28mm Spectra Breast Flanges.
  • Two (2) Spectra Tubing.
  • Two (2) Spectra Duckbill Valves.
  • Two (2) Spectra Backflow Protectors.  Includes silicone membrane, uppercase, and lowercase for each Backflow Protector.
  • Two (2) Spectra Wide Neck Storage Bottles. Includes nipple, cap, disc, and lid for each Bottle.
  • One (1) Spectra 12-Volt AC Power Adapter. Includes detachable power cord prongs.

The Spectra 9Plus pump:

  • Two (2) 24mm Spectra Breast Flanges.
  • Two (2) Spectra Tubing.
  • Two (2) Spectra Duckbill Valves.
  • Two (2) Spectra Backflow Protectors.  Includes silicone membrane, uppercase, and lowercase for each Backflow Protector.
  • Two (2) Spectra Wide Neck Storage Bottles. Includes nipple, cap, disc, and lid for each Bottle.
  • One (1) Spectra 9-Volt AC Power Adapter. Includes detachable power cord prongs.

What is Natural Nursing Technology?

Natural Nursing Technology is Spectra’s set of unique features that mimic the experience of natural breastfeeding through the gentle Massage Mode, the adjustable suction levels, and the discreet and convenient operation.

What is a Closed-System?

A closed system breast pump is one that does not allow for air and/or bacteria to pass from the mother pumping, down the tubing, and into the motor. This is the most hygienic option for pumping mothers and is used in NICU as well as rental-grade breast pumps.

Are the Suction Levels Adjustable?

Spectra’s double electric breast pumps combine adjustable suction levels (in both expression and massage mode) with easy-to-use buttons so moms can make the most out of every session.

How Quiet is the Motor?

Thanks to noise-reduction technology, we’ve made the motor as quiet as a mouse (45 Db) without sacrificing any pumping power. Now you can pump efficiently with complete privacy—in the office, on the go, or at home.

Input/Output Power

The Spectra S1, S2 and 9Plus Pumps have input: 100V-240V / 50-60Hz  which means they are compatible with multiple voltages (a range). They can be used just about anywhere in the world and any difference in voltage is basically moot since the pump will adjust itself to whatever voltage it receives as long as its between 100V-240V.

When traveling, if the country you are traveling to has voltage between 100V-240V / 50-60Hz , all you will need is an adapter that can physically interface with the socket/wall outlet.

Spectra S1 Pump and 9 Plus Pump Battery

You can charge the battery in your S1 Plus and 9 Plus models for four hours—do not charge them longer than this as it can wear down the battery life. The power cord should be unplugged from the outlet when the pump is not in use or when the device is not charging.

When fully charged, the S1 and 9 Plus hold 3 hours of power.

The bars indicate how much time remains on the battery’s charge; one bar equals one hour.

If the battery indication is flashing, it means the battery is low and should be recharged.

BATTERY  11. 1V – 2000mAH LI-POLYMER
Battery Indicator Operating/Pumping Time
4 bars 3 hours
1 bar 1 hour
Flashing battery 30 minutes; battery needs charging

 Do not disassemble, heat, incinerate or dispose of in fire.

The battery used in this device may present a risk of fire or chemical burn if not used properly.

Purchasing a Pump

Spectra products can be purchased online at spectrababyusa.com/store/

Our products are also available at Target, Buy Buy Baby, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon (iServe/Pattern ONLY)

(please refer to our warranty policy if purchasing from a retailer)

Pumping

Cycle and Suction Settings

The cycle speed is measured in “CPM” or “Cycles Per Minute” on your breast pump and refers to how many times the pump will ‘suckle’ and release per minute. When a baby goes to breast to elicit the letdown of milk, the baby will suckle faster (more cycles per minute) to get the milk flowing.  Once the milk lets down (releases from the breast), the baby will start to slow down (decreased cycles per minute) at breast.

Your pump has 6-cycle levels. To adjust the cycle speed, press the +/- button.

