Between baby #1 and #2, I made the switch between the Medela Pump In Style Advanced to the Spectra S2 breast pump. While I MUCH prefer the Spectra pump to the Medela, I had 3 issues with the Spectra pump:
1) Spectra flange sizes are limited (only 3 sizes as compared to Medela's 5), and I use a larger-than-standard flange that Spectra doesn't make;
2) Replacement Spectra pump parts are not readily available locally, making me nervous if they break or I forget them while travelling
3) Spectra pumps are not compatible with standard-size bottles - you either have to use wide-mouth bottles or use bottle adapters to allow use of standard-size bottles
The cheap and easy solution to all 3 issues is to use Medela pump parts with the Spectra pump. Luckily, I had leftover pump parts from my old Medela pump that I could scavenge, but if not, Medela pump parts are inexpensive and readily available, both online and in local stores like Buy Buy Baby, Babies R Us, and Target.
I had heard anecdotally that it was possible to mix and match Medela parts with the Spectra pump, but I couldn't find detailed instructions on how to actually DO it. Here's what you'll need:
- Spectra S1 or S2 pump
- Spectra tubing (comes with Spectra pump; replacement tubing available here)
- Spectra backflow protector (comes with Spectra pump; replacement backflow protectors available here)
- Backflow adapter ***this is the part that doesn't come with either the Spectra or the Medela pump that you will need to buy separately!!!
- Medela breast shield, aka flange (comes with Medela pump; multiple replacement sizes available - 21mm, 24mm, 27mm, 30mm, 36mm)
- Medela PersonalFit Connectors (comes with Medela pump; replacement connectors available here)
- Medela Valve & Membrane (comes with Medela pump; replacement valves & membranes available here)
The backflow adapter connects the Spectra backflow protector to the Medela PersonalFit Connector, allowing use of the Medela parts while staying a "closed" (sanitary) breast pump system. You can buy a 6-pack of the adapters inexpensively on Amazon, and you're good to go!
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