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Some times, it is necessary for us to invest in hospital grade breast pump. It could be because you are pumping for preemie, or perhaps need to build your milk supply. Whatever the reason is, hospital grade breast pump is much preferred for moms needing a powerful breast pump and using it frequently every single day.
Nowadays, there are a lot of options when it comes to choosing a hospital grade breast pump. From functionalities, size, and strength, there are a lot of factors to consider when deciding on which breast pump suits you best. It can be confusing, especially for a new mom, to choose a suitable hospital grade breast pump that fits her need.
Thus, in this article we will discuss about some of the popular hospital grade breast pumps, both which are usually available in the hospital or for personal use. I will also share my personal tips in choosing your go-to hospital grade breast pump.
First of all…
What is hospital-grade breast pump?
There is a confusing information on what defines a hospital grade breast pump. A few years ago, term ‘hospital grade breast pump’ usually refers to bulky breast pumps that are usually rented from hospital, expensive, bulky in size and are closed system so that it can be used by multiple users. These breast pumps are usually very durable and powerful for frequent usage to help mothers initiate and build their milk supply. The pump can also be shared among multiple moms safely. The following two below are the examples of these kind of breast pump.
The Best Multi-User Hospital Grade Breast Pumps
There are two most popular hospital-grade breast pumps commonly rented from hospital:
1. Medela Symphony
Medela has been leading the breast pump industry for more than 10 years. Among its various breast pump models, Medela Symphony is its most popular hospital grade model. It has been trusted by hospitals and lactation consultants all around the world.
Specification:
- Weight: 6.72 pounds
- Dimension: 10.25 x 8.25 x 12.5 inches
- Vacuum strength up to 250 mmHg
- Cycle speed up between 45-78 CPM (auto-adjusted with vacuum strength)
Key Features:
- There are two sets of pump programs available: Initiate and Maintain. Initiate is used for moms in the early days of lactation, mimicking faster baby’s sucking ryhtm in the first few days after birth. The other program, Maintain, is used to establish and maintain milk supply after day 6 postpartum.
- It adopts two-phase expression technology for better pumping experience. Using this technology, he breast pump starts operating in letdown / stimulation mode for 2 minutes to encourage letdown before automatically switching to expression mode.
Cons:
- Bulky (big and heavy)
- Expensive (most people rent it from hospital. You can also buy it, but with a very steep price, more than $1000)
- Not so flexible pump setting (you can only adjust the vacuum strength using a dial), you cannot adjust cycle speed independently.
Click here to learn more about Medela Symphony specification, features and moms’ reviews.
2. Ameda Elite
Ameda Elite is the hospital grade line from Ameda. It works pretty similar to its more portable breast pump, Ameda Purely Yours. There are two dials that you can use to adjust the vacuum strength and cycle speed separately. It does not have special mode to stimulate letdown though. Instead, most moms will use a combination of fast cycle speed and low vacuum strength that mimics baby’s initial nursing pattern.
Specification:
- Weight: 6.5 pound
- Dimension: 40 x 39 x 30 cm
- Closed system, ideal for multi-users
Key Features:
- Ability to adjust vacuum strength and cycle speed independently (through two dials)
- Vacuum strength up to 250 mmHg
- Cycle speed between 30-60 CPM
Cons:
- Bulky
- Expensive
- No built-in battery
- No letdown mode
Click here to learn more about Ameda Elite, its detailed features and where to get it
3. Medela Lactina Select
This is the older generation of hospital grade breast pump from Medela. The breast pump is strong and powerful and can be shared across multiple users. It is usually available for use in hospital or for rental.
This breast pump is equipped with vacuum regulator to adjust the vacuum strength and a dial knob to adjust the cycle speed.
Specification:
- Weight: 8.9 lbs.
- Dimension:17″ x 9″ x 9″
Key features:
- Vacuum strength: 100-240 mmHg.
- Cycle speed: 40-60 CPM
Pros:
- Heavy-duty and powerful
Cons:
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bulky
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has a lot of spare parts (breast shield kit + piston kit)
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expensive
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no let-down mode (but you can find your own let-down mode setting by adjusting the vacuum and speed)
4. Ameda Platinum
This is another hospital grade breast pump model from Ameda. Unlike Elite which is equipped with two dials, Ameda Platinum looks more sophisticated with digital display and buttons to increase and decrease the vacuum strength and cycle speed.
