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15 questions from our users

Katie C

Katie Casked

Hi I bought my Spectra 350 in August and have used it every day since, I exclusively pump so it gets a lot of use! I double pump and have always found its been great. Last night I turned it on to pump and found the suction to be reduced, I checked that I didn't have any damage in my valves (which were recently replaced), no damage in the tubes, made sure all parts were secured. Ive thoroughly checked the pump and all parts but can find no reason. If I close off the second hole and only do single pump it gives me my usual level of suction (this applies to both holes as I checked that both were sucking normally) and plugged in both of my kits to see if one was faulty in some way but both work perfectly on their own. I've never had reduced suction when double pumping before, it's decreased so much that I get hardly any milk coming out and barely feel the suction. Please help as I really rely on this machine to feed my daughter :( thank you in advance.



1 answer
Katie C
Katie C

PUMP FIXED! I had a friend look inside the machine and the arm that moves the piston was bent ever so slightly so the disc inside the tube wasn't totally sealed causing a small amount of air to escape, he fitted a small washer and bent the arm straight again and now it sucks like it's new again!


JHS13

JHS13asked

Has anyone else experienced their Spectra Dew suddenly no longer suck? It was fine yesterday, I cleaned the parts and went to use it now but no suction. The machine is pumping, there is air in the tubes but no change in suction when I move the dial, even to maximum makes no difference. I've tried different tubes, valves, everything but nothing is fixing it. Thanks.

2 answers
JGE
JGE

Nope. Sounds like a dodgy machine - I’d try exchange it



Spectra
Customer Service T.Spectra

Hi JHS, thanks for checking in about this. :)

I would encourage you to shoot us a message at [email protected] as 95% of the time, suction issues are able to be corrected with some adjustments to your shield kit. :)

I will keep an eye out for your message so we can get this resolved for you.

Best
Georgie
Spectra team




Ree

Reeasked

Does this lose suction when used as a double pump or is suction the se as when you use it as a single?

1 answer
Spectra
Customer Service T.Spectra

Hey Ree! The suction drops slightly when used as a double compared to single, but this pump has very strong suction, not many mamas are using it on the max suction level, and therefore would just turn suction up slightly when double pumping compared with single pumping.

Please send us an email if you have any more questions!

Claire
Spectra Team


Elaine Mc Donnell Kenny

Elaine Mc Donnell Kennyasked

Hi my spectra dew 350 has no suction can you please help?

1 answer
Spectra
Customer Service T.Spectra

Hi Elaine,

Thanks for your question. Can you tell me a bit more about the problem? How long have you had your pump for? When we the last time you changed your valves, membrane and filters? In the vast majority of cases issues with suction on our pumps are due to assembly or parts.

You can check out this video for how to set up and use the pump correctly : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k03i2H6Y_v0

And this one to check on your shield set assembly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbAEIWa0P6I

If you are still having trouble after checking out those videos, then please get in touch with our Customer Service team and we can help troubleshoot further. We have email ([email protected]) or are available via phone, Facebook or Chat on our website.

Kind regards,
Alli
Spectra Team


Mommybear26

Mommybear26asked

The flange size is too small for my nipple so i cant get enough milk,i just can pump 20 ml for about an hour for both nipples.how can i know what flange size would fit me?

1 answer
Spectra
Customer Service T.Spectra

HI Mommy-bear,

Thanks for your question - this a really good one, and one that lots of Mums struggle with.

If you are expressing and experience discomfort, nipple trauma or a lot of areola being sucked in, these indicate that you should assess the shield size. If your milk is flowing and you do not experience any pain or damage, then the shield fit should be ok.

When a woman is breastfeeding or expressing, her nipple usually swells significantly. If you think your shield may not be the right fit, then we recommend you measure your nipple. To do this, you will need to express for at least 3 minutes so that your nipple swells, and then measure the diameter of the nipple at the widest point (usually at the base). It is important to measure only the nipple, and no areola - which can be tricky sometimes, we know! You will then want to be using a breastshield which is 3mm larger than the size of your nipple.

If you email or contact us via Facebook we can send you some images that will help you assess what size you might need, if the measuring is a little tricky.

We do have smaller and larger sizes available for purchase on our site too, 28mm and 32mm, or we can refer you to other places if you need a different size.

