Willow has just launched their new CHEAPER wireless and portable breast pump called Willow Go. I’m going to share with your my first impressions, tips how to get it through insurance and compare Willow Go vs. Willow 3.0 to find out which breast pump works better.
You may have already heard about Willow Go hitting the market. It’s a new wearable and wireless breast pump which has many features similar to Willow 3.0 (which is a premium product), at more affordable price. Of course this new pump has some limitations, but also a few functions that seem to be WAY BETTER!
Many moms are now wondering whether they should choose the new, more budget-friendly, Willow Go, or rather splurge on Willow 3.0.
Making the decision can make you feel even more overwhelmed when you realize that Willow Go is so similar to Elvie Stride.
So which breast pump should you choose for hands-free pumping and the best output??
Let’s dive into Willow Go review and find the best option FOR YOU mama.
This article is NOT a substitute for medical advice. It contains affiliate links.
Recommended by 97% of verified buyersWillow Go Review
Here’s everything you need to know before choosing between Willow breast pumps.
What Is Willow Go?
The new Willow Go is a portable, wearable and wireless breast pump. It allows you to pump hands-free without being chained to a wall outlet, and without any dangling cords or tubing.
The pumps go directly into your bra which means you can express your milk discreetly, plus they work quieter than most electric breast pump.
Although Willow Go is not completely silent or invisible (it will make your boobs look huge), it’s perfect for all mamas on-the-go.
You can use Willow in a car, public transportation, in your office, or simply at home when you need to multitask or have more kids to run around after.
In contrast to Willow 3.0 breast pump, it has less features, but it’s more user-friendly. According to many moms its suction pattern is better and more gentle than on Willow 3.0, which means Willow Go will suit majority of women.
Moreover, with Willow 3.0 lots of moms complained about milk bags and containers being too small for one pumping session. Willow Go has larger milk containers which means you won’t have to change containers mid-pump.
And last but not least, Willow Go can be partially covered by insurance and you can save even up to $179! Read more information here.
What’s Included In Willow Go Pump Kit?
Here’s what you are going to receive with Willow Go:
- 2 wearable pumps (motors)
- 2 flanges in size 24mm
- 2 flanges in size 21mm
- 2 container bowls (5 oz.)
- 2 container backs
- 2 pump diaphragms
- 2 duckbill valves
- 2 USB changing cables (power adapter is not included, but Willow Go works with any 5 Volt, 1-2 AMP USB charger which you probably already have at home)
- Flanges sizer
- Manual
Explaining Willow Go Parts & How The Pump Works
Motor – Suction Strength & Modes
This is one of the best things about Willow Go. Although it’s a small and wearable pump, it has really good suction, almost like a hospital-grade pump!
Willow Go offers suction strength (vacuum) from 75 up to 280 mmHg. This is really impressive because most of the personal-use electric breast pumps go up to only 200 mmHg, while the hospital pump have vacuum of 300 mmHg & above.
Keep in mind that Willow Go is NOT a hospital-grade pump, but it has really strong suction – ALMOST like a hospital breast pump.
What’s important is that Willow Go features two modes for extracting your milk and ensuring satisfying output.
- Stimulation mode – this is faster mode, you can choose between 6 levels of suction to stimulate your letdown.
- Expression mode – this is slower mode with 9 level of vacuum strength.
You can toggle back and forth between these two modes by the push of a button. This is super convenient!
So how does the Willow Go suction work in reality?
Willow Go has more conventional, rhythmic suction pattern – it takes the nipple in and then releases it. This suction technology is very similar to traditional electric pumps.
What’s noteworthy this “pull & release” suction pattern differs a lot from Willow 3.0 which has continuous latch sucking technology (it takes in the nipple and keeps it in until you’re done pumping).
It seems like many moms find the rhythmic sucking pattern more comfortable. It’s also better for sensitive nipples.
Moreover, the suction feels a lot more gentle on Willow Go and it is actually possible to go up to the highest level – if you need more strength – without causing nipple soreness.
With Willow 3.0 even the most experienced EPing moms usually stay on level 1 and never use the levels 2-7. Some first-time mamas even complained that Willow 3 is too strong for them!
This seems to be solved with Willow Go, and whether you have very sensitive nipples or not, this suction pattern will feel lighter and easier on your boobs, without compromising the amount of expressed milk!
