Quick Start
The Willow Go is the cheapest “smart” wireless wearable breast pump, with a listing price at $349.99 on the official website and Amazon. It’s $150-$200 cheaper than the other two – Willow 360 and Elvie Pump. But is it worth the price? How does it perform for pumping? Is it easy to use and clean?
The Willow Go does represent a breakthrough in breast pumping technology, offering us nursing moms unparalleled convenience and discretion – other wearable double electric breast pumps do the same. This innovative approach (app-controlled) to pumping aligns with the evolving needs of modern young moms, who require flexibility and mobility in managing their breastfeeding journey. Keep reading to explore more about the Willow Go breast pump.
Who is it Good for
What Moms Need It
Parts & Design
What parts does it include
Settings & Performance
How to use it to empty milk
Pros & Cons
What are the awesome points
Customer Reviews
What moms say about it
Atlernatives
Some other good options
Willow Go is good for
With a cordless and wearable design, the Willow Go wearable breast pump is well-suited for a variety of mothers seeking convenience, discretion, and flexibility in their breastfeeding journey.
1. Working Mothers who return to work or have busy schedules outside the home will benefit from the unmatched portability and convenience provided by the Willow Go. Its cordless and wearable design allows for discreet pumping sessions, enabling working moms to express milk while commuting, in meetings, or during other activities.
2. Traveling Mothers who frequently travel or are on the go will appreciate the compact and portable nature of the Willow Go. Its lightweight design and discreet profile make it ideal for use in airports, hotels, or any other travel setting where traditional breast pumps may be cumbersome or impractical.
3. Stay-at-Home Moms who can make full use of the Willow Go’s hands-free design for greater flexibility and mobility during pumping sessions. They can continue with their daily tasks while maintaining their breastfeeding routine.
Willow Go Parts and Design
Style
Wireless
Flange Size
21 mm and 24 mm
Parts to Clean
5
Dimensions
135 x 120 x 80 mm
Per Cup Weight
385g
Carry Bag
Yes
Willow Go is A Wireless Wearable Breast Pump
The Willow Go features a similar design as other popular wireless wearable breast pumps on the market, such as the Elvie Pump, Momcozy M5, and Zomme Fit. The wearable, cordless, and hands-free design of the Willow Go enables you to multitask and move freely while pumping, providing both convenience and efficiency.
Like its competitors, the Willow Go assembles several parts into a single piece, integrating the pump with milk container set parts. This eliminates the need for cumbersome cords or external components, allowing mothers to pump milk discreetly under clothing, whether at home, work, or on the go.
Different from its competitors, the Willow Go breast pump is ‘vertical’. The pump is a whole outer shell, making the Willow Go look more clean and simple and also stylish. The other wearable double electric breast pumps are more ‘horizontal’ with the above located the pump motor and the container or bottle is at the bottom.
Both the Willow Go and Willow 360 have the same design, which makes them stand out from the average wearable double electric breast pumps.
Willow Go Parts
The Willow Go consists of six parts necessary for effective milk expression, including the pump motor, container bowl, container back, container duckbill valve, pump diaphragm, and flange. The six Willow Go pump parts work together seamlessly to facilitate efficient pumping while maintaining hygiene and comfort.
The Willow Go pump, flange, container back, and container bowl are vertically designed with the other two smaller parts connecting them for every pump. However, not all of these six Willow Go parts need to be cleaned.
Except for the pump, where the motor is located and can’t be washed in water, the Willow Go pump has five washable parts. They are the container set (including bow and back), container duckbill valve, pump diaphragm, and flange.
Cleaning the Willow Go pump parts is not as easy as cleaning the Willow 360, which has only two parts for cleaning: flange and Flextube. If you purchase the $49.99 milk container set for reusable purposes, then there will be three parts that need to be cleaned.
The replacement parts are generally those that are washable and need regular cleaning and rinsing. It’s easy to understand. So the Willow Go replacement parts would be the milk container set, valve, diaphragm, and flange.
High-price products need high-price replacement parts to pair with them. Just like the parts for Lamborghini and Rolls Royce are higher priced than those of Ford and General.
The price of Willow Go replacement parts is higher than that of Momcozy and other affordable wearable double-electric breast pumps.
