5 Genius Motif Luna Pumping Hacks to Maximize Milk Output and Save Time

The Motif Luna is one of the top-performing breast pumps on the market, but even the best pump can be made better with a few smart tips and tricks. Whether you’re looking to increase your milk supply, make pumping more efficient, or just looking to make the whole process a little easier, these hacks will change the way you pump - for the better!

Having the correct flange size is essential for a good pumping experience. The wrong flange size can lead to pain, poor milk output, and even clogged ducts or mastitis. Luna flanges (also called breast shields) are available in 16mm, 19mm, 21mm, 24mm, 28mm, and 32mm. But what if you need something smaller than 16mm? This is where the Motif Aura Glow silicone inserts come in! Aura Glow inserts come in a wide range of sizes, including 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, and 15mm. The key is to push them firmly into your Luna 24mm flange to make sure they are flush. Not sure how to find your size - check out this sizing guide for more info. Remember that pumping shouldn’t hurt! If you’ve used the sizing guide and still aren’t sure if you have the right size, reach out to an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) for expert sizing help. 

It might be tempting to crank the suction all the way up, but remember that pumping isn’t like a video game - the goal isn’t to “beat” each level of suction. In fact, turning up the suction can work against you because it can cause pain. For this reason, it’s best to find your perfect suction strength by looking for the LOWEST, BUT MOST EFFECTIVE SETTING. In other words, if you get just as much milk output with a suction level of 3 as you do at level 8, then there is no reason to crank it up to level 8. If pumping is painful even at a low suction, reach out to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who can assess for nipple tissue damage and advise on making pumping more comfortable.

Did you know that you can have multiple letdowns in a single breastfeeding session? To get the same effect when pumping with Luna, don’t be afraid to go back to Massage Mode anytime you see your milk flow starting to slow down. Returning to the quick, light sucks of Massage Mode can trigger a little oxytocin spike that helps encourage letdown. Another trick is to pause pumping for a few minutes when you notice your flow slowing down. Resume pumping again, and it’s very likely that you’ll notice your milk flowing more easily. Pausing and restarting a pumping session is thought to help trigger letdown by causing a quick burst of oxytocin to be released. Getting multiple letdowns can increase your overall breast milk output.

Using your hands to perform gentle massage, compression, and manual expression can increase pumping output significantly. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with a gentle massage and stroking of your breasts to help promote letdown. Using a hands-free pumping bra will make the entire process easier. 
2. Start with 1-2 minutes of Massage Mode, then switch to Expression Mode. 
3. Once your milk flow slows, incorporate gentle massage and compression to get it going again. You can also return to Massage Mode to help trigger another letdown.
4. Finish with a few minutes of hand expression. Many moms find it easy to incorporate hand expression by shortening their pumping session by five minutes and adding five minutes of hand expression instead. 

These clever hacks can help you save time, make pumping more comfortable, and increase your pumping output, but it’s important to stick to a good pumping routine as well. No amount of hacks, tips, or tricks can take the place of frequent milk removal. For most moms, a minimum of eight milk removals in 24 hours is needed to build and maintain a milk supply. This can happen through exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive pumping, or a combination of pumping and nursing. 

If you’re having trouble getting in enough pump sessions, consider adding the Motif Aura Glow or Motif Roam to complement pumping with your Motif Luna. 

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