Willow Pump Review: Revolutionizing the Breast Pumping Experience
As a lifestyle blogger always on the lookout for innovative products that can make moms’ lives easier, I was thrilled to dive deep into the world of Willow Pump. This brand has quickly become a game-changer in the breast pump market, offering a truly hands-free and mobile pumping experience. After thoroughly researching and testing their offerings, I’m excited to share my comprehensive review of Willow Pump and their product line.
The Willow Pump Philosophy
Willow was founded with a mission to give women more freedom and flexibility while pumping. Their focus on innovation, mobility, and discretion has helped them carve out a significant niche in the breast pump market, challenging traditional pumping methods and offering a truly revolutionary product.
| Feature | Willow Go | Willow 360 |
| Price | $329.99 | $499.99 |
| Leak-Proof Angle | 45° | 360° |
| Suction Levels | 9 | 7 |
| Milk Collection | Reusable containers (7oz) | Spill-proof bags (4oz) or reusable containers |
| Mobility | In-bra, cordless | In-bra, cordless, any position |
| Noise Level | Ultra-quiet | Ultra-quiet |
| Battery Life | ~5 pumping sessions | ~5 pumping sessions |
| Smart Features | App connectivity, tracking | App connectivity, tracking, auto-adjusting suction |
| Flange Sizes | 21mm, 24mm, 27mm | 21mm, 24mm, 27mm |
| Parts to Clean | 2 main parts | 2 main parts |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 13.9 oz (per pump) | 12.5 oz (per pump) |
| Pump Material | BPA-free plastic | BPA-free plastic |
| Hospital Grade | Yes | Yes |
| Insurance Eligible | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Budget-conscious, occasional pumpers | Full mobility, frequent pumpers |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Product Range
Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump
The Willow Go is the brand’s more affordable option, designed to provide the core benefits of a wearable pump at a lower price point.
Key Features
- Fits inside your bra
- No external tubes or cords
- App-connected for easy tracking
- Hospital-grade suction with 9 levels
- Reusable containers with 7oz capacity
Pros:
- More affordable than the Willow 360
- Quiet operation
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
- Comfortable to wear
Cons:
- Less mobility than the Willow 360 (45° leak-proof vs 360°)
- Slightly larger profile than the Willow 360
Willow 360 Wearable Breast Pump
The Willow 360 is the brand’s flagship product, offering complete mobility and 360° leak-proof technology.
Key Features
- 100% leak-proof in any position
- No external tubes, cords, or dangling bottles
- Compatible with Willow’s spill-proof milk bags
- App-controlled from phone or smart watch
- Hospital-grade suction with 7 levels
Pros:
- Complete mobility – pump in any position
- Extremely discreet
- Spill-proof milk bags for easy storage
- Smart features like automatic suction adjustment
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Milk bags are proprietary and add to ongoing costs
- Steeper learning curve than traditional pumps
Accessories
Willow offers a range of accessories to complement their pumps:
Milk Storage Solutions
- Spill-proof milk bags (for Willow 360)
- Reusable milk containers (for Willow Go)
Pump Care and Cleaning
- Dapple Bottle & Dish Soap
- Pump cleaning kit
Carrying and Storage
- Pump Anywhere Bag
- Pump Anywhere Case
Quality and Innovation
One of the standout aspects of Willow Pump products is their commitment to quality and innovation. Both the Willow Go and Willow 360 are made with high-quality, BPA-free materials and are designed to provide hospital-grade suction.
Technology
Willow’s pumps incorporate smart technology that sets them apart from traditional pumps:
- Bluetooth connectivity to smartphone app
- Real-time milk production tracking
- Automatic suction adjustment based on your body’s responses (Willow 360)
Design
The design of Willow pumps is truly revolutionary. By eliminating external tubes and cords, they’ve created a pump that can be worn discreetly under clothing, allowing moms to pump anytime, anywhere.
User Experience
Comfort and Fit
In my experience, both Willow pumps are surprisingly comfortable to wear. The in-bra design distributes the weight evenly, and the soft silicone flanges are gentle on sensitive skin. However, it’s crucial to get the right fit, which may take some trial and error.
Ease of Use
While there is definitely a learning curve, especially with the Willow 360, once you get the hang of it, these pumps are incredibly easy to use. The app connectivity makes it simple to control settings and track your pumping sessions.
Noise Level
One of the most impressive aspects of Willow pumps is how quiet they are. This makes them ideal for discreet pumping in public or during video calls.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both pumps have relatively few parts to clean, and most are dishwasher safe. This is a significant advantage over traditional pumps with multiple tubes and small parts.
Performance
Suction and Milk Output
Both the Willow Go and Willow 360 offer hospital-grade suction, which for many moms translates to efficient pumping sessions. However, as with any pump, individual experiences may vary.
Battery Life
The rechargeable batteries in both models typically last for about 5 pumping sessions, which is sufficient for most users’ daily needs.
Price and Value
Willow pumps are premium products with price tags to match. However, for many moms, the freedom and flexibility they offer justify the cost.
Pros:
- Time-saving due to ability to multitask while pumping
- Potential for increased pumping frequency due to convenience
- May help extend breastfeeding journey for some moms
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost than traditional pumps
- Ongoing costs for proprietary milk bags (Willow 360)
Environmental Considerations
While the Willow 360’s disposable milk bags do create waste, the Willow Go’s reusable containers offer a more eco-friendly option. The durability of the pumps themselves also contributes to their sustainability.
Customer Service and Support
Willow offers comprehensive customer support, including:
- Video tutorials
- Live chat support
- Phone consultations with lactation consultants
This level of support is crucial given the learning curve associated with these innovative pumps.
Who Is It Best For?
Willow pumps are ideal for:
- Working moms who need to pump discreetly
- Moms who want to multitask while pumping
- Those who travel frequently
- Moms looking for a more flexible pumping solution
They may not be the best fit for:
- Moms on a tight budget
- Those who prefer simplicity over technology
- Exclusive pumpers who need to pump large volumes frequently
Conclusion
Willow Pump has truly revolutionized the breast pumping experience with their innovative, wearable pumps. While they come with a premium price tag and a learning curve, for many moms, the freedom and flexibility they offer are invaluable.
The Willow Go offers a more affordable entry point into wearable pump technology, while the Willow 360 provides the ultimate in mobility and discretion. Both pumps deliver on their promises of allowing moms to pump hands-free and cord-free, opening up new possibilities for when and where pumping can happen.
These pumps aren’t without their drawbacks – the cost, the learning curve, and for the Willow 360, the ongoing expense of proprietary milk bags. However, for moms who value mobility and discretion in their pumping experience, these potential downsides are often outweighed by the benefits.
What truly sets Willow apart is their commitment to continuous innovation and improvement. They’ve taken user feedback seriously, refining their products and expanding their line to meet different needs and budgets.
In the end, whether a Willow pump is right for you will depend on your individual needs, lifestyle, and budget. But there’s no denying that these pumps have changed the game in the world of breast pumping, offering a level of freedom that was previously unimaginable.
For moms looking to reclaim their time and pump on their own terms, Willow pumps offer a compelling solution. They’ve taken the often cumbersome and time-consuming task of pumping and transformed it into something that can be seamlessly integrated into daily life. And for many moms, that’s worth its weight in liquid gold.