The vacuum level is measured in mmHg on your breast pump and refers to how strongly the pump will ‘suckle.’ The strength of suction level should mimic how strong the baby suckles but should always be kept at a comfortable level.  Some women think that milk expression occurs faster on higher vacuum levels, however, it is important not to set the vacuum level so high that it makes you uncomfortable, as the resulting pain will hinder your milk flow. We suggest that you start off with the vacuum level on low and gradually increase the vacuum level to a comfortable level. A “comfortable” vacuum level may vary significantly, from day to day, during the day and even during the same expression session.

Your pumps vacuum levels vary from L01-L12.  To adjust the vacuum level, press the +/- buttons.

Example Chart of Cycles and Suction Settings for S1 Plus & S2 Plus

Mode Cycles Per Minute (CPM) Vacuum Strength
Massage 70 1-5
Expression 38-54 1-12

Every woman is different so adjust the combination of vacuum suction and cycle speeds to the settings that work best for your body.

You will want to mimic your child at the breast as much as you can during a pumping session.  No child can or will suck at the same pace from the beginning to the end of a nursing session.

Pumping should NEVER hurt!

Massage Mode vs. Expression Mode

  • Expression Mode: This mode has 5 cycle speeds–38, 42, 46, 50, and 54 and 12 vacuum strength levels—L01–L12. After letdown begins and once the milk is flowing, you should be in expression mode. Adjust your pump cycle speed to a level that best mimics baby’s nursing patterns or adjust it to a rhythm that your body responds to best.
  • Massage Mode: In this mode, your cycle is locked at 70 CPM, the 3-wave symbol is displayed on the upper left corner of the LCD screen above the cycle value, and your vacuum strength level can vary from L01-L05. If you need to generate a let-down at the beginning or any time during your pumping session, you need to be in massage mode.

Press the 3-wave button above your power button to switch from expression to massage mode.  Adjust the vacuum level in massage or expression mode to find the suction level that works best for you.

Using Spectra Pumps

Center the breast shield on your nipple so that the nipple fits freely in center of tunnel opening.

Press the power button. The screen will light up.

Your pump starts in expression mode.

If your milk is not flowing, press the 3-wave button above the power button to switch to massage mode. Massage mode helps facilitate your let-down. Some moms will get a let-down in 30 seconds, and others will take a couple of minutes. You can massage the breast to help stimulate your let-down as well. The massage mode is set to 70, and is not adjustable. Once your milk starts to flow, press it again to go back to expression mode.

Use the +/- button to adjust the vacuum and cycle to a comfortable level. Find the right combination vacuum/cycle best for your body.

After you achieve let-down, you will want to press the three-wave button to put it back into expression mode. In expression mode, you will be able to adjust the cycles every minute, up or down, going between 38 and 54 cycles/minute. You can adjust the suction strength from level 1 to 12 which is measured in mmHg: level 12 will reach 250mmHg.

Some moms can get multiple let-downs, so going back and forth is recommended if needed.

To stop expressing, press the power button. Next, remove the milk collection kit from your breast.

Twist to detach the backflow protector from the breast shield. Remove the breast shield from the milk collection bottle and close the bottle tightly with the bottle lid and store safely.

The S2/S1 will remember your settings automatically for your next session. If you want to start pumping on different settings than those that you finished with in your previous session, adjust the settings before you start expressing.

Auto Shut-Off

Your Spectra pump is equipped with a safety feature that will automatically shut the pump off after 30 minutes of pumping time.

Sterilizing Accessories

Sterilize Accessories Prior To First Use

Do not wash/sterilize the tubing.  It should never come into contact with breast milk since your Spectra pump is a closed-system pump.

Wash all parts in warm soapy water and rinse well.  Do not insert any tools into duckbill valves when cleaning them.

Accessories (clear/pink) — breast shield/flange, upper and lower case of backflow protector, bottle, bottle ring, bottle cover, and disk:

  • Use a pot large enough to fit all your parts—if the pot is too small, parts discoloration and/or distortion may occur.
  • Fill with water so that when your parts are added the water is at least 4” above the parts.
  • Place lid on the top and bring to boil.
  • Once the water reaches boiling point, turn off the heat and place accessories in boiling water—the water will continue to boil.
  • Remove accessories after 3-5 minutes.

