Spectra S2 Hospital Grade Double Electric Questions & Answers (page 4 of 7)

Hi Sarah,

Thanks for shooting through your question to us! I can imagine that is a bit frustrating for sure :-/ Do you have the white duck valves? It is a single white piece? If so, usually one of the signs that they are wearing is that they start to fall off during pumping.

Generally your Spectra membranes need to be replaced every 2-3 months, or sooner if you are exclusively pumping or pumping very often. However, if you have been sterilising these parts then they will wear faster.

There are a few ways that you can prolong the life of your parts. You should always sterilise your Spectra breast pump components before using them for the first time, but then after that, washing them in warm, soapy water is adequate.

Some mums choose to put their shields into a ziplock bag or a lidded container in the fridge during the day, and wash once per day after their last pump.

If you havent been sterilising the valves at all, or have not been pumping very much, then please get in touch with our Customer Support Team via our website, Facebook or email ([email protected]) and we can help you to further troubleshoot.

Warm regards
Alli
Spectra Team

Hi Monica,

Thanks for your question here, I believe we've chatted on the phone, and I've sent you through some info to your email address also. Please let us know if you have any further questions.

Warm regards
Alli
Spectra team

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks for your question. Based on what you've described, it does sound like it might be time to replace some of your breastshield parts.

We recommend that you replace your valve, membranes and backflow protectors regularly, to maintain great suction and to pump efficiently.

Your Spectra membranes need to be replaced every 2-3 months, or sooner if you are exclusively pumping. If you are using the Spectra Duck Valves, then these should be replaced every 3-4 months. Backflow protectors should be changed every 6 months, or if you notice any damage to the silicone diaphragm on the inside - such as thinning or tears.

Here are the links to all those parts for you:

Spectra Valve & Membrane Sets: https://spectra-baby.com.au/product/spectra-valve-head-membranes-set-2/
or
Spectra Duck Valves: https://spectra-baby.com.au/shop/accessories/replacement-valve-premium/

Spectra Backflow Protectors: http://spectra-baby.com.au/product/backflow-filter-premium/

There are a few ways that you can prolong the life of your parts. You should always sterilise your Spectra breast pump components before using them for the first time, but then after that, washing them in warm, soapy water is adequate.

Some mums choose to put their shields into a ziplock bag or a lidded container in the fridge during the day, and wash once per day after their last pump.

This is provided that you are living in an area with potable water, and you have a healthy, full term baby. If your baby was pre-term or has any health concerns, we always recommend you follow the advice of your care provider/s.

There is a video you can watch here which runs through our cleaning tips also:
https://spectra-baby.com.au/faq-sterilising-cleaning-methods/

Feel free to get back in touch if those new parts dont solve your problem.

Kind regards,
Alli
Spectra Team

Hi Kathy,

The Tommee Tippee CTN bottles are slightly too wide for the shields that come with the S2. There are a few other brands that fit though - Pumpables, Avent Classic and Naturals as well as Cherub baby.

Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Kind regards,
Alli
Spectra team

Hi Sara,

Oh no! I am so sorry to hear you are having trouble with your pump charging! Given your car charger is working it sounds like it could be an issue with the power cord itself.

Could you shoot us through a warranty claim https://spectra-baby.com.au/warranty/ and we can discuss further with you what is going on? Hopefully we can get you back pumping inside the house asap!

Kind regards,
Alli
Spectra team

Hi Nsue,

Thanks so much for your questions. Let's see if I can help here. If you are getting milk in your tubing it sounds as though you are not using a backflow protector. This looks a bit like a UFO and it has a white membrane inside it that prevents any milk going back from the shield into the tubing and pump. Are you using these with your shields? Here is a link to a picture of one: https://spectra-baby.com.au/shop/accessories/backflow-filter-premium/

If there is milk in the tubing you will need to get some replacement tubing, as it is very difficult to clean out of the tubing and get the tubing dry again. If the milk has gone all the way into the pump, then that may seize the motor or destroy the electronics inside. When you say the pump stops working and just vibrates, is the display still working or does the entire pump turn off?