Specification:
- Weight: 9.7 lbs
- Dimension: 9.75 in x 10.5 in x 8.0 in
Key features:
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Big LED screen
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Comes with buttons to precisely control vacuum and speed
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Cycle speed: 30-80 cycles per minute
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Vacuum strength: 30-250 mmHg (increment of ~2.2 mmHg)
Pros:
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precision control allows up to 5000 possible unique settings
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VacuSense technology to ensure the vacuum strength remain stable during usage, whether you use it as single or dual pumping.
Cons:
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bulky
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expensive
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adjust your own vacuum / strength to achieve let-down
Click here to learn more about Ameda Platinum.
With recent enhancement, we have seen more and more hospital grade breast pumps emerging in the market. Although there are hospital grade breast pumps that remains for multi-user usage and rented from hospital, comes a new groups of breast pump which offers the strength and power of hospital grade breast pumps, but offered for personal use. These new breast pumps are usually cheaper compared to the rented ones.
So what kind of personal breast pump has hospital-grade strength?
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The breast pump has powerful motor and durable enough to support frequent pumping (8x or more daily)
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It has powerful suction strength
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It can be used to initiate and build / establish milk supply
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It is closed system, that means there is a barrier between milk collection part and the tubing and motor, so as to prevent moisture entering the pump motor
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It is typically used by moms who pump for increasing milk supply, having multiple babies, or exclusively pumping.
Which are the most trusted breast pumps offering hospital-grade strength among breastfeeding moms?
In the following section, I would discuss various hospital-strength breast pump that is perfect for your personal use.
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Top 5 Hospital-Strength Breast Pumps (That Won’t Burn A Hole In Your Pocket)
1. Spectra S1 breast Pump – The Trusted One
Spectra S1 has been around for several years and quickly becomes one of moms’ favorite breast pump because it offers unique suckling sensation that mimics baby’s nursing pattern. Additionally, the pump has pretty high vacuum strength (up to 270 mmHg) and offer quite flexible pump setting by allowing the user to adjust its cycle speed independently. This way, moms can pump at high vacuum and high speed at the same time. Studies have shown that the flexibility in setting like this has been proven to assist mothers to achieve greater comfort and better milk output while pumping.
Specification:
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Weight: ~2.8 pounds
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Dimension: 7.9″ (L) x 7.9″ (W) x 6.7″ (H).
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Vacuum strength up to 260 mmHg
Top Features:
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Flexible pump setting with ability to adjust cycle speed independently. Spectra S1 has 5 massage modes, 12 expression modes, 5 adjustable cycle speeds, 38-54 CPM.
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Incorporate unique vibration to better mimics baby’s nursing pattern
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Built-in battery with great battery life (up to 3 hours pumping)
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Quiet (~45 dB noise level).
Cons:
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Bulky. Spectra S1 has a raised handle that makes it less portable than other hospital grade breast pump.
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Heavy.
2. Spectra S2 Breast Pump – Best for Budget
Spectra S2 is like a twin sister of Spectra S1. They are very similar in terms of functionality. Spectra S2 is slightly more popular because most of the time, it is covered by insurance without additional fee. If you need to purchase it on your own, its price is pretty affordable.
The two main differences it has with Spectra S1 are the color and the battery.
Specification:
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Weight: ~2.7 pounds
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Dimension: 7.9″ (L) x 7.9″ (W) x 6.7″ (H).
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Vacuum strength up to 260 mmHg
Top Features:
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Flexible pump setting with ability to adjust cycle speed independently. Spectra S2 has 5 vacuum levels in massage modes, 12 vacuum levels in expression modes and 5 adjustable cycle speeds, 38-54 CPM)
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Incorporate unique vibration to better mimics baby’s nursing pattern
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Quiet (~45 dB noise level)
Cons:
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No built-in battery. So you need to be close to a power outlet all the time. An alternative to make Spectra S2 more portable is to use a special cable to plug it in a power bank.
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Bulky. Spectra S2 has a raised handle that makes it less portable than other hospital grade breast pump.
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Heavy. Spectra S2 weighs less than Spectra S1 because it has no battery inside, but it is still considered heavy at around 2.7 pound.
3. Motif Luna Breast Pump – The Insurance Friendly
Motif Luna is a slightly newer hospital grade breast pump that has very similar features with Spectra S1 and S2. The only difference is it has more compact shape and different sets of cycle speeds. Just like Spectra breast pumps, you can easily get Motif Luna through your insurance provider.
