What’s In the Box?
Been searching for the perfect solution for pumping on-the-go that combines effective pumping with ultimate convenience? The new Motif Roam’s powerful motor is paired with Motif Medical's hands-free Collection Cups to deliver just that. This tiny, but mighty all star was designed for true pumping freedom!
Motif Roam comes with everything you need for double or single pumping! You’ll receive Roam’s powerful pump motor, Breast Milk Collection Cups, diaphragms, duckbill valves, tubing with Roam connectors, USB-C charging cable, power adapter, and a convenient lanyard. You’ll also receive a nipple ruler as well as 16 mm, 19mm, 21mm, and 24 mm flange inserts to make it easier to find a comfortable and effective flange fit right away!
Motif Roam Features
- Powerful Motor: Motif Roam’s powerful motor produces up to 270 mmHg of suction which is a similar suction strength as many larger, more traditional pumps like Motif Luna.
- Breast Milk Collection Cups: These collection cups are a game changer when it comes to true hands-free pumping. They are easy to clean and assemble, hold up to 5 oz. per side, and are sleek in design. Motif Medical's Collection Cups are also BPA, PVC, DEHP, and phthalate free. These cups also come with 16mm, 19mm, 21mm, and 24mm sizing inserts.
- Auto Shut-off: Motif Roam will automatically power off after 30 minutes of pumping. This feature is helpful in case your pump accidentally gets powered on in your bag or if you happen to fall asleep while pumping (nobody knows tired like a mom).
- New Pumping Modes: Motif Roam features two new pre-programmed pumping sessions. General Pumping Mode and Cluster Feeding Mode take the guesswork out of when to adjust pump settings. Roam can also be used in Classic Mode by manually adjusting Massage and Expression settings.
New Pumping Modes
General Pumping Mode
General Pumping Mode begins with Massage Mode to trigger letdown (the start of your milk flow). Massage Mode helps trigger letdown by mimicking the baby’s quick suckling patterns at the beginning of a nursing session. This type of stimulation triggers oxytocin which causes myoepithelial cells in the breast to contract and release milk. Roam automatically switches to Expression Mode after two minutes. The longer cycles and higher suction of Expression Mode help to express the bulk of your milk, similar to how a baby’s suck changes once the milk starts flowing. This phase of the program lasts thirteen minutes. For most people, this is when the largest volume of milk is expressed. Roam automatically repeats the process a second time in order to encourage a second letdown halfway through your pumping session. General Pumping Mode has nine levels to choose from and automatically shuts off after 30 minutes. While this session has a run time of 30 minutes, many moms find that a shorter pumping time is ideal for them.
Here’s how it works:
- Massage Mode - 2 minutes
- Expression Mode - 13 minutes
- Massage Mode - 2 minutes
- Expression Mode - 13 minutes
- Automatic Shut-Off
Cluster Feeding Mode
Cluster feeding naturally occurs when a baby breastfeeds multiple times within a short period of time, only taking quick breaks. Cluster feeding is a normal part of breastfeeding that helps increase milk production in conjunction with the baby’s growth spurts. While a traditional power pumping session lasts for one hour, the Cluster Feeding program has built-in pauses that mimic cluster feeding within a thirty-minute pumping session. This pre-programmed session is great for helping to boost milk production. While traditional hour-long power pumping sessions are only recommended once or twice per day and for only a few days in a row, Cluster Feeding Mode can be used as desired. Cluster Feeding Mode has five levels to choose from. While this session has a run time of 30 minutes, many moms find that a shorter pumping time is ideal for them.
Here’s how it works:
- Expression Mode - 7 minutes
- Pause (low levels of suction) - 5 minutes
- Expression Mode - 7 minutes
- Pause (low levels of suction) - 5 minutes
- Expression Mode - 6 minutes
- Automatic Shut-Off
Classic Mode
Massage and Expression Modes can still be adjusted manually if that’s your preference. Remember that pumping is a very individual process that may require some experimentation in order to discover which settings work best for you and your body.
Each classic mode has nine levels to choose from so you can try multiple combinations.
Tips for Pumping Success with Roam
Make sure you have the correct flange size - Most moms find that adding 0-3 mm to their nipple size provides the most comfortable and effective flange fit. You may need to try a few sizes to find the one that’s best for you. Thankfully, Motif Roam comes with 16mm, 19mm, 21mm, 24mm, and 28mm options right in the box! Sizes 13mm and 15mm are also available. Use the included Nipple Ruler to find your nipple measurement.
- Remember that finding your nipple measurement provides a starting point for getting the right flange fit but it is only one piece of the puzzle. It’s important to do a pumping trial with one or more sizes to help determine which fit is best.
- For most moms, smaller is better. Gone are the days of recommending that your nipple never touch the inside of the flange tunnel. Your nipple should glide along the flange tunnel without pain. That’s right….it’s ok for it to touch as long as it’s not painful!
- The elasticity of your tissue will also play a role in getting the right flange fit. If your breast tissue has lots of stretch, you may find that the size at the lower end of your sizing range is best. If your tissue doesn’t stretch much, a size that is at the upper end of your sizing range may work better. Remember to do a pumping trial with more than one size so you can compare.
- A good flange fit should produce sprays of milk (once your milk has “come in”) and should not cause pain.
Bra fit is important! Your bra needs to be tight enough to hold the collection cups in place, but not so tight that your breast tissue is being compressed. Any shifting can cause poor pump performance and even pain. It may be necessary to tighten or loosen your bra straps to help accommodate the collection cups.
High suction doesn’t necessarily mean more milk. Applying too much suction to your nipples can cause pain and irritation which can result in lower milk output. There is no need to work up a tolerance to higher suction even though Motif Roam offers nine levels of suction. Only increase the suction to a comfortable level. If pumping is uncomfortable, even at very low levels of suction, reach out to an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) to help troubleshoot.
Will I Need a Primary Pump?
As new pump types have become available, we’ve been careful to help moms understand that not all pumps are created equally. Different types of pumps serve different purposes, and depending on your lifestyle and pumping needs, what works best for you may not work best for someone else. Traditional pumps that feature hard plastic flanges, and powerful desktop motors, and often have independent cycle (speed) and vacuum (suction) adjustments are often referred to as primary pumps. This is because these pumps tend to work best for building and maintaining milk supply. Many women find that they respond better to and get more output from primary pumps.
Secondary pumps typically feature smaller motors, may be wearable, or utilize hands-free breastmilk collection cups. These pumps are referred to as secondary because most moms report that they get less milk when pumping with these types of pumps when compared to pumping with a primary pump.
Motif Roam is somewhat of a hybrid between a primary and secondary pump because of its powerful motor and effective pre-programmed pumping sessions. Depending on your lifestyle and how you’ll be using your pump, you may find that Motif Roam works well as your only breast pump. For moms who plan to exclusively pump, are pumping for a pre-term infant, are pumping for multiples, or who struggle with low milk supply, we recommend pairing Motif Roam alongside a primary pump such as the Motif Luna.
About The Author
Jacque Ordner is a mom of four sons and IBCLC in the heart of the Midwest in Illinois. Her love of lactation support began over a decade ago when she was working as a registered nurse. She specializes in adoptive lactation, breastfeeding after c-section, and pumping.
Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.
Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.
