Hey there! My LC recommended flange inserts! Check out these from Maymom off Amazon. I like the maymom stuff a lot for my spectra, and it says these are compatible with medela: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07DNYBX8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_RS85851JHC9RP6E9RJMJ
Or, if you do want the full flange, these should work: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07W8G4113/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ZSDR0FWGN5AMAMFY2WTE
The Spectra S2 is a hospital grade double pump and is $159 on Amazon. (It was $117 when I bought a second one last summer). Spectra Baby USA - S2 Plus Premier Electric Breast Pump, Double/Single, Hospital Grade https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BLBLR1I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ma3CBb1HB1KP0
I got these to put in my 24mm flanges and haven’t had an issue since. My nipples were struggling before
Maymom Flange Inserts 17 mm for Medela and Spectra 24 mm Shields/Flanges. Use with Medela Freestyle and Sonata to Reduce Nipple Tunnel Down to 17 mm; Also Fits Freemie 25 mm Funnel. 2pc/Each https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DNYBX8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_6Z4ZQ5SC2YWZPG7YY0VG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I exclusively pump with a Baby Buddha and hacked Symphony parts that I got in the hospital. I never used the flanges it came with either because I need 27mm ones and it only came with 24mm. I’ve seen other people say it took their body a few days to adjust to a new pump, this could be your problem. Also make sure you’re using some kind of backflow protector with the hacked Medela parts if you aren’t already, I use these to stop the milk from getting into the tubes. I’ve flooded the protectors a few times, definitely worth the money to protect your pump from liquid.
LaVie makes a pump strap bra that is totally Velcro so it should be one size fits all, maybe that would work for you?
I’ll be honest, if you can get the correct flange size - there are some $60 on Amazon that have treated me just as well as the $400 ones! I really liked this one someone purchased me that I just so happened to add to my registry before I found out what my insurance would cover. Lots of different modes to work with to maximize your output, and has killer suction power!
Spectra is an awesome and trusty brand, and I’ve had all good experiences with the Motif Luna as well.
I’d also highly recommend getting a haaka (or off name brand) letdown catcher. I was able to get a freezer stash going after the first week rather quickly, and it’s saved my butt on multiple occasions when babe and I slept through a feeding window, and she woke up angry, and I, engorged! It’s also helped me dislodge a few clogs here and there without much effort.
Good luck to you mama!
Thanks for sharing! I have a Spectra as well and have been considering the Baby Buddha for more freedom but can't seem to pull the trigger because of the price. I just might try the Bella, is this the model you have?
I have the spectra S2 and really like it. I also didn't need portability so chose S2 since there's no battery, just plug in and at the time of purchase that made it cheaper.
I got mine via amazon.com and at the time the cost with exchange and duty (which Amazon includes at purchase) was only about 10$ CAD more than other shipping options.
That was in March. Here's a link to where I bought it. There's a Canadian Amazon store where you can get replacement parts which I haven't needed. I supplemental pump multiple times a day.
Hi, thanks for your response: This is the pump I use. I pump for 15 min after morning feed and then after night feed before LO goes to bed. He does a stretch of about 5 hours. I've never been fitted. In the am I get about 30ml, by pm maybe 10, sometimes none at all.
I have not tried a weighted transfer. And the more I've read about domperidome the more I realize it might not be right for me, as I have a heart condition.
It was this one https://www.amazon.com/Spectra-Baby-USA-Rechargeable-Electric/dp/B00DBKFFJM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=spectra+s1&qid=1615437404&sr=8-3 but I had to watch and wait for it to come in stock. Looks like the s2 is in stock right now though, if you don’t mind being plugged in https://www.amazon.com/Spectra-Baby-USA-Electric-Hospital/dp/B00BLBLR1I/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=spectra+s1&qid=1615437404&sr=8-5
Update: just found the S1 shipping to Canada. https://www.amazon.com/Spectra-Baby-USA-Rechargeable-Electric/dp/B00DBKFFJM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=spectra+breast+pump&qid=1611791448&sprefix=spectra&sr=8-3
Yes! This Spectra S1 plus: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DBKFFJM?tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
I had no troubles with the pump and I used it every day, probably 6 or so times each day, for 6 months. I liked that it had its own battery and didn’t need to be plugged into a wall, a letdown feature, a 30 min timer, and that I can pump on just one breast if needed. I’ve tried three other brands (Ameda, Medela, and Spectra) and Spectra was my favorite.
Yes I loved them! I got them on Amazon. I’ll put the link below. It didn’t increase my output but it made my nipples feel better because they were so raw from the plastic before. I just tried the lacteck baby motion flanges and those are gold! It empties your breast faster and I did notice increased output. So lots of different options out there!
Maymom Flange Inserts 19 mm for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLTNH8P?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
For the pumping bra take one of your nursing bras, mark where your nipples are with a sharpie, and cut a slit big enough to fit flanges through. I've used these as hands free bras with 2/3 of my babies (I wish my dumbass brain thought of it with baby #1) and it has worked like a charm.
For the flanges you can do a Medela hack. Is the Spectra tubing, remove the connectors at the end, and attatch the end of the tubing to these https://www.amazon.ca/Maymom-Backflow-Protector-Spectra-Flanges/dp/B01E3W689M , and insert the long part of the backflow protectors into the Medela flange set. Medela parts are a dime a dozen and easier to find than Spectra. Before getting new sets measure your nipples.
