Medela vs Spectra: portable breast pumps compared
By Livia Gamble
When it comes to breastfeeding, everyone’s needs will be different. But for many reasons, you may need to express your breastmilk. The confusing part is working out which breast pump is right for you.
According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, breast pumps are designed for specific usage levels. Working out how much you plan to use it will be your first port of call so you can purchase a breast pump that matches your needs and circumstances.
We compare the Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump and the Spectra 9 Plus Portable Double Electric Breast Pump to help you choose the right one for you.
You can also take a look at breast pump comparisons to find out the most rated products.
Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump
Features
The Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump lets you express both breasts at the same time, which is a real time saver. It’s small enough to fit in a large pocket so you can walk around the house while pumping. With two-phase expression, the Medela Breast Pump replicates the short, quick sucking rhythm of a baby until your milk starts to flow and then it changes to a slow rhythm to express the milk. You can also control the suction levels.
Level of usage
Medela says on their website that the Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump is perfect for frequent use. Tell Me Baby parents say they have used this while mixed feeding and when pumping exclusively.
Price
$449.95
Pros
Like all double pumps, the Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump reduces the amount of time you spend expressing breastmilk. Tell Me Baby reviewers love how they can move around the house while using this pump and recommend buying the pumping bra to go with it so that you can express hands-free. Others said they like how quiet it is and that it helped to establish a good supply.
Cons
The Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump is the more expensive option.
Example review
“This double pump was absolutely necessary for me with my breastfeeding journey. Combined with the Medela pumping bra, this pump is virtually hands-free. I used to put the main system in a large cardigan pocket and walk around the house while pumping. It has different levels and speeds for pumping and is easy to clean.”
Read Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump reviews. Shop Medela Breast Pumps.
Spectra 9 Plus Portable Double Electric Breast Pump
Features
Spectra 9 Plus Portable Double Electric Breast Pump allows you to switch between single and double pumping. The suction and speed can be easily adjusted, and it’s small enough to fit discreetly in a bag or handbag. Importantly, letdown mode is designed to speed the start of milk flow, just the way a baby does.
Level of usage
The Spectra website says that if you are exclusively pumping or needing to rely on a pump to establish supply, to use a hospital-grade breast pump.
Price
$249.00
Pros
The option to switch between single and double pumping and the rechargeable batteries are both convenient features. Tell Me Baby mums say they loved the portability and practicality of this pump. And for something so small, it’s powerful.
Cons
Tell Me Baby reviewers said they would recommend this for casual pumping, but not for an exclusive pumping mum.
Example review
“I loved the portability and practicality of this pump, I had previously owned an AC only pump and with a new baby and a toddler to run around after I knew I needed an upgrade. This pump had powerful suction even when the battery was running low and had no trouble keeping up with multiple pumps per day.”
Read Spectra 9 Plus Portable Double Electric Breast Pump reviews.
Read more:
