Motif Blog

Breast pumps are much stronger and efficient in their design than they were even five years ago. Having a range of settings to work with allows women to adjust for their comfort, too, not just efficacy needs. With an effective pump and comfortable, attainable settings, pumping breastmilk becomes a much more efficient task.

If you're planning to deliver your baby by Cesarean section, or if you've already given birth by C-section, you should receive an abdominal binder before you leave the hospital or you may choose to purchase your own. These postpartum support bands can help new moms during their recovery by reducing postoperative pain, reducing postpartum bleeding, and increasing mobility. So let's talk about how and when to use them for the best results.

The holidays can be a stressful time: juggling visiting families, cooking dinners, shopping for food and gifts, and staying well through it all. Breastfeeding while traveling comes with many questions, too. Managing breastfeeding and pumping, as well as boundaries and anxieties, are areas we can help! We asked mothers like you what your top holiday and travel questions and concerns were.

The term milk “coming in” actually refers to the maturation and volume development of breastmilk. In other words, the milk changes from colostrum to the white milk we think of, causing breasts to feel fuller and is easier to pump out. The technical term for this is Lactogenesis II- the creation of milk, part two.

With most things in nutrition, moderation is going to be key. This is true specifically for caffeine consumption, as well! Common concerns with breastfeeding mothers and their caffeine intake range from baby sleeping well to the effect it has on the milk itself, but for many, that cup of coffee is a source of comfort and energy after a late night nursing. So let's discuss what we actually know to be true about caffeine and lactation, and how much is actually safe to have.

The immediate postpartum period is such an important time for you and baby to bond and get to know each other for the first time. Your main priorities over the first couple of weeks is to rest your body and feed your baby. So what are the best ways to prepare for that? What should you have and what will make those things easier?

Breastfeeding, in concept, can be made to feel intuitive, as in a mother just knows what to do and how things are going. In reality, it can be quite daunting, overwhelming, and unsure at times. It's nice to have affirmations and ways to be able to personally and quickly tell if things are going well, along with knowledge of things to ask for help about. This is how we gain confidence and put the power back to the mother.

Compression garments have been used for a long time among several groups of people, but they are just starting to be a more common tool for the pregnant population. Maybe you're new to using compression to help with some of the discomforts of pregnancy, or maybe you've been using compression for pregnancy but hadn't thought about compression during the postpartum—either way, lets talk about how long you should wear the various compression options both before and after baby arrives.

We know that motherhood can’t be put on pause and neither can pumping or breastfeeding! So, we’re here to help you feel safe, comfortable, and ready for a great and effective pumping experience with 5 easy precautions to take while pumping during COVID-19!

Wearing maternity compression socks has so many benefits both in pregnancy and postpartum, but it’s very important to learn how to properly put them on for maximum relief and comfort all day long! Watch our helpful step-by-step video showing how to get the perfect fit, featuring Motif's Compression Director and Certified Professional Midwife, Rebekah Mustaleski.