Battle of the Breast Pumps: Medela vs. Spectra

Whether you're feeding your baby or pumping, you'll spend a lot of time expressing breast milk in the first few months of your breastfeeding journey.

So, when shopping for breast pumps, you have to take your lifestyle into consideration. Will you be an exclusive pumper? Do you want to have some mobility while you pump? Are you searching for a compact pump with a lightweight design that provides a portable, hands-free pumping experience? Do you prefer quiet motors or need something more robust with stronger suction levels?

Breast pump manufacturers know every breastfeeding journey is different, so they offer moms a wide range of options, including traditional pumps, electric breast pumps, and even hospital-grade pumps.

With so many options available, choosing a breast pump can feel like finding the right pair of jeans: it's a process of finding the right fit that provides durable yet comfortable results to match your lifestyle.

In this battle of the pumps, we'll explore two brands with a range of popular breast pumps to meet any mom's needs.

Medela, a highly recognizable brand, is known for its unwavering commitment to supporting every mom's breastfeeding journey with scientifically backed care from day one. Originally a medical device company in 1961, Medela has since expanded to offer research-based products and solutions for mom and baby.

Medela's 2-phase expression technology is a popular brand feature that mimics a baby's natural nursing pattern for efficient milk expression. Expression and stimulation modes on Medela’s pumps make it easier for moms to express milk quickly and comfortably.

The brand’s Medela Family app is compatible with the Medela Sonata, Freestyle, and Swing Maxi pumps. The app lets you track feeding and pumping sessions, diaper changes, baby's growth and sleeping habits, and time your breast pumping sessions. You can also access educational breastfeeding tips from professionals and assistance to help you achieve breastfeeding success.

Originating in South Korea, Spectra was founded by moms, for moms. Understanding the joys and challenges of breastfeeding and pumping, their Natural Nursing Technology has earned them the title of the #1 recommended breast pump brand by certified lactation instructors worldwide, along with several other awards.

Like Medela, Spectra breast pumps have a closed system, which prevents backflow and contamination, ensuring your baby is kept safe from harmful bacteria and viruses. Spectra has powerful and efficient pumps for use at home and also makes pumping convenient anytime and anywhere with a selection of portable and rechargeable designs. 

Thanks to features like 2-phase cycling, a letdown mode, and an expression mode, you can easily customize your pumping experience. Spectra pumps also boast a quiet motor and skin-to-skin contact comfort, allowing you to pump discreetly and comfortably, whether at home or at work.

Whether you prefer to use a manual pump, an electric pump, or a combination of both, Medela and Spectra offer a comprehensive range of breast pumps to meet your needs.

Complete with Max Flow technology and discreet, lightweight cups, the Medela Pump in Style Hands-Free prioritizes convenience, form, and function. The pump’s hospital performance is inspired by the Medela Symphony and is clinically proven to increase milk volume by 11.8%. Anatomically shaped collection cups ensure a comfortable fit, and this pump offers effective milk expression with MaxFlow micro-vibrations and a hands-free pumping experience. Intuitively control the Pump in Style Hands-Free pump with combined speed and vacuum settings that are pre-programmed onto the pump.

Maximize breast milk output with the Medela Freestyle Hands-Free, a comfortable way to pump. Equipped with 245 mmHg of suction strength, the anatomical design is lightweight and portable, weighing less than a pound to combine power and mobility. This pocket-sized, wearable pump is ideal for moms on the go!

Hospital performance meets ease of use in the Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow Breast Pump. Efficiently express milk with the Pump in Style’s advanced motor and use the pump’s intuitive control to select your perfect settings.

Made for active moms and their busy lifestyles, the Medela Swing Maxi weighs less than a pound. This portable and convenient pump has Bluetooth technology that allows moms to track pumping sessions and more by connecting to the Medela Family app. The pump also comes with a 4-button intuitive interface and 9 pre-programmed settings.

Traveling with your Medela Pump in Style just got easier with three great sets to match your needs. Each set is compatible with the Medela Pump in Style, pairing the effective Max Flow technology moms love with convenient organization. The Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow Breast Pump with Tote provides a stylish tote bag to carry all your pumping materials. Store ice packs to keep your liquid gold cool with the Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow and Cooler Set, and conveniently carry everything you could ever need to pump with the Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow Breast Pump with AFBP Sydney Breast Pump Backpack.

As a portable and lightweight pump, the Medela Harmony is a manual pump moms can use as a backup to the Medela double-electric pump or when occasionally away from baby. The soft-touch design and ergonomic swivel handle provide comfortable one-handed operation. Sitting at a 105-degree angle, the PersonalFit Flex breast shield has an oval shape with a soft rim for a better fit to extract more milk per session.

This FDA-approved, hospital-grade Medela Symphony Rental is made for mothers with medical necessity. The 2-Phase Expression technology allows for stronger, more efficient expression, reducing pumping time during each session through faster letdown and enhanced milk flow. Moms can pump from both breasts simultaneously or feed from one and pump from the other.

This hospital-grade pump is available for rental through insurance, so be sure to check with your healthcare provider for eligibility and more information about the rental process. Moms who qualify for rental will need a personal Symphony Double pump for successful operation.

If you choose a Medela pump and want to enhance your pumping experience, Medela has a diverse range of accessories. Complete your collection with the Pump in Style with MaxFlow Breast Pump Replacement Tubing, PersonalFit Flex Breast Shields, and PersonalFit Flex Connectors.

For milk storage, consider these Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags, which can be kept cool in the Medela Breast Milk Cooler Set. Medela also offers Quick-clean Micro-steam Bags as well as Breast Pump and Accessory Wipes for convenient sanitization. Soothe discomfort with lanolin or Tender Care Hydrogel Pads.

Do you need a pump that lets you make independent adjustments on each breast? The Spectra Synergy Gold is the pump for you! This advanced technology uses dual controls to allow you to set independent settings on each breast. 

Take this technology and convenience on the go with the Spectra Synergy Gold Portable Breast Pump. Easy to use and convenient, moms can effectively double pump from anywhere with the Spectra Synergy Gold pumps.

This rechargeable pump weighs only half a pound, making it ideal for travel. The Spectra 9 Plus is a closed-system pump with hospital strength, so you don't have to sacrifice power and performance for portability. Multiple massage and express modes mimic a baby's natural suction, and customizable pump settings allow you to optimize the pump to meet your flow every time. 

Like all Spectra pumps, the Spectra S1 Plus is a closed-system breast pump that maintains hygiene and backflow protection. The Spectra S1 has all the features of the S2 Plus (below) and a built-in battery to maximize mobility. Complete with a flexible, one-touch button and digital controls, the S1 Plus has adjustable suction levels and cycling to encourage a more natural flow of milk supply.

Confident yet quiet, strong yet comfortable—the Spectra S2 Plus has it all. Hospital-strength suction allows for efficient single or double-pumping sessions, and an LCD display makes it easy to view your breast pump settings, even during late-night pumping sessions. 

Keep your milk cool and travel in style with the Spectra S2 Plus Breast Pump with Cooler. Optimize your organization and store everything you need while out and about, including breastmilk storage bottles, milk bags, breast shield connectors, and more, with the Spectra S2 Plus Breast Pump with AFBP Sydney Breast Pump Backpack.

If you have any questions about the pumps above or need help with accessories, we're here to help. Reach out to our team of lactation consultants for help along your breastfeeding and pumping journey.