Spectra DEW 350 User Manual

Welcome to Your Spectra DEW 350

Congratulations on becoming the owner of a Spectra DEW 350 hospital grade double electric breast pump. Your Spectra Dew 350 is a hospital grade breast pump with a single smooth, powerful, yet gentle pumping action that will support milk supply and allow you to make short work of expressing. If you have any questions about using your DEW 350, please check out our website for more information or get in touch with our customer service team at any time.

Features

• Double-Sided Pumping: Your Spectra DEW 350 comes with everything you need for double pumping. Expressing from both breasts at once saves you time and better supports milk supply.
• Fully Adjustable Vacuum Settings: Simply turn the dial to increase or decrease vacuum strength to your comfort level.
• Very Quiet: The motor has a soft, constant quiet noise so you can pump next to your baby or at work without worrying.
• Stylish, Portable Design: Spectra has endeavoured to make the most portable and convenient hospital grade pump ever, with an integrated handle to make life a little easier.

General Safety Guidelines

• Close supervision is necessary when used near children.
• Use the product only for its intended use and with attachments recommended by the manufacturer.
• Handle the power cord and plug with care; do not leave on a heated surface, do not pull or twist the cord, and do not wrap the cord around the breast pump.
• Do not use near water.
• Do not use in the presence of concentrated oxygen or pressurised gases.
• Unplug and store out of reach of children when not in use.

⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
Carefully read the instructions prior to using the Spectra DEW 350. Follow the safety guidelines above when using your pump. Failure to follow these guidelines could result in damage to the pump and/or injury to yourself and those around you.

Included with Your DEW 350

Your Spectra DEW 350 comes with everything you need to double pump, including two sets of tubing, backflow filters, breastshields, valves, and bottle kits.

The included components are:

• Pump Motor: The main unit of the breast pump.
• Tubing (x2): Two longer tubes connecting the pump to the breastshields.
• Short Tubing (x2): Two shorter tubes used with backflow filters.
• Backflow Filter (x4): Small filters to prevent milk from entering the pump motor.
• Breastshield (x2): The funnel-shaped part that fits over the breast.
• Valve (x2): Small components that attach to the bottom of the breastshield.
• Tubing Connectors (x2): Connectors for the tubing.
• Teat (x2): Bottle nipples.
• Bottle Cap (x2): Caps for the bottles.
• Bottle Neck (x2): Necks for the bottles.
• Bottle (x2): Milk collection bottles.

Important Notes:

• Sterilise all parts prior to first use except for tubing, backflow filters, and pump motor.
• Do not get the pump motor or tubing wet. Washing or sterilising the tubing can cause milk or moisture to enter the pump motor, leading to mould or bacteria growth. Once milk or moisture enters the tubing, it can no longer be assured as hygienic and the tubing should be replaced.
• Sterilise bottles before use. Inspect teat before each feeding and discard if torn.
• Our milk collection bottles are freezer safe.

Quick Start Guide

1. Sterilise Parts: Sterilise all parts except for tubing, backflow filters, and pump motor. To sterilise by boiling, disassemble all parts and cover with water in a large stock pot. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Use tongs to remove parts from the pot and set to air dry on a clean paper towel.
2. Assemble: Firmly press the valve into the bottom of the breastshield, then twist the breastshield onto the collection bottle. Place short tubing onto the backflow filter, and place the other end onto the connector and insert into the breastshield. Attach long tubing to the other end of the backflow filter and onto the air ports on the pump motor.
3. Fit to Breast: Place the breastshield so the nipple is centered within the flange. While pumping, your nipple should move freely within the flange with 2-3mm space, not rubbing on the sides and without excess areola being drawn in. You should not feel any pain. Refer to the website for more on breastshield sizing.
4. Understanding Settings: Plan to try out different settings to find what works best for you. Start at a low vacuum setting. Slowly increase vacuum strength to trigger milk flow. Pumping should not be painful; never set vacuum higher than your comfort level.