Kind regards,
Alli
Spectra Team


Evelyn Ambeguia Cortez

Evelyn Ambeguia Cortezasked

Where can i buy the spectra 350 spare breastkit? And how much?

2 answers
MrsNorbo
MrsNorbo

https://spectra-baby.com.au/shop/?orderby=price-desc&gclid=CjwKEAiAmdXBBRD0hZCVkYHTl20SJACWsZj9z_e-kdpl9-snfLT1Gh4HcTywIo0Coi2cjVIgnqwJHxoC9J_w_wcB

Spectra
Customer Service T.Spectra

Hi Evelyn,

Thanks for your question. Our breast shield sets for the Dew 350 are available here:
https://spectra-baby.com.au/shop/accessories/spectra-dew-wide-neck-premium-breast-shield-set/

They are priced at $29.95 - although we are having a Xmas sale (20% off) which starts on December 1st 2016 if you are can wait a few extra days to save a few dollars :-)

Kind regards,
Alli
Spectra Team


Lisa

Lisaasked

Do I boil the filters for the initial sterilization? Thank you.

1 answer
Spectra
Customer Service T.Spectra

Hi there Lisa

Thanks so much for your question!

Please do not boil or sterilise your backflow filters. They should never be washed / sterilised, as this will cause them to suffer wear quicker. Once the red ink lines on the inside of your Dew 350 are blurred, it is time to replace them.

Here is a fantastic resource for you:

Dew 350 assembly video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k03i2H6Y_v0

Please let us know if you have any more questions!

Warm regards

Claire
Spectra Team


Rumana

Rumanaasked

Hi there, I've now been using the dew350 pump for two months. In this time I've already had to get the filters replaced and looks like now I have to get them replaced again! I don't wash the filters or anything. This is becoming a big expense. Can you please advise if there is something I'm doing wrong?!!

1 answer
Spectra
Customer Service T.Spectra

Hi Rumana,

Thanks for your message. Gosh - that does sound frustrating for you. Where are you placing the filters in your assembly? If it is at the end closest to your shield you could try placing the filter at the other end, closest to the pump. You will need to keep an eye on the tubing to ensure milk does not track back into it. There is a video here that you can refer to check the set up - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k03i2H6Y_v0

If you are still not having any luck, then please email our Customer Service girls and we can help you out in more detail. The address to email is [email protected]

Kind Regards,
Alli
Spectra Team


Jackal

Jackalasked

Hi Sprctra

My wife and I are expecting our first born around New Years, my wife and I are currently looking at our options in regards to pump and I would like to get some advice about your pump and which ones you would recommend? Also was wondering if you guys are going to be at the Perth pregnancy and baby expo this weekend?

Karl

1 answer
Spectra
Customer Service T.Spectra

Hi Jackal,

Thanks for your question and interest in Spectra :-) Congratulations on the pregnancy, and great to see you getting yourselves organised for the arrival! The Spectra DEW 350, S2 and S1 are all hospital grade pumps that are fantastic for 1st time Mums with new babies. It can be hard to know which pump to choose - but you can read this article to help: https://spectra-baby.com.au/types-of-breast-pumps/

In great news - Cathy Garbin, a lactation consultant based in Perth is going to be attending the Perth Pregnancy Expo on the weekend and will have several Spectra pumps that you can take a look at. That will be a great opportunity to see the pumps and chat to Cathy about your needs. If you still have questions after that, you can always contact our Customer Service team at [email protected] or via our Facebook page. We are always here to help.

Kindly,
Alli
Spectra Team


Blake Scott

Blake Scottasked

How do you clean the tubing and the filter? I don't have a microwave sterilizer... is it ok if i just wash it with tap water coz I don't know it can't be boiled... thankz!

1 answer
Spectra
Customer Service T.Spectra

Hi Blake!

You don't clean them :)

I usually just clean my tubing on the outside with a dampened cloth if it gets dusty, and there's no need to clean them on the inside.

