On-the-Go Pumping Survival Guide: Motif Aura Glow & New Wet-Dry Bag

Pumping on-the-go has become a MUST for many modern families. Whether managing other children, pumping at work, or trying to build milk supply while cooking dinner, there are countless reasons why a mom might need to be hands-free and mobile while using her breast pump. Thankfully, the Motif Aura Glow is a top-performing wearable pump that helps moms do just that. And to sweeten the deal, the Aura Glow now comes with a super handy Wet-Dry Bag so you can be an organized, on-the-go pumping queen!​

How do you set yourself up for on-the-go pumping success? We’ve got you covered with this handy survival guide.

If your baby typically breastfeeds directly, you’ll want to pump whenever nursing would typically happen. If you’re exclusively pumping, keeping up with your regular pumping routine is essential even when pumping on-the-go. Typically, pumping every three hours, for 15-20 minutes per session, is enough to protect an established milk supply. It’s ok to adjust your routine slightly to accommodate scheduling conflicts, but try to avoid skipping pumping sessions altogether. It’s always better to do a shortened pumping session rather than no pumping at all.

Pumping on-the-go means storing milk on-the-go, too. A high-quality cooler bag and cold packs is a great way to store your expressed breast milk for up to 24 hours under ideal conditions. Breastmilk chillers are another fabulous option to make milk storage as streamlined as possible. Motif’s Breastmilk Storage Bags offer premium features like a tearable pour spout and lay-flat design. They’re the perfect portable solution for securing your milk while away from home.

The CDC recommends washing parts in warm, soapy water after each use, but that isn’t always possible. Will you have access to soap, water, and a clean basin for hand washing? Alternatives include pump cleaning sprays and wipes or having multiple sets of flanges. Making sure your pump parts are clean is one of the most important things to consider when making a plan for pumping while you’re away from home.

Once you have a plan in place, you’ll have a better idea of what items you’ll need to keep handy for pumping while out and about. I recommend role-playing this at home so you’ll know exactly what to pack with you. Another great tip is to purchase duplicates of items you’ll use for pumping at home as well as when you’re out. This way, you can keep a set of those items packed and ready and a set on hand at home. Here’s a start to your mobile milk station checklist:

Download the full On-the-Go Survival Checklist to help you stay organized for your pumping sessions.

While a primary pump option, like Motif Luna, is my top recommendation for pumping when you’re stationary, Aura Glow is my go to for mobile milk making. Features that set it apart include a powerful motor with up to 280 mmHg of suction, comfy silicone flanges that don’t slide around on the breast, a flange size range from 11 mm up to 27 mm, and effective pre-programmed pumping modes. The new Aura Glow bundle also comes with an adorable wet-dry bag.

• Soft and gentle
• Designed to trigger letdown
• Use it at the beginning of a session to get milk flowing or part way through to get a second letdown.

• Slower and stronger than Massage Mode
• Designed to extract milk
• Use it for the bulk of your pumping session to get maximum output.

• Slower and stronger than Massage Mode
• Designed to extract milk
• Use it for the bulk of your pumping session to get maximum output.

• A combination of pumping bursts and pauses
• Pausing and restarting pumping causes a spike of oxytocin which can result in more milk output.
• Unlike traditional power pumping, this mode can be used anytime. It’s great for trying to boost milk supply. 

Here’s a breakdown of ways you can use the Aura Glow Wet-Dry bag to streamline your pumping experience:

When it comes to pumping on-the-go, the main things to remember are:

• Have a plan that includes your pumping schedule, how to store your milk, and how to clean your pump parts.

• Ensure you have everything you need in your mobile milk station. Consider purchasing duplicates of items you frequently use at home and on-the-go. 

• Make sure you have a quality pump that will help move you toward your overall breastfeeding goals.

Did you know you can get the Motif Aura Glow FREE through insurance? Use the Insurance Lookup Tool to get the process started. Having an effective pump and quality supplies is key for reaching your pumping goals. Here at Motif, we strive to provide you with top-notch products that help you move toward your feeding goals.

• 6:00 am - Nurse baby
  
• 8:30 am - Pump during your commute (Use caution - Don’t start, stop, or adjust your pump while driving as this can be distracting.)
  
• 11:30 am - Pump during lunch
  
• 2:30 pm - Pump discreetly during an afternoon meeting.
  
• 5:30 pm - Pump during your commute home or call ahead to your baby’s caregiver to let them know you’ll be ready to nurse as soon as you arrive. 

*Pumping for 15-20 minutes every three hours is typically adequate to maintain an established milk supply, but some moms need to pump up to 30 minutes when using wearables. Some moms may need to pump more frequently depending on their breast storage capacity.

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