Pumping Tips

• Relax and Stay Hydrated: Set yourself up with a glass of water and snacks, and minimise interruptions for the next 15-30 minutes as much as possible.
• Remember Who You are Pumping For: Some women find a picture or video of their baby, a baby item, or clothing that smells like their baby can help trigger letdown. Some find that a recording of their baby's cry is a powerful letdown trigger.
• Massage your breasts to encourage milkflow: Before and during pumping, massage your milk ducts by pressing in small gentle circles starting at the top of the breast and working down.
• Free a Hand: With practice, you may be able to use the crook of your elbow to support one collection bottle while holding the other, or invest in a hands-free pumping bra. This gives you a free hand to turn pages, scroll down screens, or use the remote.

Assembling Your Milk Collection Kit

Before assembling, ensure all parts have been sterilised and washed (except for the tubing and backflow filters) and have completely air-dried.

Start by inserting the valve firmly into the breastshield. Then, screw the breastshield onto the milk collection bottle. Attach the short tubing to the backflow filter, and then to the breastshield. Finally, attach the long tubing to the other end of the backflow filter.

Note on Spectra Valves: Your Spectra breast pump may ship with either white silicone duck valves or blue valve heads & membranes. Both valve styles are interchangeable and available for purchase on the Spectra website.

Assembling Your DEW 350

How to Assemble Your Breast Pump for Use

1. Attach Tubing: Assemble the milk collection kit as shown previously. Ensure all parts are completely dry before assembly. Attach tubing firmly onto the backflow filter. Note on short tubing: The DEW 350 typically ships with the connector inserted into the long tubing, placing backflow filters near the pump motor. You can insert the connector into the short tubing if you have a strong letdown or are concerned about moisture in the tubing. This positions the backflow filters closer to the breastshield, protecting the long tubing, and the short tubing can be cleaned.
2. Double Pumping: Insert tubing firmly over each air port. Ensure tubing is firmly placed onto backflow filters and into breastshields. Tip: If you have trouble removing the cap over the second air port, try using tweezers and gently rocking it back and forth.
3. Single Pumping: Insert tubing firmly over one air port. Ensure the cap is firmly and completely covering the second air port.
4. Powering the DEW 350: Plug the DEW 350 power cable into mains. To power on the pump, flip the switch on the back side.

Pumping Instructions

To begin pumping, place the breastshield over the nipple. Use one hand to hold the breast and the other to hold the breastshield, adjusting your breast so the nipple is centered in the flange and an airtight seal is formed around your breast or areola. Repeat for double pumping.

Tip: Use the inside of your elbow to hold the first breastshield in place while you adjust the second.

• For your safety, before powering on, ensure the vacuum is at its lowest setting by turning the dial all the way to the left.
• Flip the power switch on the back of the pump. The pump will initiate.
• Adjust the vacuum to your comfort level. Start with the vacuum on low, and then gradually increase the vacuum setting by turning the dial to the right. Never set the vacuum level higher than your comfort level.
• Express milk for 10-15 minutes per breast. To maintain supply for an exclusively breastfed baby, pumping every 2-3 hours, or 7-8 times per day, for long enough to completely drain the breast is recommended. An additional 5 minutes can signal demand for more milk.
• When you wish to stop expressing, flip the power switch and then remove the milk collection kits from your breasts. Do not attempt to remove the collection kits without first breaking suction; turning off the pump will break suction.

Controls

Vacuum Strength

The strength of the suction. Adjustable by turning the dial to the right to increase suction strength, and to the left to decrease.

Power Switch

Located on the back of the pump.

Breastshield Sizing Guide

The DEW 350 comes with size 24mm breastshields, which is the most common size. However, many women may fit better in other sizes. A properly sized breastshield is crucial for optimal pump performance. An improperly fitted breastshield can hinder milk output, cause discomfort, and in extreme cases, injury. To determine your shield size, pump for 5 minutes using the provided shields. Your nipples will expand while milk is being expressed, so it's important to measure after they have swollen to ensure adequate room. Measure the diameter of your nipples at the base as illustrated. Repeat the process a few times to ensure accuracy. Select a shield size that is 2-3mm larger than your measurement.

Diagram: A visual representation showing a cross-section of a breast with the nipple and areola, with an arrow indicating to 'Measure Nipple Diameter at Base'.

Signs Your Breastshield May Be Too Small

• ✔️ Painful rubbing of nipple in flange.
• ✔️ Nipple not moving freely inside of flange.
• ✔️ Redness of the nipple.
• ✔️ Whiteness of the nipple and/or a white ring around the base of the nipple.
• ✔️ Little milk is being expressed.
• ✔️ General discomfort while pumping.

