Motif Aura Glow: Tips for Creating a Pumping Schedule

Hands-free pumping has come a long way since the first wearable pump came on the market back in 2017. While the concept remains the same, advancements have given us lighter, quieter, and more effective options than were once available. The Motif Aura Glow provides top-tier performance, compared with other wearables on the market, thanks to its powerful motor, comfortable breast shield, handy nightlight, and multiple flange size options included right in the box. An additional feature that sets the Motif Aura Glow apart is that it offers two pre-programmed pumping modes: General Pumping and Cluster Feeding.

General Pumping Mode is designed for moms who want to “set it and forget it”. This pumping program begins with Massage Mode to trigger letdown (the start of your milk flow). Massage Mode uses lighter and quicker sucks to help trigger the flow of milk. These quick sucks and light suction stimulate the release of oxytocin which causes myoepithelial cells in the breast to contract and release milk. The pump automatically switches to Expression Mode after two minutes. Expression Mode uses stronger, slower sucks to help express milk once it begins to flow. This phase of the program lasts thirteen minutes. For most moms, this is when the largest volume of milk is expressed. The pump will automatically repeat the process a second time. It’s not unusual for multiple letdowns to occur when a baby is feeding at the breast, and returning to Massage Mode halfway through a pumping session helps to achieve a similar effect while pumping. Having a second letdown can result in increased pumping output. General Pumping Mode can be used for any regular pumping sessions and has nine levels to choose from. While General Pumping Mode is programmed to automatically shut off at 30 minutes, you can end the session earlier by long-pressing the pause/play button. 

Traditional power pumping is often recommended to boost milk supply, but takes an hour to complete and is only recommended for use 1-2 times per day for a few days. Motif Aura Glow’s Cluster Feeding Mode can be used as desired. This mode has five levels to choose from and is great for helping to boost milk production. While Cluster Feeding Mode is programmed to automatically shut off at 30 minutes, you can end the session earlier by long-pressing the pause/play button.

*Pre-programmed pumping modes aren’t your thing? - No problem! You can use the classic Massage and Expression Modes without selecting a pre-programmed session.

Wearable pumps fall into a category known as “secondary breast pumps” because many breastfeeding moms get better results when using a traditional or “primary breast pump”. Traditional or “primary breast pumps”, like the Motif Luna, typically use hard plastic flanges, are double electric, have powerful motors, and often have controls that adjust the cycle (speed) and vacuum (suction) independently of each other. While wearables provide the utmost in convenience, it is recommended to use them alongside a traditional pump for best results. While this advice rings true for most, some moms report getting just as much milk output with Motif Aura Glow as with their primary pump. Just know that every body is different and may respond differently to different types of pump stimulation. Below are some sample pumping schedules for including a wearable in your daily routine.

• Be sure you have the right flange size. Motif Aura Glow comes with 15mm, 17mm, 19mm, and 21mm flange inserts that fit inside the included 24mm breast shield. Having the correct flange size is ESSENTIAL for pumping comfort and milk output. Use the included Nipple Ruler as a guide to find the size that works best for you. 
• Your bra needs to be tight enough to hold the pumps in place, but not so tight that your breast tissue is being compressed. Any shifting can cause poor suction and even pain. Motif Aura Glow comes with two bra strap adjusters to help make it easier to get the right fit.
• Experiment with the different modes. There is no one set of settings that works for every single person, so take the time to try the different options Aura Glow offers. Don’t forget that Motif Aura Glow still has Classic Modes (Massage and Expression) as well as pre-programmed options (General Pumping and Cluster Feeding). 
• More suction doesn’t necessarily equal more milk. 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. 
• Just because the pump automatically shuts off at 30 minutes doesn’t mean you have to pump for the full time. Many moms find that 15-20 minutes is all they need. 

Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.