By the way, the sucking power and pattern of Willow Go are very similar to Medela Pump In Style and Spectra.
Controls
Willow Go is extremely easy to use with only 4 buttons! There’s one button for changing the mode, two buttons for adjusting the suction power and a power button. This makes the Go pump truly user-friendly.
Flanges
With this breast pump you’re getting 2 sets of flanges in most popular sizes: 21mm and 24mm. What’s important, if you have larger or smaller nipples, you’ll be able to order other flanges sizes here, you can choose 15mm, 17mm, 19mm or 27mm.
It is extremely important to choose correct size of breast shields to get good suction, and avoid sore nipples. Especially when the flanges are too small you may experience nipple pain, tenderness or irritation.
Each flange easily attaches to the motor part of the pump – to release it you need to press two triangular buttons simultaneously (you can see them on the left and right side of the pump in the picture above).
| PRO TIP: You can put Willow Go inside your everyday bra, but I recommend you to choose a special wireless bra with enough stretch in it, to make you feel more comfortable, and keep the pumps snuggly pressed against your breast. Original Willow pumping bra is quite expensive, but I found awesome alternative: this Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime (now on sale: 12% OFF). It’s available in many colors & styles, and it has more affordable price! If you’re on really tight budget, find your Willow Pump bra in my ranking. |
Milk Containers
Another noteworthy thing is that Willow offers two sizes of milk containers for the Willow Go breast pump.
5 oz. containers are included with pump, but if you have higher milk supply you can order 7 oz. containers. They should be in stock soon (make sure to check here).
This is great news for oversupplier mama – you don’t have to worry about changing the containers in the middle of your pumping session.
Keep in mind that Willow Go is only compatible with Go reusable containers. In contrast to Willow 3.0, it doesn’t work with plastic disposable milk bags. Moreover Go’s containers are bigger than Willow 3’s.
I actually prefer the containers because they are more eco-friendly solution, plus if you’re an EPing mama you’d need TONS of these plastic bags which would cost you a fortune.
Remember that when you’re done pumping, pour the milk to a bottle and wash the containers. They are not designed for storing the milk in fridge or freezer.
Of course milk bags have some advantages – e.g. they are freezer-safe which means you don’t have to pour the milk into a bottle or other storage container, you can simply toss the bag into a freezer or fridge.
Plus according to some mamas they protect your milk from any contamination (they are fully sealed) which makes them a good option for pumping at work, especially if you’re a nurse or dentist.
Remember that Willow Go is compatible only with the Go reusable containers, it doesn’t work with Willow 3.0 containers and it does not accept any milk bags.
>> My in-depth Willow 3.0 Breast Pump review
Battery & Charging
I think that battery is almost just as important as suction strength when you’re choosing a portable breast pump which you are going to use when you’re out and about.
Even super strong pump will be annoying if the battery runs low after 1 pumping session, right?
Willow Go has pretty good battery which should last you for up to 5 sessions, depending on how long they last. It takes about 2 hours to fully recharge Willow Go battery.
You will love the fact that Willow Go comes with 2 USB charging cables which means you can charge both pumps at the same time – in contrast to Willow 3.0 which has only one charger (and you need to pay extra for the second one which is not cool).
It’s also worth to mention that lots of moms complained about Willow 3.0 unique power adapter (not USB-type).
Let’s go back to Willow Go. The charging adapter is not included, but the good news is that the charging cables have USB type A connector on one end (the original and most popular port). I’m sure you already have lots of USB power adapters at home from your smartphone and other appliances.
Phone App
What’s noteworthy Willow Go and Willow 3.0 have SEPARATE apps – each one works only with specific breast pump. Both apps have different functions.
Willow Go phone app allows you to track how long your pumping sessions last and what are the current vacuum settings.
Keep in mind, that in contrast to Willow 3.0 you cannot change modes or pump strength in the Willow smartphone app.
This is a premium feature which has been added recently to Willow 3.0 app – you can adjust the vacuum and mode in the app and this means that you don’t have to reach under your shirt. It’s very useful when you’re using the breast pump in public because it gives you even more discretion.
With Willow Go you don’t have this functionality so you will have to go under your shirt to switch mode or toggle up & down. That’s why some moms may prefer to use it when they are alone (like in a separate room at work).