The filters should not be immersed in water. The filters stop milk getting through into the pump, so once fluid has gotten into it enough to make those little red lines blur, it's time to replace them :)

Please feel free to shout out if you have any more questions, or take a look at our Dew 350 video on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k03i2H6Y_v0

Warm regards

Claire
Spectra Team


Kylie-T

Kylie-Tasked

Hi,
I have 14 weeks old twin boys who feed beautifully. I have been expressing 3-4 times per day using a Medela Lactina which I love, however hubby doesn't want to keep hiring. He bought me a Philips Avent 'single comfort' which I used once (this morning) and hated it (only pumped 180ml in over half and hour - this is half what I regularly express).
I can't decide whether to go for the S2 or dew? The volume I pump reduces throughout the say, for example early morning I usually express 360ml, late morning around 90ml and mid evening around 100ml.
I rarely have had to change the speed or strength of the Medela but kind of like the ability to do so if I need to.
What would you recommend? I am looking to make a purchase urgently as I now only have a Medela Mini which I hate, hubby returned the Lactina to the pharmacy.

2 answers
Debrumsey
Debrumsey

Hi Kylie, I think you'll be happy with either the S2 or Dew 350. It doesn't look to have too many differences. It's probably just a slight upgrade - the letdown mode seems to be the main difference. I'm not sure about the Philips pump you were using. I pretty much bought the Dew 350 after reading the great reviews and haven't needed anything else for two of my kids. Good luck!

Spectra
Customer Service T.Spectra

Hi Kylie!

I would probably recommend the S2 if you're pumping for 2, as lots of mums will find the addition of the let down mode is a great help! Bron our customer service superstar pumped for twin boys and can probably give you a WHOLE heap of tips if you'd like some further support!!

Claire
Spectra Team


sarah

sarahasked

Ive recently been using a manual pump to express milk but only producing up too 2 ounces twice a day, and wanted to know if I was to buy the spectra 350 would it increase my supply? as ive had to use formula as my son needs 4/5 ounces every three hours and im returning back to work so will need to use it on a regular basis.

3 answers
Nancy
Nancy

If you want to increase your supply you have to pump as many times as you can but definitely using the spectra 350 will get you more and faster milk than a manual pump at each time...

Amy
Amy

Hi Sarah, I believe that by using most electric breast pumps (my experience with the Spectra is a positive one) that you would produce more milk, faster compared with a manual pump. I am producing around 9-10 oz in the morning and then 4-5 oz twice after that in a day. I also found that using a silicon insert inside the breast shield makes it more effective in the sucking action and a more comfortable experience. I hope this helps. All the best.

sarah
sarah

Thank you both for the help and advice, ive decided to give it a go :)


Little mrs

Little mrsasked

Hi everyone!

My little one is almost 4month and breastfeeding has been great. I am however going back to work when he is 6 month old. Naturally I'm thinking of expressing. Will spectra dew350 work in this case? Has anyone in similar scenario try it? Thanks for the info!

1 answer
Mum's the word
Mum's the word

Hi Little Mrs, I've just returned to work and am expressing. The Dew 350 is good but maybe a little bulky as a portable pump I bought the M1 for use at work. This is good the suction probably not quite at effective as the Dew 350 but works well for me. It also has a let down function. Depends on what facilities you have at work. If you can leave the pump in the room set up I would go for the Dew 350 but if you have to set up each time then I would use the M1.


Mum to be

Mum to beasked

Hi I have a 1 week old and purchased a nuk breast pump it hurts, it just sucks my nipple tips and takes around an hour to partially empty 1 breast. I am sleep deprived and this has made things much worse! It feels like I am breast feeding a shark when using this pump. Please tell me where I can buy yours direct today?

2 answers
Anora_80
Anora_80

Hi, sorry to hear you're having troubles. I bought mine on eBay from seller spectra_australia. Make sure you get the double pump. I've been using it for over a month now and no pain at all. Good luck! x

Spectra
Customer Service T.Spectra

Ohh rats, we missed this. Thanks Anora_80 for answering. Did you get sorted Mum to be or can we still help you?


Den54

Den54asked

Can the pump be used for other people?

4 answers
MarieOz
MarieOz

Hi Den,
I'd like to help you, but I'm sorry, I'm not sure to understand your question. What do you mean by 'used for other people?'

Hilz
Hilz

Sorry I don't quite understand your question. Can you please re-phrase it?

becca92
becca92

The milk doesn't flow into the machine so it stays sterile. other people can use it, they just need the flanges, bottles, and tubing of their own which you can buy separately. also, i am in the u.s. and i emailed the company in america, they said i could also use the ameda and medela kits that are sold, and they would fit the pump too. i assume the models in AU and the u.s.are the same.


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