To Pump or Not To Pump: Are Wearable Breast Pumps Worth It For Moms?

Find out everything you need to know about in-bra pumps.

Many moms struggle with keeping a pumping schedule that fits around their other responsibilities. Yet, they make it happen, whether that means sacrificing a task, losing some sleep or pumping in the work bathroom.

Mama, it doesn’t have to be this way. Pumping can and should be a rewarding and comfortable experience. A wearable breast pump gives you the freedom you need to lead a full life while still providing for your baby. It’s a win-win!

What Are the Benefits of a Willow Wearable Breast Pump?

Willow wearable breast pumps give you the freedom to pump how, when and where you need to. Plus, they offer so many great benefits, including:

  • Hands-free pumping: Need to take a phone call or rock your baby? The hands-free design of wearable breast pumps allows you to do so. Just insert the pump into your bra and do your thing.

  • Easy cleaning: The CDC recommends you wash your pumps after every session, which won’t be a problem for Willow! There are no long and tiny cords or tubes to clean with a Willow portable breast pump. The components are easy to disassemble and wash by hand or in the dishwasher (top rack only please!).

  • Portability: Willow wearable pumps are small and compact, perfect for sliding into your work bag or diaper bag. Everything you need to pump and collect is housed inside the pump—no additional cords, tubes or flanges are required. Plus, Willow is rechargeable and doesn't require a power source. It can be used anywhere.

  • Increased milk output: The generation 3 Willow, our newest pump, yields 20% more milk for moms.* How? Willow creates a continuous suction similar to a baby’s latch, increasing output. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding infants for a minimum of one year, a goal that only 35% of babies in the US reach. According to that research, “A barrier to breastfeeding for many mothers is the difficulty in pumping milk, a practice commonly cited as inefficient, time-consuming and both physically and socially uncomfortable.”

  • Output from both breasts: Willow pumps allow you to pump from both breasts at the same time, anywhere. In your baby’s first year of life, it can be hard to get them enough sustenance to keep them happy. As your baby grows and uses other foods, it’s common for moms in the US to move from feeding with both breasts to feeding with only one. One study from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that feeding from both breasts per feeding decreased 15% over the infant's first year (from 69% to 59%).

  • Comfortable pumping: Fitting right inside your bra, Willow pumps are comfortable and lightweight. You can also choose from three different flange sizes to find the best fit for you. A study published in the Journal of Human Lactation reports that “about 62% and 15% of mothers reported pump-related problems and injuries, respectively.” That’s a lot of mama pain that Willow can help with.

  • Different suction modes to fit your needs: Willow features adjustable suction to maximize your comfort and output. Plus, our generation 3 Willow app can give you personalized recommendations on which settings are best for you.

  • Milk storage options: With Willow, you have the option to pump into a reusable milk container for pump and pour capabilities or into our self-sealing milk bags for storage. Our milk bags are completely spill-proof, protecting every last drop.

  • Quiet operation: Willow is the only quiet wearable breast pump on the market. Its size and quiet operation make it completely discreet no matter where you need to pump.

What to Consider When Buying a Breast Pump

Is a wearable breast pump the right choice for you? Many pumping options exist. During your search for the perfect pump for you and your baby, there are some things you must consider.

Frequency of Use

Will you be pumping while breastfeeding your baby? For example, you may choose to breastfeed while with your baby and pump while on-the-go or when you work. Or, will you choose to pump exclusively?

You’ll need to decide how frequently you’ll be using your pump. You may only use a pump a couple of times a week while away or you may use your pump several times a day.

If you choose to pump exclusively, simply want to increase your milk supply or need to store milk for later use, a Willow double breast pump is a great choice. It’s strong enough to outlast daily use while still being portable enough to take on-the-go.

Price

Breast pumps are an investment and Willow is no exception. Yet, breast pumps are powerful, enabling you to provide for your baby regardless of your lifestyle or needs.

With Willow, you get two breast pumps, portable pumping capabilities and spill-proof operation. These features help you maximize your milk production from anywhere.

Willow offers various payment options as well. For example, the Willow pump may be covered under your insurance plan which means you may qualify for reimbursement. We also offer Affirm, which allows you to spread the cost of your pump out over 3-12 months.

