Being able to pump and do pretty much whatever I wanted at the same time – clean the house, commute, even take a nap – is something I only dreamed about when I was exclusively pumping. The Willow Pump is an innovative pump that frees you up to pump whenever and wherever you’d like. Here’s a complete Willow pump review.
Image courtesy Willow®. Used with permission.
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(Updated April 2022: Willow came out with a new pump called with Willow Go. This post discusses the Willow 3.0, but you can read more about the Willow Go here.)
What is the Willow Pump?
The Willow 3.0 breast pump is a completely different kind of pump, and a really inventive design that allows you to pump hands-free.
Essentially, it’s two breast pumps – one for each side – that you place inside your bra, position to “latch,” and turn on.
Image courtesy Willow®. Used with permission.
The milk goes into a bag or reusable container stored within the Willow pump, rather than to bottles.
The pump connects with an app on your phone, and you can use the app to turn the pump on and off and adjust the suction. You can also see how long you’ve been pumping and how much milk you’ve gotten.
How is the Willow Pump different from other pumps?
The Willow is a huge step up from the traditional breast pump.
Not only are you always pumping hands-free (and you don’t need to get a separate pumping bra to do it), but there is no tubing that you have to connect to a pump, and there are no bottles hanging off of the front of your chest. The pumps just go into your bra.
What are the advantages of the Willow Breast Pump?
Some of the pros of using a Willow include:
- Mobility! Obviously, the biggest advantage is that you can move around and do anything while you pump – make dinner, take care of your baby, work, etc.
- Willow has the option to pump into spill-proof bags, which means you can lie down or bend over while pumping. (Willow is the only hands-free pump with this as an option.)
- There are only two parts that need to be cleaned – the flange and the flextube. (If you’re pumping into Willow’s reusable container, that would be a third piece.)
- The app allows you to see how much you’re pumping in real-time, plus it tracks your pumping time and amounts for you.
- You have the ability to set the suction for each side to different levels. If you need stronger suction on one side and gentler on the other, the Willow is one of the few pumps where this is possible.
- It’s quieter than most pumps, though it’s not silent.
What are the disadvantages of the Willow Breast Pump?
There are a few cons to think about:
- If you have a big supply and generally pump more than 4 oz per side, you will need to stop pumping and switch out the container/bag in the middle of the session.
- Some people like to switch back into stimulation/letdown mode after their milk stops flowing in order to get another letdown, and it’s not possible to switch back to letdown mode with the Willow.
- It can take some people a little time to get used to the Willow, because the suction works a little differently than other pumps.
The biggest issue for many people, though, is the price.
Is the Willow pump worth it?
This is such a personal question, because so much depends on your budget and your life circumstances.
For example, if you don’t have a lot of extra money and will only need to pump at work, where you’ll be in a lactation room with an outlet, I would say no.
However, if you have a larger budget and need to pump multiple times per day on the go, then yes, it can definitely be worth it.
There are a few options to make the Willow more affordable:
- Aeroflow Breastpumps stocks the Willow, and you may be able to get it at a discounted price through them. If you haven’t gotten your pump through insurance yet, fill out the linked form and see if you can get one at a discount.
- If you have an FSA or HSA, you can use that to pay for the pump.
- You may also be able to get reimbursement through insurance if yours covers out-of-network pumps.
Here are some additional thoughts from people who have used it (from my instagram stories):
Will the Willow pump work for everyone?
No, not everyone. One thing to be concerned about is nipple size.
Willow suggests using their app to determine your flange size.
Willow sells three flange sizes – 21mm, 24mm, and 27mm. If you are under size 27 or under, you should be able to use Willow, though you may want to use BeauGen cushions or Freemie inserts if you’re between sizes, or need a smaller size than the 21mm flanges.
(Breast pump inserts reduce the size of a flange by 1-2mm.)
Some of the comments to this post have more info on sizing from Willow users that might be helpful for you.
