Why I Hate the Spectra (Kind Of)

Maybe “hate” is a strong word, but the world’s most popular pump is honestly my least favorite. And trust me—I’ve used seven different pumps. Some were wearables, but out of the three true primary pumps I relied on—Spectra, BabyBuddha, and Pumpables Genie Advanced—the Spectra lands at the bottom for me.

I’ve actually rated all of my pumps here, but let me break down my personal experience with the Spectra.

Before we dive in: Read my pump disclaimer here. Pumping is extremely personal, and context matters.

The Spectra Hype

The Spectra is everywhere—it’s highly recommended by both lactation counselors and moms alike. And don’t get me wrong: it works really well for thousands of women. But if you’re an exclusively pumping mom, there’s a small subset for whom it just doesn’t click. That was me.

Settings & Features

“Cycle” = how fast it pulls, “Vacuum” = how strong the suction is. Massage mode mimics a baby’s suck to help with letdown, while Expression mimics a slower, longer suck pattern.

The Spectra is actually pretty robust:

Modes: Massage (stimulation)

• Massage: Cycle set to 70, suction up to 5
  • Cycle is not adjustable

Modes: Expression

Expression: Adjustable cycle (speed) and vacuum (strength)

• Cycle options: 38, 42, 46, 50
• Vacuum levels: Up to 12

Extras:

Built-in vibration, light with two settings, ~3 hours battery (not required to be plugged in)

Replacement Parts

The Spectra is actually a very “hackable” pump and just like the BabyBuddha and the Pumpables Genie Advanced, you can use just about any flange/bottle set up. So if you go with the “standard” Spectra set up – flange, backflow, protectors, duckbills, and bottles you are going to find replacement parts easily on Amazon!

Pumping on the Go

I can’t say this is the best pump to use to pump on the go because of how big it is but since you can hack it to cups, you could in theory pump with it in the car. I never did it but I know other moms are happy to throw it in the car/pump bag and take it with them!

The Setting That Ended It All

Initially, I really hated pumping. I was sized incorrectly for flanges in the hospital, told to pump for 20 minutes max, and felt like I was dragging around a literal—and figurative—ball and chain.

After working with an IBCLC who specializes in pumping, I realized a few key things:

• My flange size was way too big
• I didn’t know how to optimize settings for my body

Even after adjusting those things, something still felt off. Then I tried the BabyBuddha and realized it wasn’t the pump itself—it was the vibration. I hated it – LOATHED ENTIRELY. 

By five months postpartum, I had made the switch:

• BabyBuddha: First and last pump of the day + on-the-go pumps
• Pumpables Genie Advanced: the pumps in between for the rest of the day

Eventually, I dropped a pump or two, my hormones regulated, my cycle returned, and my BabyBuddha carried me through the rest of my 14-month pumping journey. Hindsight is always 20/20. When really thinking about my output and comfort with the BabyBuddha vs the Spectra, the vibration was overstimulating, but I realistically needed an even slower cycle option than what the Spectra could provide and both of those needs were met with the BabyBuddha.

The Takeaway

While the Spectra is an amazing pump for many women, it’s not for all—and that’s totally okay.

Being in the content creation space has allowed me to try many pumps without financial burden, and I’ve put together a FREE guide: “What to Consider Before Purchasing a Breast Pump.” It’s everything I’ve learned over the last two years in the lactation space, including a comparison chart to help you weigh options at a glance.

Grab your free guide here!

Have questions about the Spectra or other pumps? Drop them in the comments below!

If you’re looking to purchase either the BabyBuddha or the Pumpables Genie Advanced, you can shop on both websites with the code THATMILLENNIALMOM to save 10%. 

You can check out my Freebies and Favs page on my website for more discounts (and freebie downloads!!)