We do offer a paid service where we can take a look at the pump for you. Firstly I would suggest you replace all of your shield parts to ensure the assembly is right and then see if your problem is solved. If it is not, then it would be worth sending the pump itself in for a paid service.

Here is a video that goes through correct shield assembly for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbAEIWa0P6I

Please let us know how you go and we'd be happy to to advise further. We are available via our website chat, email ([email protected]) or on Facebook.

Warm regards,
Alli
Spectra Team

HI Leigh,

Thanks for your question - I am sorry you're having some problems with your suction! Thankfully the majority of suction issues with our pumps are easily resolved through some simple troubleshooting, as it's quite often either the assembly or one of the breastshield components that are the culprit.

Here is a video to guide you through assembling your shield kit correctly - https://spectra-baby.com.au/faq-assembling-shield-kit/

If your pump is assembled correctly, the first thing to double check is that the valve heads and membranes are working well. When the little valve membranes are not seated correctly, they will reduce the amount of suction that you feel. Please remove the membrane and then reseat it onto the valve, making sure it is completely flat against the valve head with no holes visible. Please try pumping again and see if suction improves and if not, try reseating the membranes again.

If you have no luck, please try with the spare membranes you received with your pump. If this still doesn't resolve your problem, then please get in contact with us via our email ([email protected]) or Facebook and we can do some further troubleshooting with you.

I don't have your email address from Product Review to be able to reply there also, so hopefully you see this reply :-)

Warm regards,
Alli
Spectra team

Hey Diana! It might be the power cord not assembled properly, or is possibly a faulty pump. It looks like you're in the US, is that right? If so, get in touch with the US company (we are completely separate) - you can get them at spectrababyusa.com

If you're in Australia, please shoot us an email at [email protected] and we can work out how to help you as quickly as possible.

Warm regards

Claire
Spectra Team

Hi Abby,

That's a really good question, and it can be confusing for sure.

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.

We suggest adding on those 2 - 3mm to make sure that there is room in the shield for the nipple to move freely and not touch the sides (causing rubbing / friction). . If you choose a size more than 3mm larger than what your nipple measures then it may allow areola to be drawn in, which again may cause pain.

Hope that clears it up for you.

Kind regards
Alli
Spectra Team

Hi Emily,

Thanks for your question. When you say the discs and white barrier - do you mean the backflow protector (it looks like a UFO) or the blue valve heads and white disc?

I am thinking you mean the backflow protectors. 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 need help with getting the right size please contact our Customer Service team and we can assist. We have Facebook, email and chat available - whatever suits you best.

Kind regards
Alli
Spectra Team

Hi there,

Based on what you've described, it does sound like it might be time to replace some of your breastshield parts.

We recommend that you replace your valve, membranes and backflow protectors regularly, to maintain great suction and to pump efficiently.

Your Spectra membranes need to be replaced every 2-3 months, or sooner if you are exclusively pumping. The Spectra Duck Valves should be replaced every 3-4 months. Backflow protectors should be changed every 6 months, or if you notice any damage to the silicone diaphragm on the inside - such as thinning or tears.

Let us know if you need more help after replacing the valves :-)

Warm regards
Alli
Spectra Team

Hi Tyler,

Thank you for your message, I am sorry that appear to be having some difficulty with your pump.

The most common issue we have experienced with pumps not switching on or charging is that the Australian adapter isn't fully pushed into the charger. It does require a little bit of elbow grease the first time, but you will hear a loud click when it has been pushed down all the way.

Here's a video to describe further:

https://spectra-baby.com.au/faq-assembling-power-adapter/

Would you mind taking a look to see if your adaptor is assembled properly? If it is, will you please email [email protected] with the following information:

- A photograph of the adaptor, and
- The serial number of your breast pump. You will find the serial number on the sticker located on the base of your breast pump, and it will start with AU.

We hope that this fixed the issue for you! Please don't hesitate to write back if you have any further questions.

Warm regards,
Alli
Spectra Team

Hi Chrissy,

Oh gosh, thanks for your question. It sounds as though you caught it just in time. If milk has gotten into your pump motor it would have stopped working and most likely broken the pump (fluid and electrics don't mix!). We always recommend our pumps are used with the Spectra Backflow Protectors so that the milk circuit is closed and hygienic and milk cannot get back into the pump. Do you have some of these? If not, I would recommend grabbing some asap.