Does the Willow work with small breasts? Large breasts?
Yes. Nipple size, rather than breast size, is what can be the issue.
Should you buy the reusable container?
You also need to purchase bags and/or a separate reusable container:
The bags are spill-proof, but the reusable container will leak if you bend over.
Because the cost of bags adds up, if you’re planning on pumping frequently, I would suggest buying the container. The pump comes with some bags you can try out for when you want to lie down while pumping or if you are in a situation where you don’t want to deal with the container.
Will others be able to tell that you’re pumping with a Willow?
The Willow can be worn out of the house without being obvious.
One mom in our Facebook group has a Willow, Elvie, and a Freemie, and took photos of herself without a pump and then with each of them. You can see how they compare below:
Image courtesy Adriana in the Facebook group. Used with permission.
(Note: Idaho Jones makes a great case for wearable pumps as well as a special backpack that you can use to take your pump on the go. You can get 10% off with the code EPUMP.)
Do you need a special bra to pump with the Willow?
No, any stretchy nursing bra will work.
Willow recommends not using padded or underwire bras with the pump.
What’s the bottom line?
I think the Willow 3.0 is an awesome pump, and the ability to pump into a spill-proof bags (making it possible to move completely freely) is a great feature.
Hopefully this Willow breast pump review helps you make your decision. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments!
References- Willow. https://www.willowpump.com/
- Heathcare.gov. “Using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).” https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/flexible-spending-accounts/
- HSA Center. “What is an HSA?” https://www.hsacenter.com/what-is-an-hsa/
- Interview with Sharon T., Willow Pump user, conducted 5/1/18.
I always hear or read that the willow sizing needs to be almost exact, does that mean if I measure 17mm I need to use a 17mm insert? Or an 18 or 19mm insert? I’ve recently purchased one and I feel like the 21 is too large but the 19 is snug. And everyone says willow sizing is different and I don’t get it, pls help
In the past when using my traditional pumps (Medela, Spectra S1 and Gold) I empty the bottles and refrigerate the pump parts so I don’t have to clean them every time when I’m at work (IF I have time, and it’s rare, I’ll use a Medela wipe rather than carry 3-4 sets of parts with me). I don’t have the luxury of time. Would that work for the reusable containers? This technology boggles my mind, I don’t want to mess it up when I get it, lol!
Has anyone with elastic nipples had the willow work for them. I bought the Elvie s but with the Elastic nipples my nipple expanded
Blocking the suction and collection holes and therefore the Elvie did not work for me. Anyone have similar issues with the Willow pump ?
Hi Kara – have you tried Beaugen cushions with either pump?
Hey Amanda! I did notice a few things in this review that aren’t quite correct.
First is that Willow sizing is different than traditional flange sizing, and most women will need inserts to use it effectively. Sizing is SUPER important with Willow- it is the most important factor to success and comfort while using the Willow pump. They do not have to fit into a 21/24/27 flange- Willow can be used for any nipple size under 27 with Maymom or freemie inserts. Willow size is 0-1mm within your nipple size for most women, and 1-3 for women with flat nipples (usually 1-2 is the sweet spot.) It should be as exact as possible, because Willow uses a different type of suction that more closely mimics baby. I have more info on this if you want to reach out 🙂
The other is that the Willow app can’t control the pumps at all, it’s just a tracking and visual aid app. Currently all of the controls for the pump are on the pump itself, it actually does not need to be used with the app at all if one prefers not to. This is one area where Willow is set apart from Elvie.
Hi Emily! Thank you SO MUCH for this helpful comment! I updated the review to reflect your insights and I really appreciate it. Will reach out for more info on flange sizing. Thanks again!
Emily thanks for the info. Using the app and ruler willow offers the guide tells me to buy a 24 inch with willow. But I am using a spectra for my third baby and a 24 is def too small. My nipple won’t move in it. But to be honest the 28 I use is to big. Is the willow different enough I should trust the ruler. I’m just nervous about the 24inch from experience with spectra but also understand that may mot be relevant
Hi KC! So you were able to use the reusable containers using the inserts? Or can you please explain the set up? Thanks!
