Smart Breast Pump vs. Traditional Pumps: Key Differences

Preparing for a new baby is always exciting, but it can be stressful and overwhelming, too. In particular, choosing the right breast pump can be a daunting task. There are so many options available, and it can be challenging to decide which one is the best for you and your baby's needs. Smart breast pumps have recently gained popularity, and many moms wonder if they're worth the investment.

Spoiler alert: They absolutely are!

Understanding the key differences can help you recognize why a smart breast pump, like Willow, will revolutionize the way you express your breast milk.

A smart breast pump is a type of breast pump that connects to your smartphone or other mobile device via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. These pumps allow you to track your pumping sessions, including the amount of milk you're producing, the duration of your pumping session, and other relevant data.

The Willow pump is one of the most popular smart breast pumps on the market. It's a hands-free, wearable pump that fits completely inside your bra, allowing you to pump on the go without being tethered to a wall outlet.

The Willow pump connects to your smartphone via an app that allows you to control the pump's suction level and track your pumping sessions.

From smartphones to AI assistants that help us with everyday tasks, technology has improved so many aspects of our lives. Why stop at breast pumps? Some of the main differences between the two types of breast pumps include:

The biggest difference between smart breast pumps and traditional breast pumps is mobility. With a traditional breast pump, you're tethered to a wall outlet, which can make pumping sessions feel like a chore. You have to find a private place to pump, set up your pump, and then sit still for the duration of your pumping session.

This can be difficult to impossible for busy moms with massive to-do lists to tackle, especially if they have other young kids to attend to. Anyone who has ever said “don’t cry over spilled milk” clearly never tried to multi-task with a traditional pump.

Smart breast pumps, on the other hand, are designed with mobility in mind. You can wear it discreetly under your clothes while running errands, working, tending to baby’s siblings, changing a diaper, cleaning up, or even taking a nap (hey, we can dream, right?)

The Willow 3.0 even provides complete 360 mobility, allowing you to pump in any position, leak-free!

Another key difference between smart breast pumps and traditional breast pumps is battery life.

Smart breast pumps have to be charged, which means you'll need to remember to plug them in when you're not using them. From our phones to our watches, most of us are already so accustomed to charging devices daily anyway, that it’s not really a big deal to add another device to the list. The trade-off is that you’ll get several hours of battery life, which is usually enough to get you through a full day of pumping.

Traditional breast pumps, on the other hand, are plugged directly into a power source. Some pumps offer the ability to unplug, but you'll still need to find a place to plug in when the battery runs out. This can be a headache, especially if you're not near a power source, or if you need to pump during a power outage.

Milk capacity will vary, depending on the specific pump and containers you’re using. If you’re using a traditional breast pump, the capacity will be based on the size of the containers or bottles you’re pumping into.

Smart breast pumps will be more limited because, after all, the containers do need to be small enough to fit in your bra for mobility purposes. With that being said, the highest-capacity smart breast pump on the market is the Willow pump, which offers a container that will hold seven ounces of milk per breast. This is substantial and many mamas find that this is more than enough.

Choosing the right breast pump is an important decision and there is certainly a lot to think about. Smart breast pumps offer a level of mobility and convenience that traditional breast pumps simply can't match.

The Willow pump is one of the most popular smart breast pumps on the market, and it's a great option for moms who want to take charge of their pumping time. With a smart breast pump, you can pump on the go, track your pumping sessions, and enjoy the freedom to do what you need to do while still providing your baby with the best nutrition possible.

If you're looking for the most simple way to pump, look no further than Willow, which offers the convenience and technology that can make your breastfeeding journey more comfortable and less stressful. Plus, the Willow pump offers a range of features that make it easy to use and customize to your needs.

One of the great things about the Willow pump is that it's hands-free and fits inside your bra. This means you can pump discreetly without having to stop what you're doing. Whether you're working, running errands, or just hanging out at home, the Willow pump allows you to multitask while pumping.

Another great feature of the Willow pump is its mobile app. The app connects to your pump via Bluetooth, allowing you to control the pump's suction level and track your pumping sessions. You can also set reminders to pump, monitor your milk supply, and access personalized coaching and support.

The Willow pump also has a high milk capacity, which means you can pump more milk in less time. With a container that can hold up to seven ounces of milk per breast, you'll spend less time pumping and more time enjoying the moments that matter most.

Shop our Willow 3.0 and Willow Go products today!