Learn more about the mom-first support team that makes Willow different from the rest. 

If you’ve been there, you know that breastfeeding and pumping can bring up allll the emotions. It can be exhausting, exhilarating, frustrating, fulfilling, and so many things in between. That’s why we’ve always been on a mission to go beyond pumps and products and provide moms with the support they need to feed — and our “Mom Coaches'' do just that. 

Part of our customer care team, they focus on providing moms with personalized guidance no matter where they are on their journey with Willow. They’re experts in all things assembly, alignment, sizing, and more, and many are also trained to provide lactation support. 

Read on to meet two of our coaches and learn more about what they do, why they do it, and why you should take advantage of their support if you’re pumping with Willow 360 or Willow Go. 

Spotlight on: Cat Brogan 

A toddler mom, New Yorker, and former fashion designer who pumped with both Willow 360 and Willow Go, Cat loves helping moms feel like they have someone to lean on.

Describe your role as a Willow Mom Coach.  

I meet with moms via Zoom to support them wherever they are in their feeding journeys. Each session is different — sometimes it’s a quick fix like adjusting sizing for the Willow pump that she has, and other times it’s more complex troubleshooting to help mom get back on track. 

Some calls are happy and exciting, and some are more emotional. If you’ve ever pumped or breastfed you know what I’m talking about! 

It’s easy to assume that mom knows how to breastfeed and pump, or that she has friends, family or lactation support to rely on. But that is not always the case. Feeding is so personal and emotional. In the first few weeks moms are running on fumes, covered in spit up, changing diaper after diaper, and feeding what feels like every 20 minutes. Having been through it, the fact that I can now be the person that someone reaches out to if anything comes up is really important to me.

You’re also a Certified Lactation Counselor. How does that come to life in your day-to-day work? 

It comes up in most of my calls! Recently I met with a mom who didn’t know what a let down was or how her milk supply “worked.” I could relate since I was one of those pregnant moms who did zero research and thought “I’ll be fine, I’ll figure it out as I go.”  

We connected and I explained the rules of supply and demand. We talked about what a let down is, what it might feel like, and why she was seeing her output shift throughout the day. Being a CLC has helped me support more moms.

What’s the one thing you always urge moms to do? 

Stay consistent. Once you have the right-size flange, you’ve aligned your pump properly, and you have the right bra fit, the best thing you can do is to use your Willow pump as often as you can. It’s a misconception that your body will get up to speed immediately — it has to get the hang of a pump in the same way that it has to learn how to adjust to a baby’s latch when they’re nursing.

I always recommend that moms use their WIllow pump at least once a day to ensure that their body maintains the memory for Willow’s suction. 

What’s something you wish all moms knew about pumping with Willow? 

I have two things! 

1. Hang onto your sizing guide. Your nipples will likely shrink throughout your feeding journey so it’s important to size often! 
2. Your let down reflex is a trained response. It may take some time for your body to adjust to Willow. Stay consistent and output will follow! 

Spotlight on: Melissa Schmeisser

A toddler mom, Chicagoan, and yoga and pilates teacher who pumped with Willow Go, Melissa loves helping moms reach and exceed their pumping goals.

Describe your role as a Willow Mom Coach.  

I meet with moms to help with flange sizing, bra fit, alignment, assembly, and any other questions that come up when using their Willow pumps. Our team ensures all moms are set up for success no matter where they are in their feeding journey, whether they’ve just opened the Willow box or have been pumping for months.  

I always urge moms to take a step back when they are frustrated and admire all they have accomplished so far! Your body just created this sweet miracle baby, and you are now adjusting to a new role of motherhood, along with managing another 'full time job' of feeding your baby, whether that is breastfeeding, pumping, or both! The yoga/pilates teacher in me can't help but pause to take a mindful breath with moms I meet with, focusing on all the positives in their lives, even through periods of struggle or frustration. 

What's the most common question that pumping moms come to you with?

The most common question I get is about how and when to size your nipples. Most moms don't realize that you want to measure just your nipple width (not the wider areola) and that you may need to size often throughout your pumping journey. Your nipples tend to shrink as you get further along in postpartum, so you may have a sudden dip in output or new discomfort overnight even after using the Willow for a while, which indicates you need to resize!

What’s your favorite part about this job?

My favorite part of this job is being there for moms during one of the most transitional periods in their lives. I felt fortunate to have a large support group of mom friends and family members to lean on during my breastfeeding and pumping journey, but I know not all moms have that type of support. Knowing that I can help moms reach (and exceed) their feeding goals, as well as be there for questions or just a little extra motivation/encouragement along the way, means the world to me. 

What's something you wish all moms knew about pumping with Willow?

I wish all moms knew that pumping with a wearable is different from pumping with a traditional pump (or just breastfeeding)! I know that when I went through my feeding journey, I just expected that all pumps would work the same and did not even think twice about adjusting my body to a wearable pump. Being patient with yourself, especially when you are introducing something new to your body, is vital to your success. 

I want all moms to give themselves grace and time, which I know is easier said than done, and give their bodies time to adjust to a new pump or new insert size.

Ready to set yourself up for pumping success? 

Our Mom Coaches are ready and waiting to answer your questions and support you on your journey. 

If you’re a Willow pumper, book a virtual appointment with a Mom Coach here.