If you’ve chosen to use the Spectra S1 to express your breast milk for your little munchkin, but it looks like it belongs in a NASA space station with all its buttons and nozzles, fear not.
We have a little guide of hints, tips, and tricks for How to Use Spectra S1 Breast Pump.
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A breast pump is only as good as the quality of your milk supply. Having a balanced and healthy diet combined with a good sleep routine will ensure a good ‘let down’ when pumping.
To be able to use the Spectra S1, you need to know its features and how they function per session.
Table of Contents
Features of The Spectra S1
The breast pump comes with five buttons. Below are quick summaries to get you acquainted with your new pump.
Power Button
Switches power on regardless of whether it is plugged into the mains power or using the rechargeable battery, provided that it is fully charged.
Night Light
This pump comes with a sweet little night light as well as its built-in handle for ease of transport.
Massage or Letdown Mode
On the Spectra S1, there is a massage mode cycle that should be used first to help stimulate the breast in preparation for a feed.
Expression Mode
The function called the ‘expression mode’ is designed to imitate a baby’s breathing and sucking patterns at the first latch to encourage a good let-down.
Cycle Mode (+/-)
It measures how many strokes per suction you have in a mode cycle.
Vacuum Mode (+/-)
It measures the strength of the suction.
Preparation, Assembly, and Application
To use the Spectra S1 effectively, you need to be able to prepare and assemble all parts beforehand. Below are some easy steps to follow before each pumping session.
Step 1 – Sterilization
Sterilize all removable parts before assembly.
Step 2 – Tubes
Attach the tubes to the pumping motor.
Step 3 – Assembly
Attach the backflow protector.
Step 4 – Connection
Connect one end of the tube to the backflow protector.
Step 5 – Breast Shield
Attach the breast shield to the backflow protector.
Step 6 – Switch it On
Switch on the breast pump and start with the massage mode cycle at 70.
Step 7 – Change Modes
Once the milk starts to appear in the tubes, switch to expression mode at 54.
Et Voila, you are ready to pump!
Using the Spectra S1 Effectively
The great thing about using the spectra s1 is that it comes with a manual on how to get the most and best out of your milk-making device.
The manual includes how to measure yourself for the right breast shield, how to pump more milk, and how to store your milk safely.
Measuring Yourself For the Right Breast Shield
Measurements should be taken from the inner shield – the cone part – to determine the correct size. An incorrect size could be painful with all the tugging and pulling of the breast, not to mention a significant decrease in milk production.
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How to Pump More Milk
The best way to pump more milk is to stick to a routine every day. After breastfeeding your child, you should dedicate at least twenty minutes to express and get familiar with all the buttons the Spectra S1 has to offer.
How to Store Your Milk Safely
Freshly pumped breastmilk can stay out on the counter for up to four hours, provided that it is stored in a clean and sterilized container or bottle.
Fridge and Freezer
Remember to keep your expressed bottle in the back of the refrigerator, and the temperature should be kept at 4 degrees. Breastmilk should only be kept in the freezer for six months at a time per batch and needs to be stored at -18 degrees or lower.
Take it Slow and Build it Up
For new moms, the approach of taking it slow is better. Some moms might feel under pressure to pump as much milk in each session as possible to make it feel like it’s worth being strapped to a pumping device.
Rest assured, your milk supply will build up. Taking it slow will ensure you don’t damage yourself, especially when you are still breastfeeding – when the baby clamps down, it will be painful, so it’s best to take our advice to avoid this!
Body Tricks
The velocity of the pump makes a significant difference in building your milk supply, especially when using the Spectra S1. Starting slowly and on the lowest setting will help the body think that baby has latched and is comforted by the breast before the letdown.
Nipple Damage
Begin the session with level one and add more suction until it gets a little strange for comfort.
As the milk starts to come, switch to expression mode, which is cycle 54. Once you have done this, you will need to change the vacuum suction to draw out the milk and adjust the settings to the point where you get to the point before you are uncomfortable. Going higher in the dials doesn’t mean you will produce more milk.
Careful not to increase the vacuum too much and always moisturize after each session to avoid any sensitivity to your nipples.
Reset Your Pump
Once you’ve got the hang of using your Spectra S1, you will probably find that it has remembered the last setting used when you go to use it again. We’d recommend you dial everything back down and start the session afresh.
This is due to fluctuation in the sensitivity of your breasts, especially when your milk comes in and feels over-loaded. They can be sensitive one day and not the next.
Adjusting the cycle modes will help you to get the best out of your pump.
Final Thoughts
Now that we have learned how to use the Spectra S1, we know it isn’t rocket science after all! The trick is to adjust the cycle modes as you express so that when you reach the peak – of feeling slightly uncomfortable – you will get the best output of milk supply.
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