Spectra S2 Plus vs. Momcozy S12 Pro vs. haakaa: What I Actually Use
Updated: 7 days ago
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I'm not a medical professional, so please talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant about your own feeding and pumping.
Free download linked at the bottom of this post: my Newborn Breastfeeding + Pumping Plan for days 4-14.
The short answer
You don't have to pick just one. I use my haakaa at every feeding, my Spectra S2 Plus for full pumping sessions, and my Momcozy S12 Pro when I can't sit still. If I could only keep one, it would be the haakaa, because I use it every single day.
Here's how each one fits into my day, plus the one thing I don't love about each.
My pumping story
With my first baby, eight years ago, I didn't pump early and my milk never came in strong, so I gave up. With my second, I did better but still struggled. Now my newest baby just turned two months old, and I'm doing it differently, with a plan and the right tools. This is what I actually reach for.
haakaa: the one I use at every feeding
As soon as my baby latches, I put the haakaa on the other side. It catches the letdown that would otherwise soak into a nursing pad and go to waste. It's silent, and once you get the hang of it, it's very easy to use.
The honest downside: it's open, so it can spill if you're not careful. Use the cover, and keep an eye on it so a kicking baby doesn't knock it off.
My advice: get the haakaa no matter what. You will always use it.
Spectra S2 Plus: my full-session pump
This is the pump I use right away after my baby is born. Milk can take a few days to a week to come in, and steady stimulation helps tell your body it's time to make milk for this baby. I pump after my baby feeds, so any milk he couldn't get out is saved for the next feed or stored if there's enough. Some days I add power pumping: at least 10 minutes every 2 hours. For the first two to three weeks, I kept that going around the clock. That's what worked for me, and every mom and baby is different, so check with a lactation consultant before you start a schedule of your own.
What I like:
It's comfortable, as long as your flange size is right. A lactation consultant can check that for you.
It's not too loud, though it does make some noise.
The parts are easy to clean and take care of.
It has to be plugged in, but I bought a car outlet adapter, and it works great on the go.
The honest downside: there are three parts to take apart and wash every time. I don't love that, but otherwise I love this machine.
My advice: when you use it properly and pump consistently, it helps build your supply, and it helps me maintain mine.
Momcozy S12 Pro: the one that keeps me untethered
When I'm doing chores or can't stay in one spot, I put on the S12 Pro. It fits under a sports bra or a nursing bra, so I can keep moving. The parts are simple to put together (Momcozy has an excellent how-to video, linked below), it's easy to clean because there are only a few pieces, and it's not very loud. The battery lasts at least two 30-minute sessions on the highest suction setting.
The honest downside: the suction isn't as strong as the Spectra's, though I still think it's strong.
My advice: you don't have to be tethered.
Which one is right for you?
haakaa: best for catching letdown and quick relief. I use it every feeding. Downside: the open top can spill.
Spectra S2 Plus: best for full sessions and building and keeping supply. I use it after feeds in the early weeks. Downside: three parts to wash each time, and it needs a plug.
Momcozy S12 Pro: best for hands-free pumping around the house. I use it for chores, when I can't sit still. Downside: not as strong as the Spectra.
Check your insurance first
I got both of my electric pumps through insurance, from Aeroflow, during two different pregnancies. My plan covered one pump per pregnancy, but plans vary, so call yours before you buy anything.
The extras that help
Before pumping, I use a lactation massager with coconut oil, and I also love a hands-free pumping bra. You can see everything I use in one place on my full breastfeeding and pumping setup.
Final thoughts
Build your setup around your day. A haakaa for every feeding, a full-size pump to build and keep supply, and a wearable for the moments you can't sit still. If you're just starting out, call your insurance, check your flange size, and be gentle with yourself. You've got this, mama.
Get my free Newborn Breastfeeding + Pumping Plan
Days 4-14 can feel like a blur, mama, so I made you a gentle, one-page-at-a-time plan for nursing, optional pump sessions, newborn checkpoints, and when to call your pediatrician. Pop in your email and I'll send it right over.
Comments