Hi!! Are there any parts of the willow that need to be regularly replaced, like the membranes on the medela o duck valves on the spectra?
I didn’t understand the Flange size issue, I understand there’s not many options on sizes, but to they run small? Am I understanding this correctly?
I just ordered one and read this and I’m somewhat nervous… it’s a huge investment, but I think it will be key for me to continue the exclusive pumper for longer.
Hi Anamari! That’s a good question. So the two pieces that might need to be replaced are the flange and the flextube. I would imagine that the flange would probably be okay for most of your pumping “career,” most pumps recommend replacing every 6 months or so. The flextube I’m not sure about. It’s possible that that might need to be replaced more often, but Willow does not mention this on its website. I will try reaching out to them.
The flange size issue is just that some women need a 19mm or 30mm+ size. If you fit one of the options, you should be all good!
Let me know how you like it!!!
Awesome, thank you for your reply. Actually I later found on their store that each items says when they should be replaced. I will let you know how it goes with the flange sizing and the freemie adapter.
I have a willow and I exclusively pump. I love it! As stated in the article, I have a main pump and use my Willow as a back up and on-the-go pump. My work involves a lot of travel but the willow allows me to keep up my supply between appointments. It is easy to clean but the bags are proprietary and only hold 4 oz. I have also noticed that even though my flange sizes are the same for both pumps, my “lazy boob” on the willow is my biggest producer with my other pump. So strange!!
Unfortunately, I don’t think it will work to go up a size as far as I understand. Maybe someone else might know more than I do??
Thanks for this, I’ve been waiting for an article on the Willow!
Also, regarding flange size- the Freemie Fitmie inserts fit perfectly into the willow and will make it fit as small as 15mm!
https://freemie.com/products/fitmie-inserts-for-freemie-funnels
That is awesome to hear – thank you for that info!
Will this hack work to go up a size? I currently use a 28mm on the spectra and have been scared to invest in the Willow.
You know this from experience or is this what you’ve heard? I’m a 21mm and would hate to buy it and it not work.
Did you actually try this personally and was it successful??? Or was this just a hypothetical suggestion?
Hey have you actually tried this? I want to buy the willow but I’m a 17mm. What size fitmie did you put in which size flange?
Just a question- I saw this on a YouTube video (that the freemie fit me inserts allow the Willow to fit more sizes like 15mm, 17mm, 19mm, etc) but does this insert work with the milk container (which would make you a 21mm)? The fact that the bags for Willow are 0.50$ are a big deal breaker for me, and also I used a 17mm/19mm last baby with Spectra, so assume I would need that size again. Once I saw that the freemie fit me inserts helped bring the flange size for Willow down to my size, I was super happy! But would only take the $500 plunge if I knew I could use BOTH the freemie fit me inserts AND the reusable milk container.
Anyone know/can confirm?
Thanks! BT
So for those of you asking- I actually tried this and IT WORKS! (at least it works for me!). I purchased the pump funnels/ inserts pretty cheap on amazon for like $12 (‘Maymom Flange Inserts for Freemie Flanges’- and they have nearly size imaginable) in my size 21, since the Willow sizing doesn’t go that low for pumping into bags (just the reusable containers). This hack has definitely been helpful to me as I have a love/hate relationship with my Willow pump….definitely more hate than love. I find the pump to be really unreliable, inconsistent and I always have to have a backup pump around because the reusable container especially only work like 1/8 times I try to use it…which is, as you can imagine – so frustrating (yes, I’ve spoken with Willow customer service like 20 times). I’m super excited about this hack because I never seem to have a problem pumping into the bags, just into the reusable containers- the pump doesn’t seem to be very compatible with them and always tells me there is an error. Hope this helps someone!