Signs Your Breastshield May Be Too Large

• ✔️ Excess areola is drawn into the flange (a small amount of areola may enter the flange for some women, but it should never be uncomfortable or painful).
• ✔️ Sensation of pulling and/or pulling pain.
• ✔️ Nipple is pulled to the end of the flange.
• ✔️ Shield falls from the breast while pumping or milk pools between shield and breast.
• ✔️ Little milk is being expressed.
• ✔️ General discomfort while pumping.

More Information About Shield Sizing

• Check your shield size periodically throughout your pumping journey, especially if you notice a decrease in milk output.
• Measure the swollen nipple after pumping, as nipple response varies between individuals.
• Measurements may differ throughout the day; for example, nipples might be fuller in the morning after a longer break or smaller in the evening after consistent pumping.
• Nipples might be larger at the beginning of a pumping session and smaller after milk has been expressed.
• Measurements can change after milk supply is well-established (around 10 weeks postpartum).
• One breast may perform better with a different sized breastshield than the other.

Cleaning & Sterilisation

Sterilise Before First Use

What to Sterilise

Sterilise all parts before first use, except for tubing, backflow filters, and the pump motor. Sterilise all parts that come into contact with breastmilk, including bottles, breastshields, valves, bottle necks, sealing discs, caps, and teats.

Boiling Water Method

Select a large stock pot large enough for all pump parts to fit without pressing against each other. Place parts into the pot, ensuring they are completely disassembled. Fill the pot with enough water to cover all parts, ensuring no air pockets and that parts are not nested together (e.g., check bottles for air pockets or smaller parts like valves). Place the pot on the stovetop and heat until a rolling boil. Boil for 5 minutes. Do not let the water run dry, as this can melt parts. After 5 minutes, remove from heat. Use tongs to carefully remove each part and set on a clean paper towel to air dry completely before assembling.

Steam Sterilisers / Other Methods

If using a microwave steam steriliser, chemical solution, or other sterilisation method, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Chemical solutions are not normally recommended unless potable water is unavailable.

Precautions

• Do not get the tubing wet. Moisture can cause irreparable damage to the motor and invite mould and bacteria growth.
• Do not overcrowd the pot when using the boiling water method, as this can cause parts to warp. Repeat the process in a smaller pot if necessary.
• Sterilisation can cause plastic discoloration, which is normal and safe.
• Over-sterilisation can cause parts to wear down more quickly. Following a good cleaning method means sterilising only once is often sufficient.
• If your care provider has given alternative cleaning & sterilisation instructions, always adhere to those.

Clean Your Parts Daily

What Needs to be Cleaned

Clean all parts that come in contact with breastmilk after use. Parts do not need cleaning after every single use unless advised by a care provider. Keep pump parts in a sealed container in the refrigerator between uses. Do not wash the tubing or backflow filters.

Note on short tubing: Short tubing can be cleaned as needed with a pipe cleaner or bottle brush if assembled between the backflow filter and connector on the breastshield. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. Do not boil or sterilise tubing.

Hand Washing Parts

To hand wash parts, you will need potable water, regular dish soap, a dedicated wash basin, sponge or bottle brush, and paper towels. Add disassembled pump parts to the wash basin and fill with warm soapy water. Wash surfaces, interiors, and crevices of each part, being careful with the valve. Rinse thoroughly under cool, clean water and set to air dry on a clean paper towel. Allow parts to completely air dry before assembly.

Washing in the Dishwasher

Breast pump parts can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher on a normal setting. A dishwasher basket with a closing lid is useful for preventing small parts from getting lost. Ensure your dishwasher is set to air dry, not heat dry, to prevent warping. It is preferable to handwash valves and membranes as they are delicate and easily lost.

Allow parts to completely dry in the dishwasher or remove and air dry on a clean paper towel before assembly.

Other Cleaning Methods

If using other cleaning methods, such as cleaning wipes, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Hand washing or dishwasher washing is recommended whenever possible.

