Today on Mommyhood Monday: breast pumps. Now I know breast
pumps aren’t what people would normally
read for entertainment so just an advisory for non-parent readers. I just feel the need to write this for moms who are scouring the net for user reviews of Spectra 3 and found barely enough on Google. I was once in your shoes, too.
Selling at only P4,900 in the market, the Spectra 3 is a pretty good alternative to high-end breast pumps like Medela and Avent. Bought this from MiAnn of BabyMama on sale at P4,500 (yay!), with a year’s warranty. This is the cheapest of all high-quality pumps she’s selling, which includes Unimom and Ameda.
The box contains a main pumping unit, an instruction manual and 2 breast kits (breast shield, tubes, bottle), which is good for moms who’d like to pump both breasts at a time. Also included are two BPA-free slicone nipples with caps for easy storage in the fridge after pumping.
Pumping was relatively easy for a first-timer. I was able to extract about 2 ounces of milk from one breast alone (in between feeds) within 15-20 minutes, and it wasn’t painful. The pumping unit has a pressure regulator so you can easily adjust from minimum to maximum pace. Remember to always start at the slowest, minimum pressure, then simply adjust as you go along. Don’t set the pressure to the maximum as it can be quite painful (did this by accident and I tell you, it really is painful).
This is the part where you connect the other end of the tubing. This wasn’t in the manual, so in case you’re wondering what those small, clear ampule-like thingies are, they are filters that you’re supposed to attach to the pumping unit’s air valves so that milk doesn’t get into the unit. If you’re pumping a single breast, always remember to shut the remaining air valve with the cap below.
Cleaning is easypeasy. Simply wash all parts (except the pumping unit, of course) with liquid detergent, soak in boiled water for 3 minutes or leave in a sterilizer, and you’re good to go 🙂
All-in-all, I’d say the Spectra 3 is a good find, and one that I’d recommend to moms who wish to feed their kids pure breastmilk even when they’re at work, while traveling, or when they simply want to take a break from direct feeding (like when you need to catch on some sleep perhaps, and the hubby can take care of the little one?). For a pump this affordable, it really does the job.
Here’s my full list of pros and cons for the Spectra 3:
Cons:
–
can accommodate only small to average-sized nipples. MiAnn is very accommodating and allows clients to try different pumps at her office in Manila, so you could pick a unit that’s specially suited to your, ehrm, requirements.
can accommodate only small to average-sized nipples. MiAnn is very accommodating and allows clients to try different pumps at her office in Manila, so you could pick a unit that’s specially suited to your, ehrm, requirements.
– not hands-free
–
no battery option (220V only)
no battery option (220V only)
–
not a hospital grade pump, thus applicable for single-person use only (For hygiene purposes, yes, that means you can’t sell it or give it away as a hand-me-down)
not a hospital grade pump, thus applicable for single-person use only (For hygiene purposes, yes, that means you can’t sell it or give it away as a hand-me-down)
– milk MAY get into the tubing (In my almost 2-month daily use of it, though, I never experienced such a problem)
Pros:
–
silent pumping mechanism. You won’t wake anyone at
bedside even when you’re pumping during ungodly hours.
silent pumping mechanism. You won’t wake anyone at
bedside even when you’re pumping during ungodly hours.
–
slim and light enough to bring during travels.
slim and light enough to bring during travels.
–
can be used for dual pumping.
can be used for dual pumping.
–
super easy to understand and use (this is coming from an
analog junkie mom who hates reading manuals)
super easy to understand and use (this is coming from an
analog junkie mom who hates reading manuals)
– extremely affordable yet sturdy
– BPA-free
hi! thanks for the good review! can i post this in the babymama fb page? thanks! – miann
Why, sure, MiAnn. No problem. Thanks for the great product too, and for accommodating all my questions 🙂
Hi Filipina Explorer! How's your pump working out? I'm considering buying this, based on your review. I'm a working mom, and will need to pump twice to thrice a day for the next twelve months. I'd appreciate your feedback! -Mommy Meg
Hi Meg! Sent you an e-mail about your inquiry. Still in tip-top shape, BTW, very good buy 'to.