Not sure what breast pump you should get? The Motif Duo Double Pump is a popular option as it is often covered by insurance. In this article, we’ll discuss this pump to help you decide if it’s the right one for you.
There are so many breast pumps out there. It can be really overwhelming to keep up with them and figure out which one will best suit your needs. I remember going to a conference years ago, and there were so many breast pumps I’d never even heard of—I was so overwhelmed!
Mostly, I usually recommend one of the Spectra breast pumps (S1 or S2), the Baby Buddha, or Pumpables. These are pretty solid pumps that work well. However, these may not always be an option (especially if you use insurance). One pump I am asked about every so often is the Motif Duo Double. While I don’t have extensive experience with it, I own the pump and have used it a few times. I have also had several of my clients use it as well. Hopefully, this will be helpful to those considering it!
Need help with pumping? Be sure to enroll in Fuss-Free Pumping, my online pumping class. This class is available on-demand 24/7 and provides you with all the basics (and not-so-basics) of breast pumping. Use the code 10OFF to get a special discount at checkout.
Pump at a Glance
The Motif Duo – at a glance – sounds like a great job. It’s a double pump that is portable, rechargeable, and covered by (most) insurance.
This pump doesn’t have all the frills that some other pumps have, but it has all the essential components of a double pump, such as:
- A closed system (the milk won’t touch the tubing or the machine; this makes the pumping process more hygienic and you can also sell your share the pump)
- Multiple levels of suction – there are 10 expression levels, which makes it so easy to make sure you are getting the right suction for your body.
- Rechargeable – not many double pumps can be charged and used without an outlet. I LOVE this feature!
- Portable and Small – What I like most about this pump is how small it is – you can literally hold it in your hand.
Bottles and Nipples
It comes with two bottles and nipples. I haven’t had any experience with these nipples, nor do I know anyone who has used them, but if they work for your child—great! They do seem to be shaped like a woman’s nipple. However, they don’t have multiple holes, which is something I personally like with a bottle.
Other posts on breastfeeding and bottle feeding:
Flanges/Shields
The Motif Duo comes in only one size—24 mm. You can purchase a 20, 28, or 32 mm flange through their website or a Durable Medical Company. But these are rarely the sizes that most moms need (read more here—How to Measure Flange Size + Free Printable Ruler), which is frustrating. It’s not abnormal, though—most breast pumps don’t come with a smaller size than a 21!
You can use off-brand flanges in smaller sizes (or even just a flange insert) to get a different size. This article from Genuine Lactation details what off-brand flanges you can consider getting. I recommend using Maymom brand flanges and adapters for this. You will be able to use flanges as small as 10mm and as large as 36mm.
Pumpin’ Pals and Lacteck flanges should work with this pump. You will need to get an adapter.
Ease of Use
This pump is easy to setup. It has just a few buttons—the power button, the memory button, a letdown button, and other buttons that help you adjust the suction pressure.
There is a handy “memory mode” that remembers your previous settings, so if you can go right back to what worked best for you. I do think that it can be tricky to find the optimal settings with the pump (especially in comparison to it’s big sister, the Motif Luna).
Comfort
I did try this pump out. I hadn’t pumped in over a year, so I only used it briefly. However, it was pretty comfortable, though they were completely the wrong size, so I suspect that wouldn’t have lasted. The suction from the pump wasn’t too intense, and it was very easy to adjust.
You can also use it as a single pump if you like by putting a little plug into one of the holes for the tubing on the back of the pump.
Performance
Since I am not breastfeeding, I can’t speak much to the performance. However, after talking to others who have used it, I don’t feel like it’s the most powerful pump. It could be good for occasional use, but if you have to pump regularly (such as if you are an exclusive pumper or you work), I would probably opt for another option. One client borrowed my Baby Buddha breast pump, and her output nearly doubled from using the Motif.
As I’ve read reviews from other moms on Reddit and other forums, the general consensus is that it’s not a terrible pump and will get the job done. However, it often takes time and patience to figure out the right settings for you and where you are going to get the greatest output. Some women say that while it seemed to adequately draw out milk, they didn’t feel entirely “emptied” (knowing that you are never actually *empty*).
Where to Buy:
The Motif Duo is sometimes covered by insurance. Under the ACA, insurance plans are required to cover some kind of breast pump for lactating mothers. You can go to this link to see if this pump is covered under your insurance. Aeroflow is a great place to get your pump from – they also have all the breastfeeding and pumping supplies you need for a good start.
If you aren’t looking for a pump covered by insurance, you can also buy it from the Motif Medical official website or on Amazon, however, it is a little more expensive on Amazon.
All in all, the Motif Duo is not my top choice. I think the Motif Luna would be a better alterantive if you are looking at this brand specifially, or one of my top recommend breast pumps above. Be sure to check out my pump buying guide to learn more about purchasing the right breast pump for you.
Have you used the Duo? Let me know in the comments below!
