When a new mother goes home there are 45 things racing through your mind on the way back from the hospital. While the nurses showed you about pumping, the level of detail may not be where it sunk in long term.

Now you are panicked and are looking for what to do next.

Will insurance cover it? Are there better options that what the hospital gave me?

All these are valid questions that will be answered in this review of the Spectra 9 vs Medela Freestyle.

Comparing the Spectra 9 vs the Medela Freestyle

While many mothers don’t need to use a breast pump, this device can be an excellent investment for some others that must use one or just prefer to due to their work or life schedule in general. When I first went back to work and my initial pump failed it ruined my entire day. I had to rush out and get a new one so I could continue pumping. It gets painful if you cannot get your milk out!

For example, some mothers tend to have flat nipples, which are harder for babies to latch onto. So a breast pump can help pull out those nipples very quickly. Besides, a breast pump can also reduce the swelling that occurs in the breasts of a mother. 

There are various types of pumps available on the market. But, the Medela Freestyle and Spectra products are the most popular ones. 

So, here we bring you a comparison guide on Spectra 9 vs. Medela Freestyle pumps. Each has it’s pros and cons and we want to help you make an informed decision.

Here’s what you need to know:

Table of Contents

• Comparing the Spectra 9 vs the Medela Freestyle
  • Spectra 9 vs. Medela Freestyle Flex – Differences and Similarities
    • Key Differences
    • Main Similarities 
    • Features Comparison Table
  • Spectra 9 Portable Breast Pump – Uses, Benefits, and Drawbacks
    • Pros:
    • Cons:
    • User Guideline
  • Medela Freestyle Portable Breast Pump – Uses, Benefits and Drawbacks
    • Pros:
    • Cons:
    • User Guidelines
  • Why Spectra 9 Would Be a Good Fit for You?
  • Why Would Medela Freestyle Flex Be a Good Fit for You?
  • Final Verdict
  • FAQ’s

Spectra 9 vs. Medela Freestyle Flex – Differences and Similarities

When it comes to portable breast pumps, two of the most popular brands are Spectra and Medela. Both have a variety of models to choose from, but this segment will specifically talk about the Spectra 9 and the Medela Freestyle Flex’s differences and similarities. 

Key Differences

There are only a few key differences between these two devices. They include:

• Size: The Spectra 9 electric breast pump is smaller than the Medela Freestyle Flex. 
• Display: The Medela Freestyle Flex has a backlit display configuration, whereas the Spectra 9 only features an LCD.
• Battery Life: Their battery life is slightly different as well. The Spectra 9 can last longer in this case. While the Spectra 9 can run for three hours, the Medela Freestyle can last only up to two.
• Weight: As these two devices are different in size, they also have different weights. The Spectra 9 is 226g, whereas the Medela is 300g in weight. 

Main Similarities

And for the similarities, they are similar in the following areas: 

• Portable: Both of these devices are portable. That means they are safe for travel and use under any circumstances. 
• Single and Double Pumping: The Spectra 9 and the Medela Freestyle feature a single and double pumping system to make the milk suction easier. 
• Suction Strength: They both have 250mmHg suction strength, which is pretty useful. 
• Hospital Grade: None of these devices is hospital grade. 
• Battery: They come with a Li-ion rechargeable battery, so you can quickly charge them using an adapter. 
• Closed System: Like the Medela Freestyle breast pump, the Spectra 9 also features a closed system as well as a backflow protector that blocks breast milk from getting into the pump motor. 

Features Comparison Table

To get a better sense of the main differences and similarities between the two devices in question, have a look at the table below:

Spectra 9 Portable Breast Pump – Uses, Benefits, and Drawbacks

If you are a nursing mother, you probably heard of the Spectra 9 portable breast pump. This pump is designed to make it easier for mothers to pump milk on the go, and it has several benefits. However, before buying one, you should also be informed of this pump’s downsides. 

Pros:

• Easy to use and carry.
• Double pumping enabled. 
• Portable and rechargeable.
• Secure milk pumping with a closed system.
• Personalized settings for suction level and cycling mode. 
• Efficient at pumping milk with natural nursing technology.

Cons:

• It has an LCD screen. 
• It is not a hospital grade.
• Some mothers find the suction on the pump too strong. 