Specification:
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Weight: 2.4 pound
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Size: 7″ (L) x 8″ (W) x 2.25″(H)
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Vacuum strength up to 280 mmHg
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Cycle speed between 30-46 CPM
Top Features:
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Compact shape making Motif Luna more portable
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Flexible pump setting with ability to adjust cycle speed independently. Motif Luna has 5 massage modes, 12 expression modes, 5 cycle speed settings from 30-46 CPM)
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Quiet (~43 dB noise level)
Cons:
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Original spare parts may be more difficult to get in retail stores. You will have better luck getting it online (from Amazon or its website), or use compatible accessories from Spectra or other brands (Maymom, Pumpables, and so on).
4. Super Genie Breast Pump – The Smartest Pump
Super Genie is one of the new breast pumps from Pumpables. that offers hospital grade strength. To date, this is the breast pump that offers the most flexible pump setting.
Not only that, Super Genie can record your pump program minute by minute from start to finish, so that you can use the same program again and again and pump on autopilot. The pump will automatically switch modes for you.
Specification:
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Weight: 2.6 lbs
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Dimension: 196.9(W)mm x 71(hg)mm x 140(D)mm
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Vacuum strength up to 330 mmHg
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Cycle speed between 72-104 CPM (letdown mode) and 40-70 CPM (expression mode)
Top Features:
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It offers the most flexible pump setting
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Massage mode: 5 vacuum levels, 9 cycle speed (72-104 CPM)
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Expression mode: 16 vacuum levels and up to 16 cycle speeds (40-70 CPM)
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Compact shape with handle for easy carrying
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Quiet
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Comes with liquid shield kit for better pumping comfort and faster let down. Liquid shield kit is a breast shield system that combines outer hard plastic flange and inner soft silicone.
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Ability to record your own pumping program
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Comes with an app with multiple functionalities. With this app, you can operate the pump with your phone, create your pump program and share programs among moms. Click here to read my in-depth explanation on how you can use Super Genie app.
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Great support and community
Cons:
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Liquid shield kit size is still limited to 21, 25, and 27 mm. Size 17-mm will be released very soon (estimated around mid November). As an alternative, you can use Pumpables universal breast shield if your size is not available in liquid shield kit range.
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It does not memorize your last pump setting when operated manually (without a program or app. That means, you always start with level 0 at the beginning of your pump session. To be able to use your preferred setting, use the pump app or create your own pumping program.
You can learn more about the detailed features of this breast pump in my Super Genie breast pump review.
5. Loveamme Tailormade Pro – The Most Portable
Again, another new breast pump that’s just been released mid 2020. To date, Loveamme Tailormade Pro is the smallest and lightest hospital-strength breast pump that I have come across. This hospital grade breast pump brings some special features that is not available in the other breast pumps.
First, you are able to control the vacuum level for left and right breast separately. You do have an option to synchronize between left and right if you want to keep it the same.
Additionally, it offers three -phase expression instead of the usual two, letdown mode, expression and deep expression.
Specification:
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Weight: 1.15 pounds (very light)
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Dimension: 116 x 116 x 85 mm.
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Vacuum strength up to 300 mmHg
Top Features:
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Very small and light-weight for a hospital grade power.
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Ability to control vacuum strength separately between left and right breast. This might be useful when the breasts are at different level of fullness, or one of them feels more tender than the other (say, having cracked nipple).
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Availability of the third mode: deep expression that features longer pull (slower cycle speed) that’s useful for more complete extraction of hindmilk.
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More pump setting: 6 vacuum levels in massage mode, 6 vacuum levels in expression mode, and 6 vacuum levels in deep expression mode.
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Quiet,
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Comes with Flexi-Fit breast shields that are made of soft silicones to enhance pumping comfort.
Cons:
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Unable to adjust cycle speed separately from the vacuum strength
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Original spare part may be difficult to get from retail stores. You need to check their retailers / online website
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The price is the most expensive
Click here to learn more about Loveamme Tailormade Pro and its specifications.
How To Choose The Best Hospital Grade Breast Pump For Your Need
There are several factors that you may consider when choosing which hospital grade breast pump that fits your need best.
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The pump setting
Would you like to have a breast pump with simple or flexible setting? If you choose the former one, then Medela Symphony may be a great choice for you. The pump operation is pretty simple. Once you choose between INITIATE and MAINTAIN program (which is easy because it is based on your baby’s age), you only need to play around with the vacuum level until you find the one most comfortable for you. But as I said, Symphony is bulky and very pricey.
Another option would be Spectra S1, S2, or Motif Luna. These breast pumps have very similar setting. You just need to adjust your vacuum level in letdown mode. In expression mode, you set the vacuum level and cycle speed. All in all, you only need to find out three variables to get your preferred setting.
But if you prefer the one with flexible setting, then Super Genie would be a better choice for you. With its vast range of vacuum level and speed variation, certainly you will find a setting that helps you pump more comfortably. Don’t worry, there’s a default pump setting in its app to get you started. Additionally, you can browse through other moms’ pump programs that were shared in its community.