Silicone Accessories–duckbill valves, backflow protector membranes, and bottle nipples:

  • Run them through the boiling water for less than 2 minutes.

Silicone accessories should not be exposed to high heat.

Place all cleaned and sterilized parts to dry on a clean paper towel.  Once the parts are dry, assemble the pump before you store it or use it.

NOTE: Do not boil your accessories for more than 5 minutes as extended exposure to heat may damage your accessories.

Cleaning Accessories Between Use

  • Disassemble all parts that come into contact with the breast and breastmilk – backflow protectors, breast flanges, and valves (duckbill or valve with membrane).
  • Rinse parts with cool water.
  • Wash each piece in warm soapy water and rinse with hot water.
  • Place parts to air dry on a clean paper towel.
  • Once the parts are dry, assemble the pump.

**Using non-antibacterial soap is recommended to ensure that you are not leaving a film on your flanges that can impede the natural secretions from your mammary glands**

NEVER wash your tubing as it will never come into contact with your breast milk. DO NOT use the breast pump with wet tubing as it will damage the breast pump. If the tubing becomes moldy, discontinue use and replace it immediately.

WARNING:

  • Microwaving your parts can result in distortion and/or discoloration of the parts. The discoloration is cosmetic and does not affect the chemical composition of the parts.
  • If using a dishwasher, place items on wash cycle on the top rack and air dry. Do not use heat dry.
  • Microwave bags “can be used” if the proper amount of water is added. Follow the instructions of the bag manufacturer.

NOTE:  The above guidelines are for healthy, term babies.  If your baby was born prematurely, has a weakened immune system due to illness, has other health challenges, or is hospitalized, follow the recommendation of the hospital and your child’s health care provider.

Increasing Milk Supply

Factors affecting milk amount:

  • Length of time since last feeding/pumping session: If exclusively breastfeeding, pumping within ½-1 hour after a feeding will yield about half of a full feeding.
  • Time of the day: You will produce more the morning, as your prolactin levels are the highest in the morning.
  • Flange size: You will want to make sure you are in the proper flange size.
  • Practice with your pump: Sometimes it takes 1-2 weeks to adjust to your new pump, even if you’re only switching brands.
  • Your mood: When you are relaxed, you will be able to pump more milk.
  • Breast massage: Massaging the breast stimulates let-down.
  • Dual-phase pumping: Dual pumping stimulates more milk. Lean forward to allow more milk to flow into the bottles. If single pumping, switch breasts every 5-7 mins.

Finding Your Flange Size

Use a ruler, a measuring tape, or the breast shield measurement guide.

(Measurement must be in millimeters (mm)/1cm = 10mm)

Measure the diameter of your nipple at base, do not include areola.

If the diameter of your nipple is:

Up to 16mm use 20mm flange

Up to 20mm use 24mm flange

Up to 24mm use 28mm flange

Up to 28mm use 32mm flange

Our Accessories

Assembling Accessories

Attach the tube(s) onto the port(s) of your pump:

*for double pumping, remove cap/plug from the port and attach tube to second port.

*for single pumping, plug one side with cap and attach a tube to the other side.

Put your backflow protector(s) together:

Insert the white silicone membrane into the lower case.

Silicone membrane lip must go over the rim of the lower case to ensure proper suction.

Place upper case over assembled lower case, making sure all 3 pieces fit securely to form a perfect seal.

You will then attach the backflow protector(s) to the tubing.

Attach your flange(s) to the backflow protector.

Twist valve into bottom of the flange(s) to attach (procedure will be the same for the white duck bill valve or the clear valve with membrane).

Screw the bottle onto the flange.

Flanges

Spectra carries the standard 20mm, 24mm,  28mm, and the 32mm flanges/shields.

We also have a Silicone Massager that can be inserted into the flanges and will convert the 24mm and 28mm flange into 20mm flange. This is compatible with the 24mm and 28mm Flanges ONLY.

Safety of Accessories

All Spectra Baby USA storage containers and parts that come in contact with breast milk are BPA/DEHP free.

