How to use a Spectra Pump

If you've made it to this post you are probably scratching your head at the instructions that came with your pump, so welcome! I help a lot of lactating people figure out their pumps. In fact, the majority of people will use a pump at some point so I have made sure to include pumping in my Lactation Workshop. I don't want anyone to feel uncertain about their abilities or the equipment they have received in the mail. There are no secrets I need to keep about lactation; however, before we begin, please know that pumping is not indicative o

f what your baby is getting when they are feeding at your body BUT it should still feel productive. In this post, we are going to talk about how to use your pump and why your pump output may be disappointing.

Let's talk about the buttons...so many buttons!

Power all pumps work better when powered on, so be sure to hit this button first, but sleep deprivation gets the best of us sometimes so when you remember and you are ready to get things going turn the pump on.

3 wavy lines is the button you push to get into the letdown simulation. This setting is simulates how your baby would suck to start getting milk flowing. When you turn on your pump, press this button after turning your pump on. You will be in this setting until your milk starts flowing (about 2-3 minutes).

Cycle (+) and (-) the cycle buttons are similar to the suck pattern of your baby at you body. When your pump is in the letdown setting (3 wavy lines button) the cycle will be fast to stimulate your body to get the milk start flowing. When you push the wavy line button again you are in the "suck" mode where the pulls are a bit longer and slower.