How to Choose the Best Motif Medical Breast Pump for Your Lifestyle: An IBCLC’s Guide

As you start exploring breast pump options, the sheer volume of pumps offered, the technical specifications, the feature lists, insurance coverage info, and more can leave you feeling unprepared and overwhelmed. Choosing the right pump is a BIG decision, but it doesn’t have to be so paralyzing. One guiding principle can help simplify the process: the right breast pump is the one that fits your specific body, lifestyle, and feeding goals. 

There is no single “perfect” pump for everyone. One type of pump might work seamlessly for a mom who is returning to work in a full-time office setting while it is not the ideal choice for someone who needs to pump while also chasing an active toddler. 

Understanding how different pump designs, power sources, and features impact your pumping experience can help you evaluate your options objectively and choose a pump that is right for your needs. 

Breast pumps typically fall into three primary categories that are determined by how they are powered, how they are worn, and how they fit into your day.

1. How Often and Why Will You Pump?

• Exclusive Pumping or Establishing Supply: If your plan is to exclusively pump, you’re pumping for a preterm infant, pumping for multiples, or need to establish or increase supply in the early postpartum period, a full-size double electric pump is recommended as the foundational pump for milk expression. These traditional pumps offer strong vacuum stability, consistent motor performance, and efficient milk removal. 

• Occasional Pumping: If direct breastfeeding is the primary method of milk removal, and pumping occurs only occasionally for date nights or building a freezer stash, a compact portable pump or a high quality wearable can be a great option. 

2. Where and When Will You Pump?

• Stationary/Dedicated Pumping Spaces: If your work environment affords a comfortable pumping space and structured lactation breaks, a traditional full-size pump typically offers the fastest and most effective pumping experience. 

• Mobile/On-the-go Schedules: If your daily life involves chasing toddlers, needing to pump while commuting or traveling, or a work environment that requires you to remain mobile or interact with others while pumping, a portable or wearable pump can mean the difference between keeping or skipping pumping sessions throughout the day.

LUNA

• Pump Type: Full-size, Double Electric

• Power Options: Plug-in model or Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery model with 4+ hour battery life

Key Features and Specs

• High Efficiency Motor: Designed to deliver up to 280 mmHg of suction for effective milk removal.

• 4+ Hour Battery Life: Luna with Battery features an extended battery life that allows for up to 12 pumping sessions on a single charge. 

• Customizable Cycle and Vacuum Controls: Allows for the user to control the suction strength and the number of sucks/cycles per minute (CPM) independently of each other for maximum customization. Luna offers cycle speeds of 30 CPM up to 80 CPM with 12 suction levels.

• Collection Cup Compatible: Luna features comfortable traditional flanges that are compatible with a wide range of flange sizing inserts, but for hands-free pumping, it also works well with the Motif Breast Milk Collection Cups. 

• Night Light: Backlit screen and built-in, three level nightlight for nighttime pumping without turning on overhead lights.

Why These Features Matter

A higher capacity motor allows the pump to cycle smoothly without losing vacuum power when double pumping, making the most of your pumping efforts. This, combined with the customizable cycle and vacuum controls, results in more efficient pumping sessions and effective breast drainage. The extended battery life translates to less time worrying about charging and the freedom to pump anywhere. 

Best Suited For

• Exclusive pumping

• Building and maintaining milk supply

• Maximizing milk output

• Moms who are able to remain stationary while pumping

AURA GLOW

• Pump Type: Wearable

• Power Options: Fully Rechargeable

Key Features and Specs

• Effective Pumping: Aura Glow delivers up to 280 mmHg of suction for effective milk removal.

• Discreet: Tubeless and cordless as well as quiet.

• Pre-Programmed Pumping Modes: Features 4 pumping modes with 9 suction levels, including a Cluster Feeding Mode and General Pumping Mode so users can “set it and forget it”. 

• Built-in Night Lights: LED nightlights shine directly in the 6 oz. collection containers so you can easily check milk volumes in low light. This feature also makes it easier to align your nipple correctly without using bright lights that might wake baby in the middle of the night. 