If you want you can lube up the flanges with olive oil, and if they still hurt look into medicated nipple cream. It is pricey, but worth every penny.
I use this backflow plus this flange.
Yay!! I’m using this one for now. I needed something budget friendly and easy to use.
Mine is going alright! I have a few milk progress pics to post later on. THis is the pump I'm using, pretty decent for the price! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CZZN1VX?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details
I use Medela parts, too (symphony). You just need long stem back flow protectors. example
I've been very pleased with the cheaper knockoffs from China. The one I am using is this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CZZN1VX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and I bought it in 2019!
Try some nipple suckers- check Amazon. You can also buy goat milkers too, although it's quite an expensive toy to start with. Breast pumps make any untrained nipple hurt like a SOB... maybe check into starting with a dual breast pump.. some of the newer ones have incredible suction. This is the one I'm using to induce lactation. https://www.amazon.com/Bellababy-Electric-Feeding-Suction-Definition/dp/B07CZZN1VX/ref=sr\_1\_31?crid=3QY0DT9N7HSKD&keywords=dual+breast+pump&qid=1662178193&sprefix=dual+breast+pump%2Caps%2C440&sr=8-31
These are the inserts I use. I found that as I went down to my actual size I had to transition a bit to get my usual output so I would pump for my usual time with these inserts and then go back to the too big one at the end of the session to get any “leftover” milk until my body adjusted.
YOU CAN RIG IT!
I do it with my freestyle flex and symphony.
Just buy back flow protectors and extra set of tubing for your pump in style. Cut the end of the tubing, attach to back flow protectors, then back flow protector into your parts!
long stem back flow protectors
this is for max flow. Not sure which one you have. I think the one in the bag uses the same parts as symphony.
So elastic nipples:. Typically these do better with silicone flanges! First off: measure your nipple diameter (someone else in the comments linked to a good one so use that!). Silicone flanges are sized a little differently, so use that measurement and then order according to pumpin pals'/lacteck's/pumpables size guide.
Here are a few options that should work with the Luna:
1) Order pumpin' pals flanges, use with the pumpin pals to motif Luna adapter they sell
2) Order lacteck baby motion flanges, use with an aftermarket spectra adapter - this one by momcozy should work! (https://www.amazon.com/Maymom-Widemouth-Connector-Compatible-PersonalFit/dp/B07WD385MM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=pumpin+pals&qid=1659876031&sr=8-3) This adapter will work with the Luna's backflow protector and bottles
3) Order the pumpables liquid kit - use the tubing from the kit with your Luna instead of the Luna's tubing for these to work.
I'm less familiar with medela pumps, but if yours has a two piece flange where the flange can be separated from the part where milk flows to the bottle, you should be able to attach a pumpin pals or lacteck flange to those and use that.
bemybreastfriend on insta has elastic nipples and lots of posts about the setup she uses for them!
I like it better than the spectra s9! It’s awesome that you can “record” a program. It’s a stronger pump than the s9 and extremely portable. I love that it comes with a clip and a lanyard.
I will say that I was super impressed with the pumpables liquid shields. I had really high expectations for them. I went through the “fitting room” process and everything. Ultimately they made my nipples super sore even though I used coconut oil every time. I know a lot of people really love them, but I prefer to use the spectra flanges with breast shield inserts for a proper fit. Specifically these inserts.
I use Lacteck flanges with spectra pump, and all it needs is this adapter. I find it easier to clean than the full flange anyway.
Second this OP! Your nipples are not necessarily the same size, so measure to make sure you don’t need a different flange. I had the wrong size for months and SO. MUCH. PAIN. Lol
I also recommend Lacteck silicone flanges! I use spectra also, so I have these flanges with this adapter.
I use lactek flanges and like them a lot! They are super robust, but you’ll need to get some adapters so that the flanges can be hooked up to spectra bottles and back flow protectors.
Maymom Widemouth Connector 2pc Compatible w Spectra S1 Spectra S2 Pump; Compatible with Medela PersonalFit Shield, Pumpin Pal Shield, Lansinoh Flange, Maymom MyFit Shields, MyFit Crater Shield https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WD385MM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9DZR1Q9TVAGPPVSTKBPK
There's no retailer in Canada that carries it, she is correct, but I ordered from US Amazon. It'd be the same link that you'd use: here
Rather than seeing what flange you have that fits okay, have you tried measuring your nipples? There are guidelines here that can help you figure out the correct size. Both nipples may be the same size or different sizes.
Once you know the correct size I would recommend buying flange inserts to make the standard size you have fit your breast properly. These are an example of what I'm referring to.
In my case I use a 15mm and a 17mm insert in my 24mm flange. It works like a charm.
Rather than seeing what flange you have that fits okay, have you tried measuring your nipples? There are guidelines here that can help you figure out the correct size. Both nipples may be the same size or different sizes.
Once you know the correct size I would recommend buying flange inserts to make the standard size you have fit your breast properly. These are an example of what I'm referring to.
In my case I use a 15mm and a 17mm insert in my 24mm flange. It works like a charm.