Replacing Accessories

Replacement Frequency

(Exclusive Pumping)

Replacement Frequency

(Pumping 1-3 times per day)

Valve Membrane 2-4 weeks 2 months
Duck Valve 2 months 3 months
Backflow Protector 3 months 6 months
Tubing As needed As needed
Breastshield 6 months As needed (Inspect regularly for buildup after 6 months)

Expressed Breast Milk

Storing Breastmilk

 Guidelines for Freshly Expressed Breast Milk for Healthy, Full-Term Babies: 

LOCATION TEMPERATURE STORAGE TIME
Countertop Up to 77oF/26oC Up to 4 hrs.
Refrigerator 40oF/4oC Up to 4 days
Freezer 0oF /-18oC or colder Up to 6 months

(12 months is acceptable)

Insulated Cooler Bag 59oF – 15oC 24 hrs.

Thawing Breast Milk

Choose one of the following methods:

  • Place in the refrigerator for 24 hrs.
  • Hold under warm water.
  • Place in cup of warm water.
  • Use a waterless warmer.

Prior to use, gently swirl the container to mix the milk.  Always test the temperature of the milk on the inside of your wrist or top of your hand before feeding.  It is ready for baby to drink if the milk feels lukewarm to room temperature, not hot.

Always make sure to check the date on the milk’s container before using it. Do not use undated milk or milk that has been stored too long. Thaw the oldest milk first.  DO NOT boil or microwave frozen breast milk. This can burn the baby and/or damage the milk.

Insurance

Insurance Coverage

With the passing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance companies MUST now cover a breast pump for mothers during their pregnancies.

This includes Medicaid and Medicare.

There are exceptions for a few insurance companies, who are temporarily “grandfathered in” until their policies are expired.

Obtaining a Pump/Accessories Through Insurance

Unfortunately, Spectra does not work directly with insurances, however, here is a link that will help you find out how to get a pump through your insurance:

https://www.spectrababyusa.com/how-to-get-a-spectra-pump-through-insurance/

To find a DME you may use our look up tool. Upon entering your insurance provider and location, the system will generate a list of DMEs. You may contact them for assistance with obtaining one of our pumps through your insurance

http://spectrainsurancelookup.com/

If you would like to purchase it directly through us, make sure your insurance will reimburse you for out of pocket expenses PRIOR to ordering your pump/accessories.

Insurance Pump Billing

For insurance billing purposes, your Spectra S1, S2 and 9 Plus pumps will be considered personal use pumps and will be billed under the code: E0603

Web Purchases

Returns Policy

  • Breast pumps must be returned within 30 days of purchase. Due to the personal nature of these items, pumps must be returned unused and unopened, with the factory seal and packaging intact.
  • Accessories must be returned within 30 days of purchase.  Due to the personal nature of these items, accessories must be returned unused and unopened, with the factory seal and packaging intact.
  • Bundles and Promotional purchases are not eligible for partial refunds.  For a full refund, all items must be included in their original condition, unused and unopened, with the factory seal and packaging intact, within 30 days of purchase.

For information on returning an item, please visit: https://www.spectrababyusa.com/return-policy/

Shipping Policy

Where do we ship?

Spectra Baby USA ships to all U.S. States, Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii & APO/FPO. We do not ship Internationally. 

For more information regarding Shipping Policy or Shipping Holidays, visit: https://www.spectrababyusa.com/shipping-policy/

Purchasing Outside of USA

Unfortunately, Spectra Baby USA cannot sell products outside of USA at this time.

Troubleshooting

Power Problems

Please try the following.

Unplug your power cord from the wall and from the pump and:

  1. Take the AC Adapter off (slide it off) the power cord
  2. Slide the AC adapter back on and press hard doing so until you hear a Click or a Snap
  3. Plug your power cord back into an electrical outlet.
  4. Plug your power cord back into an electrical outlet.

If you have a Spectra S2 – Hold the power button for 40 seconds.  It should work fine.

If you have a Spectra S1, you should see on your LCD screen a blinking battery icon. It will then change to a steady icon with the cell showing that it is charging.

If it is still not working, try a second outlet in your house that you know is working. Hold the power button for 30 seconds and let go. Give it 15 seconds and see if your pump now turns on.