If the pump is working I would say you have managed to rescue it just in time. Your milk itself will be fine, the only worry is if there is any fluid or moisture left in the internal tubing that could harm the motor. To be sure you could always send the pump to us for a paid service to make sure all is well. https://spectra-baby.com.au/shop/service/service/

Kind regards
Alli
Spectra Team

Hi Paige, that's a great question. Are you using a backflow protector between your tubing and your shield? We recommend always using a backflow protector to prevent the milk tracking back up. This protects your pump and keeps it a closed, hygienic system. Use without the backflow protector will also void your warranty.

Often the milk flow is just very fast, or your position while pumping may influence how the milk moves. Make sure you are leaning slightly forward to help the milk drain in the direction of the bottle.

If you continue to have issues please get back in touch, we have email, chat and Facebook, and we can help further.

Warm regards,
Alli
Spectra Team

Hi Sharon, Thanks for getting in touch, sorry you are having trouble with your pump. It sounds very much like it might be time to change your valves and membranes. Generally we recommend changing the small white membranes that go on the blue valves every 3 months or so. If you have changed those recently, then please contact us via our email or Facebook and we can do more troubleshooting with you.

Hope that helps.
Warm regards,
Alli
Spectra Team

Hi Doc,

Thanks for your question. I am sorry to hear you are having trouble with your pump. We are in Australia, and are only able to repair or inspect pumps manufactured specifically for the Australia / New Zealand region. Your best bet will be to contact either Spectra in the UK where your pump was bought from, or to contact Spectra in India, as the pumps are slightly different depending on the country they are made for.

It sounds as though you may have a problem with the charger or adaptor, and possibly also an issue with your shield set. Spectra in India can be contacted here:
spectrababy.co.in and Spectra UK are here: www.spectrababy.co.uk/

I hope that helps,

Kind regards
Alli
Spectra Australia Team

Hi 4boys4m3,

Thanks for your message. I'm sorry you've had no luck getting hold of anyone in Florida. You've contacted Spectra Baby Australia through Product Review with this message.

We are a different company to Spectra Baby USA, and our distribution rules prohibit us from sending items to the US, so for assistance can you please contact Spectra Baby USA? I have listed their details below for your convenience:

Website: www.spectrababyusa.com
Telephone Number: 855.446.6622

If your pump is not having any suction at all out of the front nozzle then it may be a pump issue, if it's that suction is reduced, it may be that you need to replace some parts. Please let us know if we can help with anything else. I hope you get in touch with Spectra USA asap.

Kind regards
Alli
Spectra Australia Team

Hi Momw2k, thanks for your great question. You can use any of the standard sterilising techniques on your pump components including microwave, steamer and pot of boiling water. Please make sure that you do not sterilise the long tubing or the pump itself!

Washing the white membranes from the backflow protector or the valves in hot soapy water is recommended in areas with potable water. Sterilising / dishwasher regularly may result in them needing replacing more often.

This video will go through the basics
https://spectra-baby.com.au/faq-sterilising-cleaning-methods/

If you have more questions after you've seen the video please let us know.

Kind regards
Alli
Spectra Team

Hi Alana,

Thanks for sending through a question via Product Review. I am sorry to hear you are having trouble with your pump and can't seem to get through to us. What phone number are you using to call us? Are you in Australia or the USA? We are in Australia and our number is 07 3053 8669. We always have either a representative answering the phone or a voicemail service where we can call you back.

I have sent you an email as requested above, with some advice regarding what could be the issue with your S1 pump. The most common issue we have experienced with pumps not switching on or charging is that the Australian adapter isn't fully pushed into the charger. It does require a little bit of elbow grease the first time, but you will hear a loud click when it has been pushed down all the way.

Here's a video to describe further:

https://spectra-baby.com.au/faq-assembling-power-adapter/

Would you mind taking a look to see if your adaptor is assembled properly? Feel free to let us know via email or phone, or here if that doesn't solve your problem. If you are based in the USA, then you will need to contact Spectra Baby USA - they are a different company to Spectra Baby Australia.

Kind regards
Alli
Spectra Australia Team