Willow Pump - worth it?
Hi again - I got great advice in the fall and got the Spectra S1 and S2 (and S9, from a friend) and am basically exclusively pumping again with my 2nd - but finding it so much harder while having to also care for a toddler. I find myself googling "Willow Pump" at 3am in the morning, but the $500 + $1/pump for bags is holding me back.
I'd love to get some real genuine feedback from a working mom. Has it been able to replace being tied to a pump and allow you to comfort the baby and do all the other things you need to do around the house? Do you use it while driving? Do you actually use it in a meeting or on calls? How is output/efficiency compared to a normal pump? Does it pinch or hurt? How long did you end up using it for?
Thank you!!
(I wish there was a rental option, sigh.)
Parent Replies
There’s a great forum on Facebook called Willow Pump Chat (unofficial) with LOTS of moms to talk to. Many love it, some don’t. I don’t have it myself. Also on the fence. How do you like the Spectras and how does the 1 compare to the 2? That was my other option.
I don't have any personal experience (I used Spectra), but from what I've read online, people seem to like the Elvie or Freemie systems better than the Willow. I've read some negative things about the Willow and the price of bags is expensive. There was information from people who have used it on the whattoexpect website. Good luck!
I don't have a first hand impression of it but I remember reading some disappointing reviews on "What to Expect" forums - the output is definitely not the same compared to Spectra. You might want to search for those reviews on that website. I've also seen some moms trying to resell it because they were disappointed.
As to driving and pumping, I use my Spectra 2 during my commute (I bought a lighter adapter). There are some great tips to make your spectra more "mobile" on legendairy milk instagram account.
Have you considered the Freemie pump instead? It’s a little more affordable and made by a reputable company (Nuk), designed by a physician and mother. The one potential drawback is that it requires tubing between the cups and the pump motor unit (the motor is not integrated into the cups). However it does not require one-time use bags, the milk is collected directly into the cup.
I got it as a “travel pump” after my second baby was born and can recommend it as a secondary pump. I would not use it as a primary pump bc the cup/flange is too shallow for a full empty, in my experience (obviously every woman’s anatomy is different; I have a friend who it works much better for as a primary pump).
I would recommend researching it, and seeing if you can purchase it somewhere with a generous return policy (like Buybuybaby). It might be a good fit for your needs!
Thanks so much for your responses! I joined the "Willow & Elvie Pump Group" on FB and just ordered the Elvie from the UK (Little Nutkins) since it won't be in stock in the US until 4/9 at the earliest and even then, it'll probably just sell out again immediately. (And I have to attend a conference next week and Moscone set aside ONE mother's room for 6,000 attendees.) I like the idea of not having to buy bags and it's a little smaller/lighter. I also can't stand the tubes while moving around.
I'm going to keep the Spectra 2 (pink one) at work when I go back since it's pretty efficient (~15 min each session). I like the Spectra 1 (blue one) for the house so I can station myself in the office vs. living room, etc. The S9 has been ok for car rides, but it takes double the time to get the same output. I've been too nervous to actually drive while pumping since they stick out quite a bit and my arms are short.
Whew. This is a lot of pumps from someone who hates pumping.