• Included Flange Inserts: With 15 mm, 17 mm, 19 mm, and 21 mm flange sizing inserts included in the box, users are more likely to find a comfortable and effective fit right from the start. (Sizes 11 mm, 12 mm, 13, mm, and 14 mm are also available)

Why These Features Matter

A fully tubeless and cordless pump removes physical boundaries, allowing you to care for older children, work at your computer, complete household chores, or any number of other activities while pumping. Incorporating a wearable pump may make it easier to get in more pumping sessions throughout the day. Aura Glow’s specialized Cluster Feeding Mode operates like a mini power pumping session, with pauses in stimulation to trigger oxytocin spikes. The General Pumping Mode is designed for maximum pumping efficiency that doesn’t require adjusting the pump mid-session. 

Best Suited For

• Pumping while multitasking

• Active lifestyles

• Pumping in shared environments or workspaces

• Pumping when using a full-size pump isn’t practical or convenient

ROAM

• Pump Type: Portable + Collection Cups

• Power Options: Fully Rechargeable

Key Features and Specs

• Effective Pumping: Designed to deliver up to 280 mmHg of suction for effective milk removal.

• Hands-free Collection Cups: Comes with Breast Milk Collection Cups to make pumping on-the-go even more convenient. It is also compatible with traditional flanges for those times when cups aren’t necessary or preferred. 

• Multiple Flange Inserts: Includes flange sizing inserts in 16 mm, 19 mm, 21mm, and 24 mm for comfortable and effective pumping right out of the box. (13 mm and 15 mm flange inserts also available)

• Pre-Programmed Pumping Modes: Features 4 pumping modes with 9 suction levels, including a Cluster Feeding Mode and General Pumping Mode so users can “set it and forget it”. 

• Lightweight and Portable: Roam weighs just 0.6 lbs. and comes with a convenient lanyard so you can be truly hands-free.  

Why These Features Matter

Roam bridges the gap between pumps with traditional flanges and bottles and tubeless wearables. By placing the milk collection cups inside your bra while keeping the lightweight motor on a lanyard, you get hands-free convenience without placing the weight of the motors directly on your breasts. Just like Aura Glow, the pre-programmed pumping modes take the guesswork out of which settings to use. Cluster Feeding Mode operates like a mini power pumping session, with pauses in stimulation to trigger oxytocin spikes. The General Pumping Mode is designed for maximum pumping efficiency that doesn’t require adjusting the pump mid-session.

Best Suited For

• Pumping on-the-go

• Moms who want the convenience of collection cups while also having the option for traditional flanges

• Pumping when using a full-size pump isn’t practical or convenient

DUO

• Pump Type: Portable

• Power Options: Fully Rechargeable

Key Features and Specs

• Compact, Lightweight Design: Weighs under a pound and fits easily into a pocket, purse, or tote.

• Lanyard Option: Includes a lanyard so the lightweight motor can be worn around the neck.  

• Memory Mode: Saves your preferred speed and suction sequence so you don’;t have to manually re-adjust the settings for every session.

• Hands-Free Pumping Bra: Comes with Motif’s Hands-Free Pumping Bra (available in XS- L or L-Plus) to eliminate the need for holding your flanges while pumping.   

Why These Features Matter

Duo’s small size makes it ideal for travel or commuting. The Memory Mode helps free up just a bit more space in your postpartum brain by keeping track of your preferred settings for you. The included pumping bra transforms this pump for a true hands-free experience when needed.  

Best Suited For

• Moms who need to remain mobile while pumping

• Moms who prefer traditional flanges over collection cups

• Pumping when using a full-size pump isn’t practical or convenient

In clinical practice, lactation professionals often see mothers struggling to choose between a full-size traditional pump and a hands-free wearable option. However, the most effective recommendation is frequently a combination strategy. 

By combining pump types, parents can benefit from the distinct differences of each system:

1. The Anchor Pump: Use a traditional full-size pump (like the Motif Luna) at home, for early morning sessions, or at a main workstation where maximum drainage and efficiency are desired. 

2. The Mobile Pump: Use a hands-free option (like the Motif Aura Glow or Roam) during commutes, afternoon errands, household chores, or busy travel days. 

If using two pumps isn’t a possibility for you, err on the side of choosing the pump that will serve your breastfeeding goals and daily lifestyle the best. In the end, the most effective pumping strategy is the one that helps you stick to your pumping routine!