Article By Edna Skopljak – Medical Doctor (MD)
Motherhood is probably the most beautiful experience in the world. Yet, it can sometimes feel so scary, especially in those first months. Different thoughts cross your mind.
One of such challenges comes with baby feeding – and – choosing the right breast pump. Now, if a new mom has larger breasts, finding the appropriate breast pump can feel even more difficult.
However, there is a catch: large breasts – or small breasts, are generally not an issue. With breast pumps, the nipple size is what matters more!
Willow breast pumps are one of the most popular ones on the market, probably due to the fact that the Willow pump is a game changer, hands-free, wireless, wearable breast pump that you can practically hide in your nursing bra. It now offers Willow 3.0 (3rd generation) breast pumps, but, there is also a cheaper (but weaker) version, the Willow Go pump.
However, if you are gifted with larger boobs, there is another thing you will love about this breast pump – Willow pump offers you a lot of different-sized breast (nipple) shields that can fit – basically all sizes!
This article is not a substitute for medical advice or consultation.
Does Willow 3.0 Work For Large Breasts?
Willow breast pump should work for both – small breasts and very large breasts, with all the sizes in between. As mentioned above, nipple size is more important for the breast pump than the actual size of the breasts.
More important than breast size, is the size of your nipple. Depending on your nipples size, you choose the flange sizes and, if needed, an insert. For successful pumping, it is of great importance to find the right size of the flanges – even if you have large breasts. .
The best news for moms with large breasts is that Willow offers lots of flanges sizes: 27mm, 24mm, 21mm, and a few inserts for smaller nipples: 19, 17, 15, and 13mm. Big breasts should not be an issue at all!
There is one more accessory that will make using this wearable breast pump even more convenient: nursing bra that fits in the pump – which is perfect for a working mom. Don’t forget to check my list of the best nursing bras for moms with large breasts.
Does Willow Go Work For Large Breasts?
The same applies to the Willow Go hands free breast pump – all-size fit applies to all Willow pumps. Again, choose the corrent flange size between 27, 24 and 21mm. If you have smaller nipples, you may need the inserts: available in 13, 15, 17 and 19mm sizes. That’s it!
So you already know that both Willow pumps are suitable for large breast, but they have some major differences in terms of effectiveness, strength, and prevention of leakage. By the way, here is my comparison of Willow 3.0 vs. Willow Go (plus, detailed new Willow pump review!).
All You Need To Know About Willow Pump 3.0
Willow Pump 3.0 is the third generation of the Willow breast pumps. It provides 360-degree mobility – and you can use it hands-free. What does it mean? Well, you can pump sufficiently enough in any position, whether you are lying down, bending over, sitting, walking, working, taking care of your older baby – basically anything! You don’t waste your time.
But – the story doesn’t end there – wait for it – this breast pump doesn’t leak either! This patented, leak-proof technology requires ready-to-store breast milk bags. And – the milk bags will be your best friends because you will not spill a single drop of your precious milk, and – the bag is so easy when you are pumping on the go. Willow 3.0 also has reusable container options, too. All the benefits of this magical pump are listed below!
Benefits Of Willow Pump 3.0
- Hands-free breast pump
I think this benefit deserves the first place. Pumping can be exhausting (especially the exclusive pumping). With Willow Pump 3.0, a pumping session will not take your time or energy. Just attach it to your breasts and let the pump work for you – while you do – well, basically anything, including travel, while pumping at the same time.
- Fits in everything
This wearable breast pump will fit in your nursing bra, go where you go, and do what you do. These are the wireless pumps, which you will practically not notice wearing.
- Spill-proof and convenient bags
The Willow 3.0 pump has a patented, spill-proof capability, so you can rest assured the milk you get out of your pumping session will not be wasted. However, you should use milk bags, to ensure it. Plus, these milk bags are really convenient on-the-go, and for storage. You can just put them right in your baby bag, cooler, or freezer, spill-free.
- Different sizes and milk supplies
The size of your breasts or your milk supply – doesn’t matter with these wearable pumps. Willow has a guide available on how to measure for the right flange size, so make sure to follow it carefully, and you are safe, just adjust it to your size. Furthermore, the milk bags and container can hold 4oz – and that should be enough.
Still, if you’re pumping more than that, you can make a pause and use a new bag or empty the container. Don’t worry about overfilling the bags or the container – Willow auto shuts off when you reach the limit in your container or bag.
- Easy to clean
According to pump instructions (and reading every Willow pump review available), this breast pump is very easy to clean, too. While you don’t actually clean the machine, all the extra parts are washable – most of them are dishwasher safe (I know you wanted to hear this!)
- Helping in all ways
There is some learning curve while getting used to Willow pumping. Plus, memorizing the time between the pumping sessions can be – just too much. The good news is – Willow offers an app to download that keeps track of your past pumping sessions. This app also contains many informational videos that are great to watch if you need help pumping. The battery is rechargeable, so you don’t have any wires around. Sounds magical, right?
Disadvantages
- Expensive
While this pump is really extraordinary, many women find it expensive. However, the fact is – that it’s a great investment that will save your time and energy, so you can enjoy motherhood to the max.
- Only one charger
It would probably be more practical if there were two charges, so you can charge both of the pumps at the same time. For those moms that like to pump both breasts simultaneously, you would probably end up buying an extra charger.
- Learning curve
Well, any pumping requires preparation and practice. You will probably need some time to get used to the Willow 3.0. However, the videos you can find on the app are helpful, so you will get used to it.
