Spectra S1 vs. Willow (or other pump recs)?

I use the Spectra S2, which is the same as the S1 except it has a rechargeable battery for the option of pumping while not plugged into an outlet (this cost $40 to upgrade with my Blue Shield plan). I don’t have another to compare to but it has worked well for me. My first pump actually broke and I panicked but their customer service was excellent and they had it replaced in two days. I’ve used this one for the last six months (4 times a day) and it’s worked great. 

I used the Specra S2 and loved it! It worked just as well as the Medela pump in style, but was cordless, so I could move about the house, or just sit in a spot that wasn't right next to an outlet. The S1 is not cordless.

 Hi there. I am currently using the spectra S2 end I love it. I’m easily getting between 10 and 15 ounces a day between breast-feeds. When I had my first kiddo back in 2014, I couldn’t keep my milk supply up once I was leaving the house consistently. (I was using my insurance-provided Ameda Purely Yours then. I bought a Medela Pump-in-Style as well.) I am no longer worried about being unable to keep up with breastfeeding over the next year.

My baby is only 12 days old and I have a great amount of milk stashed up in my deep freezer. I am thinking of picking up an S9 as well for the spring once my schedule gets busier.

Depends on how often you'll be pumping. I love the S1 and it's great for portability, strength/efficiency, and ease of use. I used it to exclusively pump and it was a champ. From my friends, the Willow isn't quite worth the price tag yet. There's a bit of a learning curve to it and parts are not readily available like for the S1 (you can hack Medela parts to fit it). Also the WIllow is only good for the occasional pump (1-2 pumps a day). Hope this helps!

I have the Spectra S1 and S2 (two prior babies) that we’re covered by insurance. I love my Spectras but have considered the Willow for my third due in a few months. That wouldn’t be covered by insurance but if I don’t like it I could always go back to my Spectras. My experience with Spectra is to use the battery one at home where I can roam around and move easily from room to room; I keep the plug in at my office so it’s nice not having to lug it to and from work. I wish I had two the first time around. The sucking has been effective, efficient and gentle. I rented a hospital grade one before getting my Spectra the first time and didn’t realize how ineffective it was. One thing I don’t like (and is the same for most pumps on the market) is that the falanges stick out so far in front it makes it hard to really move around a lot without them falling off - even with a hands free bra. That’s the only reason I’m looking into the Willow.

I used the S1 and loved it. I had a Medela PISA and another one (whatever Kaiser gives) both through insurance, but decided to buy the Spectra on my own dime when a couple friends recommended it. It was so worth the cost and made pumping much less stressful. More comfortable, quieter, and stronger suction helped me keep up pumping for a year.