One thing I always run through with people hiring the Spectra breast pump is how to use their pump and what settings I recommend that, for *most people*, improve their chances of efficiently expressing their milk. I’m a firm believer that, regardless of how efficient a breast pump is, it won’t serve you well if you don’t know how to use it properly.
In this post I will run through what the buttons on the Spectra S1 and S2 mean, what settings I recommend using, and options for customising your Spectra settings to ensure comfort and improve milk flow during your session. All of the pictures below use the Spectra S1, but the S2 works in the exact same way – the only difference is the Spectra S2 needs to be plugged into the wall as it does not have a rechargeable battery like the S1.
Please note that the information below is general guidance only and should not be relied on as applying to your particular situation. Whilst the recommendations below do typically work well for a lot of people, they may not work for you. Please consult with a lactation consultant who understands how to use a breast pump to tailor your settings and session accordingly.
Understanding the Spectra S1 and S2 buttons and screen setup
The thing I love about the Spectra S1 and S2 is how customisable it is. Let me run you through the buttons. On the front of your pump you will see your Cycle + and – buttons to the far left, in the next row you have the mode button [wavy lines] to change you between letdown and expression mode and the power button, to the right of that are the vacuum + and – buttons, and on the far right is the night light button with two light strengths.
What does Cycle and Vacuum mean for Spectra breast pumps?
Cycle means the frequency of suction, which works to mimic the baby’s suck. The cycle number on your screen represents the speed per minute. For example, Cycle 70 on letdown mode means the pump sucks 70 times per minute. Likewise, Cycle 54 on expression mode means the pump sucks 54 times per minute.
Note: If you purchased your Spectra S1 brand new from August 2024 onwards, you will have a new model S1 that shows cycle speeds as C1-C5 instead of numbers. I will reference the cycle numbers for both pump versions from here on.
Vacuum is simply the strength of the suction. On letdown mode, the vacuum strength ranges from 1-5. On express mode, the vacuum strength ranges from 1-12 – however, I would almost never recommend using a 12 vacuum strength [more on this below].
What do all the numbers and pictures on the Spectra S1 and S2 screen mean?
The screen on your Spectra breast pump will show you what mode you’re on [wavy buttons on screen = let down mode; no wavy buttons = expression mode], which cycle and vacuum strength you’re using, your running time for that session and your battery life.
If you turn the pump off and on again, your running time will restart from zero. However, your Spectra S1 and S2 will always remember the last settings you used in both let down mode and express mode. So, if you ended your previous pump session on a fairly high vacuum, I always recommend dropping your settings back down to how you usually *start* your session so you don’t give your nipples a rude shock when you turn it back on [trust me, I’ve been there, done that – ouch!].
Which Spectra S1 and S2 settings should I use to get the best results?
The most common misconception I hear from clients is: ‘higher settings = better results’. However, more often than not, this is not correct.While higher settings for *some* people may work, for most it will do the opposite. Pumping on a level that is too high can cause you to tense up and could actually impede milk flow. By tensing up, you’re releasing cortisol (the stress hormone) and impeding your production of oxytocin (the love hormone that helps initiate a letdown and get milk flowing). Think about how your body responds best to bub when direct feeding. Being relaxed and comfortable are huge factors in improving your milk flow and output.
So, before I get into my recommended settings, please remember this whenever you are pumping:
Comfort is key. If your settings cause any pain or discomfort, immediately reduce the vacuum strength. Do not increase the vacuum unless it is comfortable to do so.
Recommended Spectra breast pump settings (for the Spectra S1 and Spectra S2)
I will preface this section by saying – what works for most, may not work for you; and – optimal results can’t be guaranteed by following this general guidance. If you would like personalised guidance, consider booking in for a pumping consult.
- Turn on your pump and immediately press the mode button [3 wavy lines ~] to change to let down mode [aka massage mode]
- In letdown mode, use Cycle 70 [C1 on the new model S1] and start on Vacuum level 3, 4 or 5 – whichever is most comfortable.
- Only increase your vacuum level if it’s comfortable to do so. It may take a few sessions before you can work up to a higher vacuum level.
- Once you see milk steadily dripping or spraying, press the mode button to change to expression mode.
- In express mode, use Cycle 54 [C5 on the new model S1] and start with Vacuum level 3, 4 or 5 [whichever is most comfortable].
- Slowly vacuum up one level at a time. Once you reach a level that is uncomfortable, pop the vacuum back down. You can sit on this for the duration of your pump session if it is comfortable and effective. Never to a level that causes pain or discomfort.
- See further options below to improve your milk flow if it slows or stops.
Remember, comfort is key. I would not recommend pushing your vacuum up to levels 10-12, especially while on a 54 [C5] cycle. For the vast majority of people, this will hurt more than anything, and likely won’t improve your milk output. On the rare occasion, some people find they need that extra vacuum strength but they are certainly the exception to the rule.
You’ll figure out what works best with trial and error, just never sit on a setting that causes pain or discomfort. Always vacuum down if you’re not completely comfortable. I know I’m sounding like a broken record but it is one of the biggest factors in your pumping success!
If you find the settings aren’t quite working for you, make sure you are also using the correct breast shield (flange) size. This can, and usually will, have a huge impact on milk flow. Not sure about your size? Check out how to measure or book in for a breast shield fitting.
How to adjust the Spectra settings to improve your milk flow
Whilst some people can use the recommended settings above and get a good result, others may find they need to try a few other things to keep their milk flowing. After you’ve tried the settings recommend above, here as some options if your milk flow slows or stops:
Option 1: Toggle back to letdown mode
If you notice your milk flow slow down or completely stop while on expression mode, you can simply press the mode button and sit on letdown mode again [using the above letdown mode settings] until you see your milk flow improve.
Once your milk is dripping again, change back to expression mode using Cycle 54 [C5 on the new model] and whichever Vacuum level keeps you comfortable and gets your milk dripping or spraying.
Option 2: Change the Cycle and Vacuum in expression mode
Some people find that a 54 [C5] cycle isn’t the best for them or changing back to letdown mode does not give them another letdown. So option two involves playing with the settings to find what works best for you.
I usually recommend doing this once milk slows in expression mode or if the settings suggested above don’t do the trick from the get go:
- In expression mode, press down on the cycle button to sit on Cycle 50 [C4 on the new model S1] and press up on vacuum to sit on 1 vacuum level higher than you were using with cycle 54 [C5]
- Sit on these settings for a few minutes and see if your milk flow improves. If so, continue with these settings
- If not, follow the same process again and go down to Cycle 46 [C3] and up 1 more vacuum [only if comfortable]
- You can follow this method [cycle down one and vacuum up one] until finding your sweet spot, but give it a few minutes on each setting before determining if its working for you as it can take some time to work
- Important: the key here is keeping your settings balanced. If you cycle down one, then you should vacuum up one to ensure your pump can still work effectively. But make sure you follow the same rule going the opposite way, i.e. Cycle up one means you should Vacuum down one!
Please note it is normal to pump different volumes at different times of day. Many women find they pump more in the morning compared to the afternoon/evening. Your pumping output is not an indication of your milk supply, usually your baby will be a more efficient feeder so don’t feel disheartened if you don’t produce huge volumes from the pump.
If you would like 1 on 1 guidance, have a look at my pump consultation offerings and consider booking in. Virtual consults are available for those not based in Melbourne.