If you are still experiencing issues with your pumps battery, please file a warranty claim.

Issues with One Port

Take the accessories from the working side and use them on the port that is not providing strong suction. If this resolves the problem, this is an indication that your accessories must be replaced.

If you are still experiencing issues with that port, please file a warranty claim.

Suction Issues

If you have owned your pump for more than 3 months, have you changed your accessories since the purchase of the pump? It is recommended that you change your accessories every 3-6 months.

Please try the following:

  • Detach both “tubing” from the base of the pump and put 2 fingers on the ports where both tubing were attached.
  • Now, turn on the pump and use the vacuum function (on the right-hand side of the control panel) to monitor the suction level.
  • Change the vacuum level starting from the lowest level to the highest—can you feel the changes in the suction level as they occur?

If you did not feel a change in suction level, are all your accessories Spectra? are your duckbill valves attached to the flanges properly? (If yes, check your duckbill valves to make sure there are not damaged–no tears?  Does the valve opening (where your milk comes out) look closed when not in use?) Are your backflow protectors put on correctly?  (The membrane should be flushed against the shallow piece/lower cap (the piece that connects to the flange).  Make sure the lip of the membrane goes over the rim of the lower cap.  Fit the upper case (the piece that connects to the tubing) to it.) Is the silicone membrane moving (doesn’t over extend) when the pump is in use? Are your flanges the right size?

If you are still experiencing issues with the suction on your pump, please file a warranty claim.

Pain When Pumping

Try turning the suction level down. You shouldn’t experience pain while pumping.

Are your breast flanges/shields the right size? If you aren’t sure what size flange you should be using, please use the measuring guide to accurately measure your nipple.

More information on measuring is available on our website: https://www.spectrababyusa.com/guide/

If pain persists, consult a licensed lactation consultant or schedule a consultation with one of our IBCLCs on our website: https://www.spectrababyusa.com/lactationservices/

Warranty

Warranty Policy

  • All Spectra warranties start on the original date of purchase and cover manufacturer defects.
  • The warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, misuse, normal wear and tear, improper use, unauthorized maintenance or repair, neglect of maintenance of pump or its accessories, or failure to follow written instructions for use.
  • Your pump has a 2-year warranty and your accessories have a 90-day warranty when purchased directly from Spectra Baby USA, through your insurance (via a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Company), or an authorized retailer*
  • Your Spectra S1/S2 Plus and 9 Plus pumps are single-user pumps. As a result, only the original user is covered under the warranty. The warranty is non-transferable.
  • As of 11/30/2018, we no longer carry the Spectra Dew 350. As a result, Spectra Dew 350 pumps purchased after 12/1/2018, are not covered under warranty.
  • When submitting a warranty claim, proof of purchase must be provided. This can be in the form of a receipt, invoice, or email.
  • Warranty is valid in the USA only; replacements are shipped to USA addresses only.

*Authorized retailers include: Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Buy Buy Baby, and Pattern (iServe) on Amazon—ALL other retailers on Amazon, are NOT authorized retailers*

Registering Spectra Pump

To register your Spectra pump, please fill out the Pump Registration Form here.

Filing a Warranty Claim

Before filing a Warranty Claim be sure to visit our Warranty Information page here.

To file a warranty claim, please fill out the Warranty Claim Form here.

You will be required to submit video/photo proof as well as well as proof of purchase/receipt.

Lactation Consulting

How Can I Find an IBCLC?

To find an IBCLC near you, please click HERE.

Spectra Lactation Services

It is our mission to support and educate moms through their breastfeeding and pumping journeys.

We offer FREE Lactation Consultant sessions! Visit: https://www.spectrababyusa.com/lactationservices/ for more information.

You got this, and we’ve got you!

Weekly Lives & Blogs

If you missed our weekly Facebook or Instagram live session, visit our BLOG to watch or read our recap!

Other

Recycling

Congratulations on successfully completing your breastfeeding journey!

You can send us the pump and power cord for recycling to:

Spectra Baby USA
3430 Davie Road Ste. 306
Davie, FL 33314

Your accessories can be recycled with your regular household items.