Flange Size and Inserts
The Willow Go has two flange sizes (24mm and 21mm) in the package.
Both flange sizes are good for small-breasted moms. That’s slightly better than the other smart wearable breast pump from Willow, the Willow 360, which only offers a 24mm flange and 21mm flange inserts – the 21mm flanges are $10 more expensive than the 21mm flange inserts.
The two-sized flanges make the Willow Go for most moms in the US, even if you have different breasts on the left and right. You can choose one 21mm flange and one 24mm flange. Do you have the same situation? What’s your solution then?
The included flange sizes are not suitable for moms with large breasts. If you have big breasts and nipples, you’ll need to purchase the 27 mm-sized flange. Smaller-sized flanges are not available but you can buy the cheaper flange inserts for smaller nipples.
Willow Go is a Hands-Free Portable Breast Pump
Among the wearable double electric breast pumps, the Willow Go is the heaviest, weighing up to 385g per pump.
After adding the 5 oz expressed milk, around 141g, the whole weight for each breast to hold will increase to 526g (1.16 lb).
However, the weight discrepancy between Willow Go and its competitors is not that obvious for their portability performance.
For example, the lightest is the Elvie Pump at 225g. Compared to Willow Go’s 385g, the gap is 160, a bit heavier than the 5 oz milk.
But if you do care about a pump’s weight, select one from the Momcozy M5 (230g) and Zomee Fit (263g). Elive Pump is higher priced, over $500.
Measuring 135mm x 80mm x 120mm, the Willow Go is considerably compact, making it discreet and easily concealable under the nursing bra, further enhancing privacy during pumping sessions, even though you won’t use the Willow Go in public.
Willow Go Settings
Suction
280 mmHg
Modes
Stimulation and Expression
Levels
9
Battery Life
3 sessions
Auto Shutoff
25 mins
Warranty
1 year
Modes and Suction Level
Like all wireless wearable double electric breast pumps, the Willow Go allows for a single pumping. Even with the mobile app, you can’t control the two pumps to work in the same setting as the wired wearable double electric breast pumps.
Of course, you can customize the pumping setting in the mobile app to let the left and right breast pump in the same pumping settings: same mode and same level.
Yes, the Willow Go is designed to work in two modes – Stimulation and Expression at different levels.
In Stimulation mode, you can adjust for 7 different levels; while in the Expression mode, there are 9 levels for adjustment.
You can always find the best fit for a comfortable and effective pumping experience by adjusting the modes and levels in your phone via the mobile app.
Wilow Go
Suction Strength
Is Willow Go a hospital grade breast pump?
With the maximum suction strength reaching up to 280 mmHg, the Willow Go delivers hospital-grade performance. From this point, the Willow Go is a hospital-grade breast pump.
However, to reach the hospital grade performance, you’ll need to set the Willow Go to the highest level, no matter which mode is selected. Test this before you get used to this strongest suction strength.
The vacuum strength of the Willow Go breast pump ranges from 75 to 280 mmHg and a cycle speed of 20 to 100 cycles per minute. These specifications ensure efficient milk expression and optimal comfort for nursing mothers.
The pump’s robust suction power and customizable settings enable users to achieve their desired milk flow while minimizing discomfort and maximizing efficiency.
Battery Life
Designed to be a wireless wearable breast pump for moms favoring portability, the Willow Go is equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, providing you with the flexibility to pump milk on the go without being tethered to a power source.
But it’s the worst one for its battery performance. It takes as long as 2 hours to fully charge – that’s the same as other portable breast pumps but lasts for only three pumping sessions.
The short battery life is acceptable for working moms who can charge the Willow Go at the office. If you’re a mom who travels a lot or most in a situation where a charger port is not easy to find the Willow Go is absolutely not the best choice.
Additional Settings
In addition to its core functionality, the Willow Go offers a range of additional settings and features to enhance the user experience.
While specific information regarding noise levels is not provided, the pump features an auto-shutoff function after 25 minutes to conserve battery power and avoid too-long pumping.
The pump is also app-controlled, allowing users to adjust settings and monitor their pumping sessions remotely for added convenience.
However, it does not offer integration with Apple Watch or last setting memory, features that may be desired by some users for added convenience and functionality.
