As a fairly seasoned pumping mom (mom of 4 here!), I love being able to try new breast pumps. Recently, I received a new Motif Luna breast pump to try!
There are several things that I look for in a pump and the Motif Luna seems to check all those boxes:
- Closed System
- Light Weight
- Digital Controls
- Strong pump motor
So I was very excited to test it out! Find out how it performed, what I loved, and if I think this is a good choice for a pumping mom!
Motif Luna Breast Pump: A Pumping Mom’s Review
Post Sponsored by Motif Medical
The Luna is one of Motif Medical’s newer pumps and features a lot of bells and whistles.
Motif Medical’s site describes the Motif Luna as, “Sophisticated, strong, and soothing. The Luna is the powerful new breast pump from Motif Medical, built for modern motherhood and covered by insurance. Sleek on the outside with hospital-strength suction on the inside, moms are saying the Luna pumps more milk in less time and is easy to use, with a quiet motor that won’t wake baby.”
What Comes in the Box?
The Luna comes with everything you need to get started pumping:
- 2 – 24mm Breast Shields
- 2 – Silicone Valves
- 2 – Backflow Protectors
- 2 – Tubing
- 2 – Milk Collection Containers
- 2 – Milk Collection Container Caps
- 2 – Milk Collection Container Covers
- 2 – Milk Collection Container Disks
- 2 – Bottle Nipples
- 1 – Power Adapter
Key Features of the Motif Luna
Let’s talk about the specs! The Motif Luna features:
- Closed System
- Single or Double Pump
- Digital Controls with Massage and Expression Modes
- Strong Pump – up to 280 mmHg
- Ability to customize your preferred pump settings
- Backlit LCD Screen
- Night Light with three settings
- Quiet Pump Motor
- Lightweight at just 2 lbs
- Auto Shut-off after 30 minutes
- 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty
Unboxing the Motif Luna
The Design
While unboxing the Motif Luna, the thing that stood out to me the most is how sleek the Luna design is. It looks very modern.
I also love, love the grey and mint color scheme! The mint really adds a nice pop of color. It’s very visually appealing. I would have no problem leaving this out on the coffee table when company was over visiting. It does not scream, “medical device,” to me.
Lightweight
The next thing I noticed when taking the Luna out of its box was how lightweight it is.
Motif Medical lists its weight at 2 lbs. I have to say that I thought it was going to weigh more as it looks so sturdy but it really is very light. I can see carrying it in my pump bag with no issues at all!
Pump Parts Pre-Assembled
This might seem like a small thing to appreciate but I was very pleased to see that the collection kits were pre-assembled and packaged separately.
Even if you are not new to pumping, trying to piece together some of these collection kits can still be confusing. Motif really does a good job of keeping this simple for moms.
Of course, you need to sanitize all pump parts before using the pump for the first time but it helps to see the setup and will make it easier to reassemble.
Motif Luna does not have a ton of parts compared to similar pumps, which is a HUGE plus in my book. Less to wash!
Motif Luna Pumping Kit in Package
Includes 2 Bottle Nipples
I always love when pumps include bottle nipples and necks with their collection kits. It is so convenient to be able to pump and feed from the same bottle!
Using the Motif Luna
What I Loved
I have been in the middle of ramping up my freezer stash for my infant daughter. This means a lot of pumping and there are things about that Motif Luna that has made that so much easier!
Massage and Expression Modes
I love that the Luna includes a Mode button. This allows the pump to switch from Massage Mode to Expression Mode and back again without having to manually change the cycle and level settings.
This can help you make the most of your letdown (and time)!
Memory Start Mode
The Luna automatically remembers your preferred pump setting from the previous session. So basically it will pick up where you left off.
I typically switch mine back into Massage Mode before turning it off since I don’t want to be in Expression Mode at the start of a new pump session. It makes it nice to not have to reset the cycle and level settings each time I start pumping.