User Guideline

Using a breast pump can be daunting if you’re a new mom. But with the right tips and tricks, you’ll be a pro in no time! Here’s how to use the Spectra 9 breast pump: 

• Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary parts. You’ll need the pump, a power adapter, a bottle and nipple, and some attachments (either a hands-free pumping bra or tubing). 
• To begin, assemble the pump as per the instructions. Once everything is set up, switch it on by plugging it into an electrical outlet. 
• Place the pump flange on your breast after that. The flange should fit snugly around your nipple, with the nipple centered in the middle of the hole. 
• Once the flange is in place, turn on the suction by pressing the “on” button. Start with a lower setting and increase as needed until you find a comfortable level. It will help you get more breast milk during pumping.
• To remove the pump, turn off the suction and carefully remove the flange from your breast. Be sure to wash all of the parts thoroughly after each use.

Medela Freestyle Portable Breast Pump – Uses, Benefits and Drawbacks

The Medela Freestyle Flex is another excellent choice for moms looking for a simple yet portable breast pump on the market. This breast pump is impressive in its features and functionalities. 

However, there are also a few drawbacks that you might not know about. So, here’s what you need to know,

Pros:

• Closed pumping system.
• Light and easy to operate.
• LED touch screen display. 
• Breast Shield included. 
• Made of BPA-free plastic material.
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery which can last up to 2 hours. 
• This device comes with a travel bag and cooler. 

Cons:

• Pricey. 
• Not a long-lasting battery. 
• Not a hospital-grade device.

User Guidelines

The Medela Freestyle Flex is an excellent pump for moms looking for an affordable, lightweight option. This pump is designed to be used hands-free, so it’s perfect for pumping on the go.

Here are some tips on how to use the Medela Freestyle Flex: 

• Before using the pump, ensure that all the parts are assembled properly and the batteries are charged. 
• To start pumping, press the power button and select your desired speed and suction. 
• Once the pump is turned on, place the breast shield over your nipple and adjust it until it is comfortable. 
• Press the power button once more to turn the pump off when you’re ready to stop pumping.

Why Spectra 9 Would Be a Good Fit for You?

This pumping device will be a good fit if you are looking for a high-quality breast pump that will get your job done quickly and efficiently. 

This pump is perfect for busy moms who need to pump on the go, as it comes with a portable battery pack that makes it easy to use anywhere. 

The Spectra 9 also features a let-down mode that simulates your baby’s natural sucking pattern, making it more comfortable and efficient.

Why Would Medela Freestyle Flex Be a Good Fit for You?

The Medela Freestyle Flex is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quality, reliable breast pump that will give you the flexibility to pump anywhere. 

The Freestyle Flex comes with a rechargeable battery, so you can pump even when you don’t have access to a charging port. It is also portable and tiny, making it simple to carry anywhere.

Additionally, the Freestyle Flex features two pumping modes (stimulation and expression) so that you can adjust it to suit your needs while pumping.

Final Verdict

In terms of their overall features and performance, both Spectra 9 vs. Medela Freestyle are devices that can be a good choice depending on what your use case happens to be. 

Having read this article, you should by now have a solid sense of what your needs actually are and which device is more aligned toward those. Hope you can now make the right decision. Good luck!

If you are looking for a whitepaper of medical input, read this from the National Library of Medicine.

FAQ’s

• Is Spectra 9 hospital grade?

No. Unfortunately, the Spectra 9 electric breast pump isn’t hospital grade. However, compared to other products of Spectra or Medela, this specific device has some outstanding features, which make it worthy enough for mothers to give it a try. 

• Is the Medela Freestyle flex loud?

The Medela Freestyle Flex is not as loud as some other electric breast pumps. It’s designed to be quiet to avoid any disturbance in the surroundings. So, you can be comfortable using this device anywhere for your baby’s needs. 

• Why is Spectra better than Medela?

Spectra is a clear choice if you’re looking for a high-quality, reliable breast pump. Its superior suction power, comfortable design, and easy-to-use control make this more preferable than the Medela Freestyle. Plus, Spectra’s affordable price tag means it is excellent value for money too. 

• Is Medela Freestyle flex hospital grade?

No, the Medela Freestyle flex is not a hospital-grade breast pump. But, it is designed for mothers needing to pump frequently and is a compact, lightweight device. 

The tool has a closed system, which means that milk does not come into contact with the pump’s internal components. This ensures that the pump is sanitary and safe for multiple users.

• How long do Medela and Spectra devices last?

Both Medela and Spectra devices are long-lasting and reliable. The Medela Freestyle Flex comes with a 1-year warranty service, giving you peace of mind in the event of an issue during the first and most difficult year of pumping. On the other hand, the Spectra may last up to two years. However, with proper maintenance, they will continue to function at their optimum level for longer than that.