Tip: Worried about the cost of a wearable breast pump? Try placing your pump on your baby registry! If you’re using Babylist, you can add Willow right to your list by selecting “Add to Babylist” from the Willow pump product page.

Willow 360™ Wearable Breast Pump

Willow 360™ Wearable Breast Pump

Willow 360 is designed with a zero-gravity latch to give you 360° of leak-proof mobility. It's the hands-free breast pump that changed the game.

Single vs Double Pump

While single pumps can be helpful when pumping milk occasionally, double breast pumps are more suited to regular pumping. Double pumps can help you increase your supply by expressing both breasts at the same time.

Willow comes with everything you need to get started, including two Willow pumps for both breasts. Each pump fits comfortably inside of your bra, together, complete with quiet operation.

Mobility

As a busy mom, you’re constantly getting stuff done. And whether you need to check an item off your to-do list or grab some coffee with friends, your breast pump should follow. Mobility is critical in choosing your new pump.

If you live an active lifestyle, a wearable breast pump is the best choice. Willow fits inside your bra and is completely hands-free. Its size makes it easy to transport in your bag. Plus, it’s spill-proof in any position. Go ahead and do that yoga.

Tip: For the best results using Willow, we recommend using a full-coverage nursing bra to ensure the pump stays close to your breast during each pumping session.

Cleaning

We know you’re already busy enough without having to clean annoying tubes and tiny pump parts. That’s why a pump that’s easy to clean should be at the top of your list. Willow’s few parts, including the flange, FlexTube™ and container can be placed in your dishwasher’s top rack for easy and quick cleaning.

Strength and Suction of Pump

Faulty pump suction can result in drips and leaks that add up over time. The breast pump you choose should have strong suction to ensure every drop of milk is saved for your baby.

Willow pumps feature personalized suction to fit your preferences and needs. Plus, our Flip to Finish technique ensures you avoid losing any milk, even the drops that get trapped in your pump.

Noise Level

Whether you need to pump at work or rock your baby to sleep, noise level matters. Many pumps on the market offer strong pumping power, but not without strong sucking sounds.

Willow is the only quiet wearable breast pump available. Our mommas say they’re perfect for taking a phone call or relaxing on the couch for movie night.

Customer Service

Breastfeeding and pumping is a journey and it’s often isolating for new mommas. Problems may arise with your milk supply or you may struggle with working your pump. To ensure you have the best experience possible, you need to purchase your pump from a company that’s there to offer support.

Willow offers a complete product Help Center to support you with troubleshooting your pump. We don’t stop there. We also offer lactation consultants to our customers struggling with milk supply loss or changes in milk production. Have questions? All you have to do is call.

Why Willow is Worth It

Find your perfect pump.

Find your perfect pump.

Flexibility. Convenience. Control. No matter which pump you pick.

If you want to express 20% more milk* and be able to pump from wherever your busy life takes you, Willow is more than worth it. Willow offers discreet pumping as the only quiet wearable pump on the market. Plus, it’s hands-free and compact for complete mobility.

Every drop of milk counts. That’s why Willow features our proprietary Flip to Finish technique, which ensures all the milk you express is available for your baby. And if you have trouble with production or simply need encouragement, our lactation consultants are here to help.

The Willow pumps have absolutely changed my relationship with breastfeeding. When I started working after maternity leave, pumping and breastfeeding my son seemed like an impossible thing...And then my Willows showed up at my door step! Goodbye to pauses in my work day...I’m never looking back! The Willow pumps have absolutely changed my relationship with breastfeeding. When I started working after maternity leave, pumping and breastfeeding my son seemed like an impossible thing...And then my Willows showed up at my door step! Goodbye to pauses in my work day...I’m never looking back!

Willow: Build Your Life Around Your Purpose, Not Your Pumping Schedule

Willow empowers you to build your life around your passion and purpose instead of a complicated pumping schedule. Want to know more about how Willow can help improve your pumping journey? Reach out to our team.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of medical professionals. It should not be used to diagnose or treat medical conditions or problems. Please contact your healthcare provider with questions or concerns.
Which pump is right for you?
Which pump is right for you?

Which pump is right for you?

Which pump is right for you?

Which pump is right for you?

Which pump is right for you?

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