Motif Luna Breast Pump Guide to More Milk in Less Time

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You finally sit down to pump, get everything situated, and immediately start doing the math.

How long do I have before the baby needs me? Can I finish before my next meeting? Is there any chance my coffee will still be warm afterward?

Pumping takes time, and when you're doing it several times a day, a pump that works efficiently and feels comfortable can make a BIG difference in your routine.

That's why I want to talk about the Motif Luna breast pump and the findings from Motif's new More Milk in Less Time® study. When you're choosing a pump, it helps to understand what those claims actually mean for the person sitting there using it.

Let's break down what moms and lactation professionals reported, what's different about the updated Luna, and how to find settings that work for YOUR body.

What is the Motif Luna breast pump?

The Motif Luna is a double electric breast pump, which means you can pump both breasts at the same time.

It has Massage and Expression modes, with adjustable settings to help you find a pumping rhythm that feels comfortable and works well for you.

The updated Luna includes two new Expression mode speeds, 50 and 54 cycles per minute, along with a quieter motor and 21 mm and 24 mm flanges in the box.

There's also a Motif Luna with Battery option, which lets you pump without staying plugged into a wall outlet.

If you're comparing models, pay attention to that last part! The rechargeable battery is a feature of the battery model, and settings or included accessories may vary by version.

I actually used the Luna while breastfeeding my son! If you want to hear about that experience, check out my original Motif Luna breast pump review, where I shared what I loved and a few potential drawbacks. Just keep in mind that the review covers the version I used back then, while this article focuses on the updated Luna and Motif’s newest study.

What did the new Motif Luna study find?

Motif conducted a 9-week study involving 62 breastfeeding moms and lactation professionals from three IBCLC practices to evaluate the updated Luna.

An IBCLC is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. These are professionals who help families with breastfeeding and pumping challenges, including flange fit, comfort, and milk removal.

The moms in the study had used other pumps before trying the Luna. They shared feedback over time, while participating IBCLCs observed pumping during lactation appointments and provided their own assessments.

You can read the full Motif Luna white paper here.

5 out of 6 moms pumped More Milk in Less Time®

According to Motif's white paper, approximately 5 out of 6 moms pumped More Milk in Less Time® with the Luna compared with their previous pumps.

The white paper reports that 85% achieved this result after six weeks of use. It also reports that 91% pumped the same amount of milk or more than with their previous pump.

For someone squeezing pumping into an already-full day, being able to remove milk efficiently is a pretty meaningful feature.

But I want to keep this clear: these are study findings, not a promise about your individual output. Your experience can depend on things like flange fit, pump settings, and how your body responds.

100% IBCLC satisfaction with drainage efficiency

Motif reported 100% IBCLC satisfaction with Luna's drainage efficiency, with all three participating IBCLCs observing adequate breast drainage after pumping sessions.

In everyday terms, they were satisfied with how effectively the pump removed milk during the sessions they assessed.

That doesn't mean the study proved that the Luna prevents mastitis or treats low milk supply. It means the participating lactation professionals were happy with the milk removal they observed.

2 out of 3 moms expressed their most milk using 50 and 54 CPM

Two out of three moms in the study expressed their most milk using the Luna's new 50 and 54 CPM settings.

If you're thinking, “Cool...but what is CPM??” let's talk about that.

What do the 50 and 54 CPM settings actually mean?

CPM stands for cycles per minute. It describes how often the pump applies and releases suction in one minute.

A setting of 50 CPM means 50 suction cycles per minute. A setting of 54 CPM means 54.

Speed and suction strength are different settings.

Speed controls the rhythm. Suction controls how strong the pull feels.

So choosing a faster cycle speed does not automatically mean you're choosing stronger suction. The new 50 and 54 CPM options give you more ways to adjust the Luna's Expression mode rhythm.

In Motif's study, those faster settings worked particularly well for many participants. That makes them options worth exploring as you learn how your body responds.

It does NOT mean you need to turn everything up to the maximum and hope for the best.

Your nipples do not need a toughness test!

Motif Luna features that matter in everyday life

Study results are helpful, but you're also going to be using this thing while tired, busy, and possibly trying to eat lunch with one hand.

So let's talk about the features that could make those sessions more manageable.

A quieter motor

In Motif's study, 88% of moms said the Luna was quieter than their previous pump.

That may appeal to you if pump noise is distracting while you work, relax, or sit near a sleeping baby.

Quiet doesn't mean silent, but less motor noise is a feature I can absolutely understand wanting when your day already has plenty of sound effects.

More comfortable and smoother suction

Motif reported that 86% of moms found the Luna more comfortable than their previous pump, and 90% reported smoother suction.

Comfort deserves attention when you're choosing something that will spend this much time attached to your breasts.

These results describe the participants' experiences. Getting comfortable with your own pump still means finding the right flange fit and settings.

21 mm and 24 mm flanges included

The updated Luna includes 21 mm and 24 mm flanges, with additional sizes available separately through Motif.

The flange is the part that sits against your breast, with a tunnel your nipple moves inside during pumping.

Having more than one size to try is useful, but the size that comes in the box isn't automatically YOUR size. If neither feels right, ask a lactation professional to help assess your fit.

4+ hours of battery life on the battery model

According to Motif's white paper, the Luna with Battery provides 4+ hours of continuous use on a single charge, supporting up to 12 sessions based on 20-minute sessions.

That can give you more flexibility about where you sit down to pump, especially when an outlet isn't conveniently nearby.

Just remember to check that you're selecting the battery model if this feature matters to you.

A built-in night light

The Luna also has an integrated night light with three settings.

A little light can help you see what you're doing during an overnight session without turning on the brightest light in the room.

Because at 3 a.m., I would personally prefer as few reminders that I'm awake as possible.

How to make pumping more comfortable

Whatever pump you choose, it's worth spending a little time getting familiar with the fit and controls.

You do not need to become a breast pump engineer. But a few adjustments can help you figure out what works for you.

Check your flange fit

Your nipple should sit comfortably in the center of the flange opening without pinching or irritating the tissue.

If pumping hurts, or you're struggling to find a comfortable fit, an IBCLC can help assess what is happening while you pump.

You don't have to keep guessing your way through it.

Start low and adjust gradually

The FDA recommends beginning with the lowest suction and/or speed setting and adjusting to a comfortable setting, following your pump's instructions.

With the updated Luna, you can explore the additional Expression mode speeds and see how your milk flow and comfort respond.

The highest setting is not a requirement for a successful pumping session.

Get help if pumping is painful

Pumping should not cause pain or bleeding.

If you're experiencing persistent pain, nipple injury, or bleeding, stop and reach out to your healthcare provider or a lactation professional for help.

And if you're worried about how much milk you're producing, bring that concern to an IBCLC too. A pump's study results can't tell you why your own output has changed.

Is the Motif Luna a good fit for you?

The updated Luna is worth considering if you're looking for a double electric pump with more Expression mode speed options, a quieter motor, and encouraging feedback from moms and lactation professionals.

The battery model may be especially appealing if you'd like more flexibility about where you pump.

What stands out to me about Motif's new study is that it looked at experiences over several weeks. Moms reported on the pump as they continued using it, rather than only sharing a first impression.

Still, the best pump for you is one that fits comfortably and works well with your body. You do not have to match someone else's pumping output for your experience to count.

You can learn more about the Motif Luna here and explore which model fits your routine best!

~Liesel

Related Reading: What Do You Do When Baby Is Screaming From Gas Pain?

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