Tips for Expressing Breastmilk

• Relax and Stay Hydrated: Set yourself up with a glass of water and snacks, and minimise interruptions for the next 15-30 minutes as much as possible.
• Set the Stage: Have a regular pumping location. Choose a comfortable seat with back support so you can relax while sitting up straight. Keep a small towel nearby for cleaning.
• Routine and Ritual: Condition your body to express easily by using the same setup each time. For example, always use the bathroom first, then fix your favorite drink, grab clean milk collection kits, sit down in your regular spot, have your drink, and start pumping. Expressing after brushing your teeth or playing a game on your phone can also help your body recognise the routine.
• Visualise Success!: Creative visualisation can aid effective pumping. Think of a gushing faucet, a flowing river, or simply visualise your milk coming out.
• Remember Who You are Pumping For: A picture or video of your baby, or an item of clothing that smells like your baby, can help trigger letdown. A recording of your baby's cry can also be a powerful letdown trigger.
• Massage to Start: Stimulate your breasts before pumping to ease letdown. Rub in small circles all around the breast, including the armpit area, on both sides before turning on the pump.
• Massage to Continue: When milk flow slows, massaging your breast and focusing on areas that still contain milk can sometimes restart milkflow or encourage another letdown.
• Pump more Often: Increasing the frequency of pumping sessions, rather than the duration, is generally more effective for increasing milk volume.
• Pump on Schedule: Pumping at the same time each day can help your breasts anticipate milk flow. Many find morning pumping yields the most, while others prefer pumping after their baby's bedtime for a more relaxed experience.
• Free a Hand: With practice, you can use a cushion or your elbow to support one milk collection kit while holding the other, freeing a hand for other tasks. A hands-free pumping bra can free up both hands.
• Pain should not be “Pushed Through”: If experiencing discomfort or pain while pumping, turn down the suction, try a lubricant like coconut oil on the shield, and contact your care provider or Spectra Customer Support if pain persists.

Note: Expressing frequency and timing depend on individual situations. These are basic instructions; consult your care provider for additional help. More information is available on the Spectra website and through customer support.

Breastmilk Storage

Freshly Expressed Breastmilk

Frozen Breastmilk Prior to Feeding

Fresh Breastmilk after Feeding

Note: These guidelines are based on current international recommendations for a healthy, full-term baby. Always adhere to your care provider's advice.

Breastmilk Storage (Continued)

Previously Refrigerated or Frozen Breastmilk after Feeding

In the Freezer

Tip: Check your freezer often to ensure it's working. In case of a power outage, try not to open your freezer to keep contents cool and insulated. Breastmilk is considered frozen as long as there is any ice remaining.

Note: These guidelines are based on current international recommendations for a healthy, full-term baby. Always adhere to your care provider's advice.

Troubleshooting

Pump Will Not Turn On

No / Low Suction

Caring for Your DEW 350

Replacing Parts

To properly maintain your DEW 350, parts need regular replacement. Not replacing parts can make the pump work harder, leading to unnecessary wear and tear on the motor.

• Valve Membrane: Replace every 2 - 8 weeks, or when suction decreases.
• Duck Valve: Replace every 2 - 3 months, or when suction decreases.
• Backflow Filter: Replace when pink lines turn blurry.
• Breastshield: Replace every 6 months.
• Tubing: Replace if moisture enters the tubing.

Warranty & Repair

This product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for 2 years from the date of purchase. The warranty does not cover damage from accident, misuse, abuse, improper maintenance, unauthorised modification, or improper power supply. For warranty claims, service, and repair, contact customer support. Spectra Baby offers services and repairs for pumps outside of warranty coverage. Visit the website for more information on services, costs, or to book a service.

Disposal

• Spectra Baby encourages used pumps in working order to be donated.
• Milk collection kits, bottles, and other breast pump accessories are for single-person use only and are unhygienic if used by more than one person. They should not be reused second-hand.
• Breastshields, bottles, and other hard plastic parts can typically be recycled; check with your local authority.
• Silicone parts, including duck valves, membranes, tubing, and teats, cannot be recycled and must be thrown away.
• The Spectra DEW 350 breast pump must not be disposed of with regular household waste. It must be taken to a designated electronics recycling location, in compliance with EU Directive 2002/96/EC on Wasted Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Contact your local authority for disposal information.

Technical Specifications

Environmental Conditions