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Budget
When it comes to budget, Spectra S1, S2, and Motif Luna are more affordable, with Spectra S2 being the cheapest. They are usually available through insurance, too.
On the other hand, the other two, Super Genie and Loveamme TailorPro are relatively new and hence not so easy to get via insurance. They also have a higher price point.
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Portability
Is portability crucial for you? In that case, Loveamme Tailormade Pro is the winner. It weighs less than 600 gram and super compact. But if you could not afford it due to your budget, you may look at Motif Luna or Super Genie breast pumps, which are more compact than Spectra.
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Pumping Comfort
If you are looking to enhance your pumping comfort, I recommend using breast shield systems that are made of soft silicone. In this case, liquid shield kit that comes with Super Genie or Flexi-Fit that comes with Loveamme Tailormade Pro fit the bill. You can get them together with their associated breast pump, or simply purchase them separately and use it with your existing breast pump. Most of the time, you will be able to use the breast shield system interchangeably with other breast pumps or with minimal hacking.
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Efficiency
Spectra S1 and S2 are well-known at their efficiency in draining milk from the breast. I guess this is because they have been in their breast pump industry for several years earlier than the other. A lot more mothers have used these pumps, and there are abundant tips and tricks being shared by veteran pumpers online.
On the other hand, Motif Luna, Super Genie and Loveamme Tailormade Pro are still relatively new. Thus, a lot of moms are still experimenting on what kind of pump setting works well for them to empty the breast well.
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Pump While Multitasking
Do you intend to pump while multitasking? If yes, Super Genie could be your best bet. With its ability to record and retrieve your pump program, you can simply start your pump program and do other task while pumping. No more pressing needed, your breast pump will run on auto-pilot.
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So there you go. I have tried my best to explain the features, pros and cons of each hospital grade breast pump, including those tailored for multi-user as well as personal pump with hospital strength. I also discussed a few points to consider when choosing your best hospital grade breast that fits your need. I sincerely hope that this article will help you getting to know more about various features of hospital grade breast pump as well as helping you deciding which one is the most suitable pump for you.
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Have you tried any of these best hospital grade breast pumps before? Don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comment.
Sharon says
This is an amazing review. The use of breast pump makes breastfeeding easy and also reduce the stress of feeding baby. Ones it’s in a container, baby have access to it. It enable the working mom’s to still breastfeed their children without being linited by any reason beit location or distance. Thank you and I love this review
Shalisha Alston says
Initially, when breast pumping was a novelty, hospital grade breast pumps were super expensive. Now that it’s more common, they’re not so expensive. It’s like when the plasma tv came out. It cost thousands of dollars and they were big and clunky. Nowadays, plasma tvs are a dime a dozen, so you have to do a little research in order to pick the right one. You did a great job reviewing the different hospital grade breast pumps. I like the Spectra Baby USA S2 Double/Single Breast Pump, weighing in at only 3.3 Pounds. The price, at $159, my seem steep, but compared to the Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump at $199, it’s a good buy. I also like that you have a link to Amazon to buy it which is a trusted source. Great article.
Hope Brown says
You’re information is incorrect and could be harming both moms and babies. A “hospital grade” pumps is a “multi-user” pump which has been “FDA-Cleared as a multi-user”. Ameda Platinum, Ameda Elite, & Medela Symphony are FDA-cleared as multi-user. Personal pumps with “hospital strength” are single user breast pumps, Ameda Mya, Ameda Mya Joy, Medela PIS, Spectra S1 & S2 are personal use and must not be share with other people.
Rina says
Hi Hope,
Thanks for the feedback. Will update the article soon =)
Rina says
Hi Hope,
Thanks for the correction. Will update the article soon.
Hope Brown says
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf15/K150476.pdf
Page 5
The Spectra S1 Plus and Spectra S2 Plus are
single-user, powered breast pumps intended to
express and collect milk from the breasts of
lactating women.
Debbie Yeoh says
Hi there Rina,
Is the LoveAmme pump efficacy as good as Spectra S1?
Rina says
Hi Debbie,
This will different from one mom to another.
Personally, my body responds better to Spectra S1 or Super Genie which has combination of high vacuum strength and high cycle speed.
In Love Amme, you cannot adjust cycle speed. Consequently, the higher vacuum level you choose, the slower the speed is.
Having said that, I have met moms who prefer LoveAmme Tailormade breast pump because it allows you to set different vacuum levels for left/right breast and its deep expression feature.