We Tested The Newest Wearable Breast Pump On the Market
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Pumping can be difficult, time-consuming and emotionally and physically daunting, so anything that helps make the process easier is good in our book. For new breastfeeding parents, finding the best breast pump to maximize your output and minimize the amount of time you spend pumping is a top priority to help make your transition into parenthood as seamless as possible. The solution might be a hands-free, wireless pump like the Willow Go — the latest in the line of Willow hands-free pumps, following the Gen 3 and its predecessors.
We worked with new mom Stefani Sassos, a registered dietitian and the Deputy Director of the Nutrition Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, to test the Willow Go first-hand, and give us the insider scoop on using a hands-free pump. Sassos has also other hands-free pumps like the Elvie Double Electric to compare their effectiveness.
What's a hands-free pump and how does it work?
A hands-free pump is great for the multitasking mom who is looking to pump without the hassle of being stuck in one spot for the entirety of the process. Some hands-free pumps aren't wireless since they can be attached to battery packs, but the Willow Go is completely cord-free. Unlike manual handle pumps or most electric pumps that require some type of hands-on assistance to express milk, hands-free pumps attach to your breast and use suction to both stay put and express milk. Some, like the Willow, can be inserted into a regular bra, but many electric or battery-powered pumps can be used as hands-free options if you purchase the right pumping bra.
Unlike other hands-free pumps, wearable pumps like the Willow Go and the Gen 3 tend to be smaller and more unobtrusive, so they're great for those on the go or anyone who feels more comfortable with a more understated pumping experience. They're also great for at-home moms who don't want to deal with extra tubing getting in the way while they're walking around, cooking, cleaning up after their little one or even grabbing a quick workout.
Is the Willow covered by insurance?
Yes, both the Willow Go and the Willow Gen 3 are eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursements. Before adding to cart, check out the insurance eligibility so you are sure how it works for your specific plan.
What real moms love about the Willow Go
One of the biggest selling points for the Willow Go is its versatile offering of nine levels of suction — more than most other wearables. Sassos says that it's easy to pick the perfect level for you based on your comfort and output since there are so many options. "Level nine (suction) is very high power for a cordless pump," she says. When it comes to how the pump looks, the fully clear front panel is more than just aesthetic. "I love the design of the pump because you can easily take a look and see how much milk you've accumulated. It's also great to see the milk coming out in real-time from the spout so you know it's working." Its user-friendly design places the buttons on the top of the pump so they're easy to access.
For those new to breastfeeding, the Go's nipple sizing guide can be helpful in picking the right flange size. Not only does it help you choose what size works best for you, but it comes with instructions on how to properly align your nipple in the pump. Sassos said that after reading through the instructions she never had to reposition the pump, and the milk came out easily. Once finished pumping, it was easy to pour the milk out from the spout at the top and clean the unit. Most parts — except for the electronic pump — are dishwasher-safe on the top rack. the unit charges wirelessly and alerts you in the app when it's fully charged.
What to consider before purchasing
While the Go can be a great option for someone who is looking to accomplish some minor tasks while pumping, it has a few drawbacks. One, in particular, is the noise. Most wearable pumps are known for their discreet design, however, the Go can be loud on the higher pumping setting — not great for pumping inconspicuously. "The first few levels are quiet, but once you get to the higher levels like six, it is really loud and was a bit of a shock at first," Sassos says.
The app also doesn't have quite as many features as some of the competition. It essentially just tells you how long you've been pumping and the suction level you're using, but it doesn't offer much more information than that.
We also found the battery life to be just so-so. Expect to get two to two-and-a-half sessions per charge if you're pumping 20-30 minutes per session. And don't forget to pour out the milk immediately after use; if you try to disassemble or stand the pump up while it's full, some milk may start to spill out through the spout back to the nipple opening.
What's the difference between the Willow Go and the Gen 3?
Both the Willow Go and Gen 3 are cordless, fit discreetly into your bra and use an app to control the pump. The Gen 3 is better for the mom on the move since it boasts 360° mobility, according to the brand. The Go doesn't have quite the same level of flexibility. When testing the Go, Sassos noted that she could easily walk around while pumping, but even though the pump felt very secure, she couldn't bend over too much.
The Willow Go can store up to 7 ounces of milk when using the larger reusable containers (purchased separately; the Go only comes with two 5-ounce reusable containers), while the Gen 3 only stores 4 ounces of milk per pump, and reusable containers are sold separately. The pump itself is sold with only two recyclable one-time-use milk bags. Both are dishwasher safe so you can easily clean up after each use, but the Go has five parts to wash to the Gen 3's two. The Go is also more affordable at $329.99 compared to the Gen 3's $499.99.
How do other wearable pumps stack up against the Willow Go?
If you're sold on the idea of a wearable pump, Willow is not your only option. The Momcozy Double Wearable is more budget-friendly, and the Freemie Liberty II Deluxe uses an external motor and display to show your pumping information and keep from cluttering your phone up with additional apps.
Sassos personally tested the Elvie Double Electric Pump as well, which she noticed was quieter than the Go, but didn't have a fully clear front, so she wasn't easily able to see how much milk was being expressed in real-time without connecting to the Elvie app. Unlike the Go, the Elvie app includes a sensor that alerts the wearer to how much milk they've pumped to help monitor expression. It also lets users adjust the intensity of the suction from their phone.
The bottom line: Is the Willow Go worth it?
Yes, if you're looking for something that's easy to cart around and incredibly convenient, the Willow Go is worth it, even though it's pricey. There are so many things you need to manage with a new baby, and the ease of having a cordless, wearable pump with few parts to clean can make it an excellent addition to your parenting supplies. "It's worth it alone for those moments when you have to get up to answer the door or grab the baby while pumping," Sassos says. Plus, it's insurance eligible and gives you the freedom to multitask and move around while pumping.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on everything a new parent needs, including hands-free breast pumps like the Willow Go. In her role as Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain brings years of journalism experience to the Institute, having reviewed products for Good Housekeeping, as well as BuzzFeed, while also previously working in the parenting and pets sphere at People.
Jamie worked closely with lead tester Stefani Sassos, the Deputy Director of the Nutrition Lab, to conduct the research for this article. Sassos uses her knowledge as a registered dietitian and nutrition expert to test and evaluate content on healthy living. Plus, as a new mom, she personally tested the Willow Go and a few of its competitors to give a thorough review of the product.
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