All You Need To Know About Willow Go
This is another Willow’s hands-free pump, slightly different from the Willow 3.0 in terms of the app features, suction type, spill-proof option – and price. Willow Go is a more affordable version, working on the same basic principle as Willow 3.0.
This pump delivers the efficiency of the traditional pumps while being the hands-free, fit-in-bra pumping best friend. It has 45-degree leak-proof mobility and 15 different levels of hospital-grade suction. Just like Willow 3.0, it has a rechargeable battery, which lasts up to 3 pumping sessions, and – it is connected to the app. All of the benefits of Willow Go are listed below.
Benefits Of Willow Go
- Hands-free and discreet
Just like the Willow 3.0, Willow Go can be attached to your breasts, so your hands are free. So, during pumping, your hands are free. As it name implies, you can even wear it on the go. The pump works for you. Plus, there are no wires around! Also, Willow Go fits in your bra, entirely – including the motor (check out my list of the best bras for Willow to stay comfortable during the whole pumping session).
- Leak-proof and breast milk bags compatible
Willow Go has a 45-degree leak-proof capability, ensuring that your milk will not get spilled during your pumping session. So, you are safe, as long as you remain upright – you can have 45 degrees of mobility without leaks. What is also great, this pump is compatible with 5- or 7-oz milk storage containers.
- Different sizes of flanges & milk bags
Willow Go is designed for both – small and larger breasts/nipples. It comes with 21mm and 24 mm flanges included, but you can also buy inserts or larger sizes – ranging from 13mm to 27mm.
As for the milk supply, it actually doesn’t matter how much milk you can pump during one session. Namely, this pump offers the highest capacity of all wearable pumps, using 5 or 7-oz reusable containers per breast.
- Easy to clean
This benefit is probably one of the most important ones for a positive Willow pump review. It has a total of six parts to assemble – five of which are dishwasher-safe parts to clean. How great is that?
- Hand of help
Just like with Willow 3.0, there is some learning curve while getting used to Willow pumping. That is where the Willow app jumps in. In the app, you can have control over your pumping sessions, and you can access experts for advice, and study some educational videos and contents. This will surely help you.
- Great price
Willow Go is a more affordable hands-free pump option, so it’s a great deal. You get an excellent pump for a reasonable price!
You can also get it at least partially through insurance!
Disadvantages
- Minor tasks on the go
This can be a drawback unless you need to do some minor (upright) tasks while pumping. Otherwise, you have 45 degrees of safe motion, so as not to leak milk, so you can stil multitask.
- Noise
According to the pump review, Willow Go can be a bit too loud, on the higher pumping settings. The truth is – it offers hospital-grade, stronger suction, but the noise can be annoying – and it’s not discrete – or silent.
- Lower app performance than Willow 3.0
The Willow app also doesn’t have quite as many features as Willow 3.0. Basically, the app just tells you how long you’ve been pumping during each session and shows the suction level you have been using, and that’s it. However, you still have access to experts and educational content.
- Battery life
The battery can endure two to two-and-a-half pumping sessions per charge – if you’re pumping 20-30 minutes each session. So, expect a lot of charging.
Tips For Using Willow Pump With Large Breasts
- Use the right flange size – Willow has a guide available on how to measure for the right flange size, so you can adjust it to your needs. Purchase additional inserts, as needed.
- Use your Willow pump with a proper pumping bra – it fits your pump while providing the proper support for your large breasts! This will help you to prevent back pain during pumping sessions!
- Get yourself in a comfortable position – again, to avoid back pain, find your best position for pumping.
- Shape the breast – shaping can be helpful in some cases, to enable a deeper attachment to the breast.
- Exercise – making your back muscles stronger can reduce the possibility of back pain, which is quite common with large breasts (and during pregnancy).
- Get support – pumping large breasts can be difficult, and you may experience chest pain, back pain, and other issues. Get support and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are always some tricks to avoid issues.
Using Willow Pump For Large Breasts – FAQ
If you still feel unsure, or you don’t know should you purchase Willow pump or try with the other pumps – I recommend you reading the answers to frequently asked questions.
Is Elvie Or Willow Better For Larger Breasts?
For large-breasted women, all these pumps can be suitable, including Willow 3.0, Willow Go, and Elvie.
Everything depends on the size of your nipples. Willow offers flanges up to 27mm, while the biggest size of Elvie breast shields is 28mm. The different is not huge, but may be a game-changer for your pumping comfort. Make sure to measure your nipples carefully.
If you’re still hesitating whether to choose Willow or Elvie check out my comparison of wearable breast pumps: Willow vs. Elvie vs. Freemie.
Why Is My Willow Pump Not Emptying My Breasts?
If you feel like your pump is not emptying your breasts, try pumping a little longer. Start with >25 minutes long pumping sessions. Also, you can try with a stronger suction, by increasing the level of suction to the highest level which is not painful for you.
However, if the pump doesn’t work, try resetting the pump. And, in case of clogged milk ducts, try applying warm towels to your breasts, to loosen the clogs.
Can I Exclusively Pump With Willow?
Yes, exclusive pumping with Willow is absolutely possible. Plus, it will not be as time- and energy-consuming as the exclusive pumping using other pumps. Enjoy your Willow pumping!
Article By Edna Skopljak
Edna Skopljak is Medical Doctor (MD) who works in University Medical Centre in Ljubljana. She’s a She also worked as an editor at BJBMS medical journal for several years. She wrote content for several health-related websites and the BJBMS blog. She’s a mom of a 15-month-old.
The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or medical care. Remember: safety first! Consult your doctor/pediatrician in case of any doubts. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.
All pictures of Willow pumps belong to Willow Brand. Source: https://onewillow.com/
Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