Using Willow Go Pump
In the box you will find the manual with all the instructions how to set up the Willow Go for the first time, how to assemble and disassemble it, and some general tips for proper usage.
Assemble & Setting Up The Willow Go Pump
When you receive your Willow Go you need to reassemble it: parts that are designed for cleaning should be boiled before first use, and the two motor parts should be changed (they will arrive in snooze mode, and they will wake up when you plug them in).
Each pump has 5 parts that you need to boil (and clean after each pumping session): flange, container back and container bowl, duckbill, diaphragm. You should boil them for 5 minutes and keep them moving all the time to avoid any damage.
Using tongs remove the parts from the boiling water and let them air dry on a drying rack. Once they are completely dry, you can assemble your pumps.
Assembling Willow Go properly is a breeze and really simple.
Step 1: You need to press firmly the duckbill onto the container back. Make sure the tab on the container back and the cutout in the duckbill are aligned. There should be no gaps between these two parts.
Step 2: Press firmly the container back into the container bowl. Again, there should be no gaps so make sure they both fit tightly because your valuable milk will be collected into this bowl!
Step 3: Press diaphragm into the pump (motor part) until it pops through. The tabs at the bottom and top should be align.
Step 4: It’s time to connect these two assembled parts. Press the assembled container onto diaphragm side of the pump. You should hear a “click”.
Step 5: Press the flange firmly into the pump. Make sure there are no gaps between your flange and the pump.
Nipple Alignment
Your pump is ready to be used. Now it’s time to place it in your bra so it could latch and express your milk. If you’re not familiar with wearable breast pumps, or with breast pumping at all, I recommend you to check Willow tutorials before you use it for the first time.
Nipple alignment is one of the most important things because your comfort and output highly depend on it.
Center the flange over your nipple. To align your nipple correctly into the flange tunnel you need to make sure that your erect nipple doesn’t touch the sides of the tunnel.
Then hold the pump against your breast, press the power button for 1 second. Repeat on the other side.
| PRO TIP: Whichever breast pump you’ll choose, I recommend you to always keep a nipple balm at hand, in case you experience nipple soreness. In my opinion this Organic Nipple Butter works best for healing sore and cracked nipples. It’s also breastfeeding-friendly and you don’t have to wash it off before nursing. |
Pumping
Start with the stimulation mode which is faster and designed to stimulate the milk letdown. You can adjust the vacuum strength between level 1-6. Once you’ve achieved letdown, switch to expression mode and adjust its strength. All the adjustment can be code with simple press of a button on each pump.
Overall, I feel like adjusting these Willow Go pumps is super easy.
And because the suction has rhythmic pattern and feels more gentle, it’s more comfortable for many moms in contrast to Willow 3.0 strong suction.
Once you’re done with expressing your breastmilk, simply turn the pump off, remove the pumps from your breast and pout the milk into a bottle or storage container.
How loud is Willow Go?
You may be expecting that wireless and wearable pumps are silent, but in reality they are not. At least not completely silent.
Willow Go is very discreet and quiet, but the motor does make a sound when it’s latching onto your breast and expressing the milk. But it’s not even nearly as loud as popular electric pumps!
Moreover, Willow Go differs from Willow 3.0 in terms of loudness. The original premium pump is also quiet than many electric breast pumps, but what’s noteworthy the stimulation phase is louder than the expression mode.
Willow Go is as quiet as Willow 3.0 in expression mode.
How To Avoid Leaking?
If you’re hesitating between Willow Go And Willow 3.0, pay attention to this part. 🙂
Because these two wearable breast pump have a different design you should learn first how to use them properly to avoid leakage.
Willow Go offers you 190° mobility. Because there is a tiny hole at the top of the container bowl (for pouring out the milk), you need to stay in certain position to prevent leakage.
For example: you should not use it when you’re doing yoga, when you’re exercising, bending over or lying down.
It still gives you enough mobility for multi-tasking, running casual errands or doing chores like dishes, folding laundry or doing general cleaning, or even participating in zoom meetings.
You may want to test first how much can you actually bend or tilt to avoid spilling your precious breastmilk.
This is one of the functions that differentiate Willow Go from Willow 3.0. The latter one offers you complete flexibility and 360° leak-proof mobility, thanks to continuous latch suction and enclosed design. It allows you for a full range of motion so you can pump in any position, including lying or bending.