Quiet Pump Motor
The Motif Luna features an extremely quiet pump motor. It’s like a quiet hum. Definitely a huge plus for working moms or moms who need to pump in public settings.
Nightlight
I really love the nightlight built into the Luna. The Mint color at the top of the pump glows very softly and features 3 settings. It’s a really nice feature and one I can see using often.
Digital Screen
Since I tend to pump hands-free, I am often distracted while pumping. The digital screen on the Luna features a timer that displays how long you have been pumping.
It will automatically shut off at the 30-minute mark which is very helpful for those middle of the night pumping sessions (I have been known to fall asleep…).
More Milk, Less Time
I found the Motif Luna to be a very efficient pump. While some pumps might take a full 15-20 minutes to pump a full 4 ounces, I was able to pump that in less than 15 minutes with the Luna.
It is a strong pump but I think the ability to control the cycle and level settings helps to maximize each letdown.
Is the Motif Luna a Good Option for Moms Who Pump a lot?
The question I get asked the most when it comes to breast pump reviews is if a specific pump is a good option for moms who pump a lot.
The Motif Luna is definitely a great option for moms who pump frequently or even exclusively pump.
It has the strength to help maintain a good milk supply. The digital controls also make pumping faster and easier helping to maximize each letdown and pump more milk.
In the below video a certified lactation consultant discusses the features of the Motif Luna. It’s a quick watch and very informative!
Bottomline
Overall, I have been very impressed with my Motif Luna.
If I had to point out any shortcomings, I would probably say my least favorite part of the Luna is the fact that it does
not have a battery option. I wish it had a builtin rechargeable battery. While for most moms that isn’t a deal-breaker, it is nice to have!
Despite not being portable, I still feel the Luna is great for pumping moms!
If you want a strong, quiet, and easy to use pump then the Motif Luna is an excellent choice!
It is very gentle and would be perfect for any mom who is sensitive to pumping or who is struggling with low milk supply.
I highly recommend giving the Motif Luna a try!
The Motif Luna is available for purchase over at Motif Medical, Here.
Have questions or comments about the Motif Luna? Drop them below!
Click here to learn more about the Motif Luna!
Up Next —> How to Qualify for a Pump Through Insurance — Read Now—->
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Hi there!
Second time mom here, I was originally going to get another S1 with this baby, but then I heard all the wonderful things about the Luna and am so torn! The Luna (battery powered pump) is $105 less (out of pocket after insurance) than the S1 so that’s a big thing to consider. My question was regarding overall pump life. With baby #1, I BF and pumped for 2 years and the S1 hung in there like a champ (through a few nasty drops even) and they have a 2 year warranty on the motor whereas the Luna only has a 1 year warranty… My only real concern now is for a mom that pumps 3-5 times a day, will the Luna hang in there for 2 years at a good quality of suction, or will it poop-out sooner than the S1? I have seen lots of reviews between the two, but nothing about the actual lifespan on the pump itself, not just the battery between charges. I’d appreciate any input you can give me in this regard. Thank you kindly, many blessings! -Holly
Hi Holly! This is a great question. I have not used my Luna at that level for that timeframe BUT Motif is a great company and an established brand. If this was some off-brand, I might be more cautious with saying it will hold up to that amount of pumping. Major pump brands typically last for years and years (I have a Medela from 10 YEARS ago that is still kicking!). Spectra has amazing customer service but I’ve had good experiences with Motif as well. The two pumps are very similar and you will be happy with either one. If you have all your parts from your first Spectra S1, that might be helpful in having extra parts but other than that, it will come down to personal preference when choosing between the two. I’m sorry I can’t give you a solid answer on the lifespan! I will say that if you couldn’t find any reviews that contain complaints about it, then it’s probably a good thing meaning it’s a non-issue. =-)
Hi,
I was curious, what flanges are compatible with the motif Luna. I have it and I’ve found that 24mm is too small and 28mm is slightly too big. I want to try a 26mm flange but not sure what would fit.
