Spectra or Medela pump?

Question

Pros/cons and experiences? Also, which bottles do you use? First time mom.

Answer

To start off, your insurance will more than likely cover a pump for you. Depending on your insurance, they may give you a few options.

The most popular one is the Medela because they are widely used and so well known and most stores sells replacement parts. However, I highly highly suggest doing some research and looking up reviews before choosing if you have that option.

The one I highly recommend are Spectra S1 and S2. They are hospital grade pumps but are sold for the fraction of the cost of Medelas (also the Medela most insurances provide is not hospital grade. Their hospital grade pump is the Symphony which is around $1300+ but you can rent it for so much a month).

The Spectra S1 and S2 are the same exact pump, the only difference between the two is that the S1 has a recharable battery- a car adapter can be bought for both separtely though. They are recently new to market in the US (they came to the US in 2013), but they've been slowly working their way up and winning over the hearts of Medela users.

The reason being is, most pumps, especially the Medela from what others have said and told me, tug at you when pumping. It can be painful and annoying and just not that effective at emptying you completely. The Spectra pumps are the only pumps on the market that mimic the sucking of a nursing baby, are much more comfortable, and according to many, take less time to get more milk out. They're a closed system (no milk can get into the tubes, meaning less chance of bacteria growth, in turn more hygenic), it has a built in night light in the handle with two settings for night time nursing and also has a 30 minute timer in case you fall asleep.

Answer

Depends GREATLY on the exact pump. The spectra s1 and s2 are both superior to the medela pumps that insurance pay for. If you are comparing to a medela hospital grade that is a different story. Google medela verse spectra and they break down all the differences and pros and cons!

Answer

Spectra! I ordered mine heard a lot good things about it :)

Answer

I started out with a medela and had occasion to use a friends spectra after a few months. There is a HUGE difference. Spectra is so much better and more comfortable. I ended up paying out of pocket to buy one. I won't list the differences since others already did, but highly encourage anyone to get a spectra over the medela.

Answer

Medela is top of the line. It's what all the hospitals use.

Answer

I ordered Spectra S2 through my insurance. Haven't received it yet but I read great reviews about it. My insurance offered several different brands as options.

Answer

Medelllaaaaa! It really is the BEST!

Answer

I would go with spectra. The only reason medela is more well known and recommended is because it's hospital endorsed. I have a medela and spectra and am an exclusive pumper and prefer spectra. The settings are separate so you can customize your pump settings. It's much more comfortable to use as well. I used a medela symphony for 5 months with my first baby and still prefer my spectra over the symphony and pump in style.

Answer

I researched this heavily and went with the spectra s1. It's a closed system and hospital grade and everything I've read says it's much more comfortable to use. I am ftm and due October 9th so haven't used yet, but all the research I did and reviews of those who had used a medela and spectra overwhelmingly the spectra was preferred

Answer

I've never used Medela but I love my S2. I pump about 8 times a day and I have no problems with it. 
I use Spectra bottles but most wide neck bottles will fit. I use Avent sometimes.