Does Willow Go Work For Busty Moms?
Yes, Willow Go fits bustier mamas and plus-size women too! It’s actually not about your breast size, but rather the nipple size and choosing the correct size of the flange. Make sure to check the sizing guide here >>
Pouring The Milk
The Willow Go pump container is not designed for storing the milk in a fridge or freezer. You need to transfer the milk into a separate container or a baby bottle.
It’s very simple to do – pour it with the milk side down. FYI, milk side is the top of the pump where you can see a small opening in the container.
Does spillage happens? When you’re doing it for the first time, you may spill a few drops, but you’ll get a hang of it, it’s really easy.
Cleaning Willow Go
In contrast to Willow 3.0 which has only 2 part to clean, Willow Go has 5 washable parts that you need to clean after each pumping session.
Detach the washable parts, keep the pump body (motor) aside to avoid getting it wet.
Put these 5 parts into a wash basin (don’t wash them directly in a sink) and let them soak in a soapy water for 5 minutes. Wash each part carefully with a soapy sponge or soft brush – make sure to clean all crevices and holes thoroughly.
Rinse all parts under running water and place them on a clean drying rack and let them air dry.
You can reassemble the pump when all parts are dry out.
Willow Go vs. Willow 3.0
Willow Go vs. Elvie
Lots of new mothers are now wondering what are the differences between Willow Go and Elvie Stride.
These two wearable breast pumps are in a similar price range, and cheaper than full-features premium products: Willow 3.0 and Elvie Pump. Both are designed to be covered, at least partially, by your insurance.
But which one is actually better at expressing the milk, being discreet and quiet?
Let’s dive into Willow Go vs. Elvie Stride comparison.
Flanges
Willow Go comes with 21mm and 24mm flanges, while Elvie Stride includes only one pair of breast shields in size 24mm. Moreover Willow offers more sizes for separate purchase, especially for smaller nipples.
Milk Containers
Both pumps have 5oz. containers, but what makes Willow Go to stand out is that you can also purchase 7 oz. container separately. None of these pumps work with milk bags.
Discreet Design
Only Willow Go is a fully wireless, in-bra pump. It doesn’t have any dangling cords or tubing. On the other hand, Elvie Stride has not only the breast shields with containers, but also a hub (motor) that you can attach to your pants and everything is connected with tubing. You will have to hide tubes under your shirt – it’s a bit less discreet pump.
I’ve also heard that some moms have issues with milk getting into Elvie Stride tubes which is really bad because it can lead to mold (and you need to replace the tubing immediately = extra costs).
Strength
Suction is very similar on both pumps featuring pull & release sucking pattern. Both of them have 2 modes: stimulation and expression. Elvie has 10 levels of vacuum, while Willow Go has altogether 15 levels in 2 modes. Both pumps feel quite similar so I guess you should focus on other functions when choosing between Willow Go versus Elvie Stride.
Phone App
In this aspect Elvie Stride is a clear winner, because its app is so functional. You can basically steer your pump via app – switch between modes, change suction strength, see how long you pump and your milk volume. Willow Go App shows only how long is your pumping session, your current mode and settings. You cannot adjust mode or level via app and it doesn’t show how much milk you expressed.
Noise
In my opinion Willow Go is more quiet. However, the biggest difference between these pumps is the source of the noise: with Willow the motor is in your bra and it makes the suction sound, on the other hand with Elvie Curve the sound mainly comes from the hub.
Price
When you pay for these pumps out of pocket, Elvie Stride is a cheaper option than Willow Go. However, you should definitely check with your insurance provider if they can cover the cost. I’ve heard that some moms were able to get these pumps via insurance or had to pay only a small part (for the “upgrade” to wearable pump).
Is Willow Go Or Elvie Stride Better?
Because these two wearable pumps have similar suction and feel almost the same, I would suggest to consider other features when deciding which one’s best for you.
If you like the idea of steering the pump with your phone, without the need to reach under your shirt, go for the Stride..
But if you prefer more discreet pump, without any tubing that could get mouldy, Willow Go is better solution. Moreover, if offers you wider choice of flanges sizes and bigger milk containers for moms with higher milk supply.
Pictures of Willow Go belong to Willow Brand.
Picture of Elvie Stride belongs to Elvie Brand.
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.
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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! 🙂