Hi Eliina,
I have not tried the Luna with another brand’s flange. Your best bet might be using the 28mm with a massage insert. I know Motif has massage inserts for their pump Twist but unsure if those are compatible with the Luna. Your best bet will be contacting Motif and asking them directly what your options are. They may have a 25, 27mm that could be an option as well. You can find their phone number and email on their website, here. I hope this helps!
Hi Heather,
Do you have a preference on The Motif Luna vs Duo?
Hi Bianca!
The Motif Luna and the Motif Duo are honestly such different pumps that the difference are pretty vast. They both work great and I have great success with both. I think it will come down to your personal preference and where and when you plan to pump.
Some key things: The Motif Duo is much more compact and much more portable. It has a built-in rechargeable battery which makes using it on the go very easy. The motif Luna does not have a battery option so you need to use it while plugged into an outlet.
With that said, I do express more milk using the Motif Luna vs the Motif Duo. The Duo is great for pumping on the go but if you have access to a power source when pumping, the Luna would be my preference. I hope that helps!
I am currently pregnant with #4. I have always used a madela pump, because that was what was familiar. I have always had good milk output but have always felt like I could get more that the madela maybe wasn’t offering me. Would this pump possibly be worth a try this time around? How does it compare to a madela?
Hi Lydia,
If you have had success with the Medela Pump in Style, then you will have a great experience with the Motif Luna! The Luna is a stronger pump than the Medela Pump in Style but the biggest thing to me is all the features of the Luna vs the Pump in Style. The Luna has digital control which can help you maximize each letdown and pump more milk. The Pump in Style is controlled manually (dials) and you have to manually switch back to expression mode even if your Pump in Style model features a letdown button. I hope this helps!
By the way, as a mom of 4, I just want to say congrats to you! What a crazy ride having 4 is!!
Hi I have used Medela pump In style and have rented the hospital grade symphony pump.i didn’t won’t up get getting anew pump for my second kid which was probably a mistake when I could have tried the spectra then since the motif recently came out. Which would be a good pump to get between the motif Luna vs the spectra s2 instead of renting a hospital stlye grade pump. Im usually lucky if I get 2oz at a time which would u recommend. I know the motif is still new so not many reviews where spectra has been around for a long time now. I plan on pumping and storing which I see I will have to get a conversion kit and saw that the kinde has one.
Hi Celia,
This is a great question and one I have gotten often. I have a detailed post coming on a comparison of the Motif Luna vs the Spectra S2. I will link that review here once it is completed but until then, let me layout really fast for you.
The Motif Luna and Spectra S2 are so similar that I could list category after category comparing them and the result would be that they are neck and neck. They are both closed system, run off an AC adapter for power, have digital screens and controls, feature a nightlight, have a carry handle, weigh the same, etc, etc, etc.
One very slight difference is that the pump strength (measured in mmHG) is 270 mmHG for the Spectra and 280 mmHG for the Motif Luna. What does this mean? The max output or suction strength for the Luna is slightly more than that of the S2. Does that mean the S2 is stronger? Technically on paper, yes. However, you don’t pump on the max setting a vast majority of the time (I typically never do- most pumps are too strong!). It is not necessary. I found that my milk output was slightly more with the Motif Luna and I think the max suction strength had something to do with that. It is slight. You would do well with the Luna and it is compatible with the Kiinde Twist.
I hope this helps!
What’s the best cycle to use while pumping?
Hi Chantel,
One of the misconceptions about pumping is that it is best to pump on the highest suction strength. This will not produce the most milk, however. The best way to use your pump’s cycle modes is to mimic your nursing baby. The Motif Luna actually has features to do that for you. The Massage Mode should be used to stimulate your milk to let down. Expression Mode should be used once your milk lets down. The Luna makes it as easy as a push of a button.
This is the best way to maximize your pumping sessions. So the best cycle is to use them both correctly.
