Get ready to take notes! Here’s what’s actually important when buying a wearable breast pump.
If you’ve started your search for a wearable pump, you’ve probably noticed that the options are seemingly endless. What’s more: companies use a lot of the same language to describe their technology and features, and many pumps even look similar (or exactly the same), making the decision-making process even more complicated.
So we put together this checklist to help you wade through the options, break through the noise, and understand what’s actually important when deciding on a hands-free pump.
The Wearable Pump Checklist
- Fully in-bra design
- Leak-free mobility
- Hospital-strength suction
- App connectivity and control
- Flexible capacity and storage options
- FDA clearance, testing, and trials
- Flange designed to prioritize comfort and output
No 1: Fully in-bra design
The words "wearable" and "hands free" are used to describe a lot of pumps, but what you really want to look for is a pump that's fully in-bra. That means the entire pump sits inside your bra — no handheld motor or clunky cords that need to be clipped to your pants. What’s the point of a wearable pump if you still have to hold onto something or deal with dangling tubes?
You should also look for a pump with a shape that mimics the breast. Not only will this make it more discreet, it will make it more comfortable too. A motor that sits on top of a pump is going to be top heavy!
At Willow, our pumps fit completely in-bra thanks to a circular, donut-shaped motor that sits inside the pump and distributes weight evenly — allowing for more comfortable suction and better output in turn. (Why? Optimal suction means that your nipples aren’t rubbing or unnaturally compressed. This compression can negatively impact milk ducts, leading to less complete emptying of your breasts!)
No. 2: Leak-free mobility
You want to be able to pump and move around without leaking. This is why range of mobility is so important when choosing a pump. A number of pumps will claim to be leak-proof, but you'll want to dig deeper and look for a range of mobility that's at least 45 degrees. This means you can bend over a decent amount without worrying about leaks.
Certain pumps offer an even wider range of mobility, making it possible to lean over completely and do things like empty the dishwasher without losing any milk. If this is important to you, look for a pump that's leak proof up to 180 degrees.
The Willow 360 is the only wearable pump that’s 100% leak-proof in any position when worn with our Spill-Proof Milk Bags, giving you 360° mobility. That means you can lay down, bend over, run around, and even do a cartwheel or handstand (hey, you never know!) while pumping without worrying about spilling a drop. (If you pump into our reusable containers, your Willow 360 will still offering 180° mobility — more than most other wearables!)
No. 3: Hospital-strength suction
Pumps that are built with hospital-strength suction are going to do a better job of fully emptying your breasts, and you’ll definitely want to avoid choosing a pump without it.
Beyond the type of suction, you also want to pick a pump with multiple levels of suction so that you can increase and decrease suction strength as needed. Some pumps even give you the ability to customize your suction per breast — this is important since no two breasts are the same, even if they're yours.
At Willow, both of our pumps are built with multiple levels of hospital-grade suction that can be customized on each side — your breasts aren’t the same, and one might naturally produce more milk than the other! The only difference? The Willow Go is built with a tug-and-release latch (this is what you’re familiar with if you’ve used a traditional pump), while the Willow 360 is built with a continuous latch that never releases the breast to enable leak-proof pumping.
No. 4: Flexible capacity and milk storage options
Milk production can vary mom to mom and session to session. So it can be helpful to look for a pump that's compatible with multiple sized containers. There's no reason to buy a pump that only works with an 8 oz container if you're only going to pump 3 or 4 oz a session — it'll just make it bigger and bulkier than you need!
Look for a pump that's compatible with a smaller sized container, between 4-5 ounces, as well as a larger container, between 6-8 ounces. This way, you can use one or both depending on your needs. (The smaller the container, the lower the pump’s profile will likely be; a larger container can be useful for high output sessions like your first morning pump!)
Additionally, many pumps give you the option to pump a few different ways. Some are compatible with containers as well as bottles (a great option if you’re going to feed baby right away), while others are compatible with containers as well as milk bags that are ready to store in the fridge or freezer.
The Willow Go is compatible with 5 oz and 7 oz reusable containers, giving you options for capacity. The Willow 360 is compatible with 4 oz reusable containers or our Spill-Proof Milk Bags, which are self-sealing and ready to store when removed from your pump.
No. 5: App connectivity and control
A pump that's app-connected and controlled provides unparalleled flexibility and freedom. You’ll want to avoid that only offer app connectivity — this likely means that the app will only store your pumping history. App controlled, on the other hand, means you can use the app to start and stop your pump, adjust suction intensity, input and edit your milk output, and more.
Some pumping apps include feeding and parenting content as well, providing moms with expert-backed guidance in an easily digestible format.
At Willow, both of our pumps are app-connected and controlled, giving moms the ability to start and pause their session, adjust suction, switch from stimulation to expression, and track their output with a tap. (Willow 360 even sends real-time milk volume tracking to the Willow app thanks to built-in smart sensors.) Our content library includes hundreds of articles and videos as well as the opportunity to book sessions with lactation consultants, postpartum doulas, pelvic floor therapists, mental health professionals, and other specialists.
No. 6: FDA clearance, testing, and trials
FDA clearance means that a medical device has gone through a rigorous review process to ensure safety and effectiveness. Pumps with FDA clearance are less likely to damage your breasts and nipples, and more likely to function without falling apart after just a few sessions.
If you've started your search for a pump, you've likely seen that a lot of cheap knockoffs (aka “dupes”) exist online. These are pumps that have been designed to look like those from more reputable brands — sometimes, the only difference in appearance is the logo (or a lack of branding entirely). These pumps usually lack a dedicated website and have no customer care team. Most importantly, they are not FDA cleared.
You’ll also want to look for pumps that have gone through clinical testing. “Clinically tested” means that a pump has been tested by real moms under the guidance of an institutional review board and principal investigator. These trials ensure that pumps deliver on features and benefits that are promised in their marketing.
At Willow, our pumps are FDA cleared and have been clinically tested by thousands of real pumping moms. Our test findings are shared through annual pump usage surveys, showing prospective pumpers what they can expect when they choose WIllow.
No. 7: Flange designed to prioritize comfort and output
Pumping should never hurt. This is why it’s so important that you choose a pump with a flange that’s designed to be gentle on your nipples and breasts.
A flange that’s optimized for safety will have a longer tunnel to prevent nipple abrasion, and inclusive sizing to comfortably fit all nipple types, including elastic nipples. (These are nipples that tend to stretch a great deal when pumping, and are at risk of hitting the end of your flange tunnel.)
At Willow, our flange is designed with a longer tunnel as well as a curved edge to prevent any pinching and pulling of your breast tissue. Additionally, it has a wider cone shape (105°) to provide more breast coverage, resulting in more comfortable suction.
The bottom line: do your research!
One of the best things you can do when you’re getting ready to embark on a feeding and pumping journey is research. Helping moms make empowered choices based on facts — not myths or misconceptions — is what we’re all about.
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