I have a very detailed article about Pumping Basics. About midway through the article, there is a section on How to Control Your Pump Manually to Stimulate a Let Down. This might help show you exactly how this works. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi,
Thank you so much for your blog it is so helpful. I have a question which pump yields mote milk (empties Breast and more efficient) the sonata or Luna?
Thank you,
Karla
Hi Karla!
The Sonata and Luna are similar in so many ways. I find the Sonata to be slightly stronger. It’s not considerable, though. The Sonata also has some fancier features like the app that it connects to, for example, that make it stand out to me. I think both have some great features and both perform incredibly well. You really can’t go wrong with either!
Thank you so much you have been so helpful I will be going back to work soon and now I know the pump I’ll be purchasing. I’m going with the sonata! Thanks so much!!
Karla
Awesome! I am so glad I could help! There is a ton of information on the blog about working and pumping, so if you haven’t already, check it out. I will see you around the blog!
Is there a hands free pumping bra that works well with this pump? My current hands free strapless bra has small flange/nipple holes so the Luna flanges do not fit, since they so not come apart.
Also, does this pump work with the Kiinde twist pouch bags/system? This would save clean up time when I pump at work. I couldn’t find any connectors that would fit the luna bottles.
Hi Brianne,
There are several pumping bras that are compatible with the Luna. If you want a bustier type that you put on and off, then I would get a Clip and Pump. The slits are big enough for the Luna. That’s the bra I use with mine.
If you want a bra to wear that doubles as a pumping bra the Rumina or Dairy Fairy are good options. Though it will depend on how much support you need. I personally need a lot of support and do not like to wear nursing and pumping bra combos. That is why I prefer the Clip and Pump.
You can read more about the pumping bras, here.
The Luna is compatible with the Kiinde Twist system. You just use the wide mouth pump attachment.
What other bottles are compatible with this system?
Hi! The Motif Luna using wide-neck bottles. Any wide-neck bottle would likely fit. I have tried it with my Spectra bottles, Avent, and Dr Brown’s. They all fit. I can’t speak to all brands but I would say most would fit just fine. If you want to use the Medela Standard neck bottles, you just need a conversion kit for that (like this one here). Hope that helps!
Would you say this is comparable to the Spectra S2? Would you recommend one over the other?
Yes, the Luna is very comparable to the Spectra S2. I think Motif did a great job of producing a pump that rivals the Spectra pumps. They are neck in neck with nearly all the features. I yield the same amount of milk from my Luna vs my Spectra. You really can’t go wrong with either!
Was the time different for same milk yield? (was one pump faster than the other)
Hi Katie,
That is a good question. I always pump for 20 minutes. I find that is my sweet spot to yield no less than 3 letdowns. I have not done a comparison of time difference for milk yield from pump to pump but this is an interesting way to look at it. I tend to compare the other way which is a flat 20 minutes of pumping equals how many ounces. For me, that seems to be easiest to follow anyway.
Hello, I’ve seen some reviews that the motif Luna can have a stronger suction than Spectra s2, and that spectra is more gentle. Would motif be gentle enough for a first time mom new to pumping?
Thanks!
Hi Tricia,
The Spectra S2 is definitely one of the most gentle pumps I have ever used. With that said, I don’t find the Motif to be rough in any way. There are some moms who have extra sensitive nipples or find pumping to be extremely uncomfortable. I would say for most moms, however, that is not the case when you have a properly fitted flange (the piece that goes over your breast to pump) and when you use the pump settings correctly (meaning don’t just put it on the highest suction strength). Pumping should NOT be painful. Ever. If it is, then something is amiss.
I believe the motif Luna is an excellent choice for a new mom! And it will be gentle enough for sure. So rest assured!
Hi Amanda,
Great question. The term “hospital grade” is a non-regulated term. Meaning different companies use it to mean different things. You cna read more about what it means for a pump to be labeled “hospital grade,” here.
With that said, the Luna is a closed system pump and is a very strong pump.