Warranty
The Willow Go breast pump is covered with a one-year warranty for the main parts like the pump (i.e. the motor in the pump). That’s the average of most electric breast pumps on the market. Good enough for the frist-year pumping moms.
Willow Go Reviews from Customers
Willow has worked out well for me. I use them at work and around the house if i'm busy. I can easily put them on with my regular pump bra (no special bra needed) and head out the door. Has been super useful at work as I can now eat lunch with my coworkers again without being plugged into the wall or my big pump sitting there while I eat. It's easier to rangle my 2 year old when I'm using the Willow, still have to be careful not to bend over too much. Things to consider before buying: These only hold 5oz so if you're a woman who regularly expresses more than 5oz of milk at every session then this might not be for you. You can't see your nipple through this pump. So placement can be tricky sometimes. I've noticed a few times if I'm not careful with placement my breasts won't express completely with the Willow. The charge ports on the pumps seem cheap. They can be a pain to plug into their chargers and I feel that if I'm not careful with them I'm going to mess up the ports just by trying to plug them in. You can't jump around or bend over in these. They will leak from the top. Willow 3.0 would be better if you need to move more. I would not use this as my sole breast pump. I'd recommend having a regular plug in breast pump as well. While it's not super loud, it can still be heard while in use. I've had more than one coworker confusedly ask what that sound was. (My second child so I'm not shy about much anymore and it doesn't bother me) It's easy the clean, and has few parts to wash. Charges fast. Over all I enjoy my Willow and have gotten good use out of it so far. Happy with my purchase.
Ok so I exclusively pump and I absolutely hate it but I want my baby to have antibodies from my milk at least the first 6 months. In an effort to simplify my pumping and save my sanity I have owned several wearables. Momcozy S12, Momcozy M1, Bellababy, and Willow 3.0. Each one had its pros and cons but I kept searching for the perfect pump. This is it. The S12 had great suction but the motors were clunky and fell off easily. The Bellababy started turning itself on and off after 3 days of use and the shape was weird. The Willow 3.0 was a mess, when I could get it to work right the suction was very strange and I could barely get any milk. I sold this one with a quickness and was reluctant to get anything else from Willow but I'm glad I did. The M1 is my second favorite and closest in performance to the Willow Go but it's very round and protruding and feels clunky so I only use that one at home. However, it does empty me faster than the Willow. I find I have to run a 30-40 minute cycle on Willow and only 20 with the M1 but the Willow is much more comfortable to wear. The Willow Go is the most comfortable pump I have ever used and that includes my wall pumps like the Medela PIS and Motif Duo with cushions. Some people can use the Willow Go as their main pump but I am only 5 weeks PP so that is not recommended although honestly I pretty much use wearables exclusively because working from home with a newborn and a farm leaves you 0 time to sit by the wall for 20 mins.
Ok so I exclusively pump and I absolutely hate it but I want my baby to have antibodies from my milk at least the first 6 months. In an effort to simplify my pumping and save my sanity I have owned several wearables. Momcozy S12, Momcozy M1, Bellababy, and Willow 3.0. Each one had its pros and cons but I kept searching for the perfect pump. This is it. The S12 had great suction but the motors were clunky and fell off easily. The Bellababy started turning itself on and off after 3 days of use and the shape was weird. The Willow 3.0 was a mess, when I could get it to work right the suction was very strange and I could barely get any milk. I sold this one with a quickness and was reluctant to get anything else from Willow but I'm glad I did. The M1 is my second favorite and closest in performance to the Willow Go but it's very round and protruding and feels clunky so I only use that one at home. However, it does empty me faster than the Willow. I find I have to run a 30-40 minute cycle on Willow and only 20 with the M1 but the Willow is much more comfortable to wear. The Willow Go is the most comfortable pump I have ever used and that includes my wall pumps like the Medela PIS and Motif Duo with cushions. Some people can use the Willow Go as their main pump but I am only 5 weeks PP so that is not recommended although honestly I pretty much use wearables exclusively because working from home with a newborn and a farm leaves you 0 time to sit by the wall for 20 mins. Pros -Relatively quiet compared to cheaper wearables -EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE -Great suction. This thing SUCKS and in the best way. I normally use my M1 and S12 at full suction but with the Willow I use it at 4-5. -Beautiful and just feels premium, fits the breast perfectly and no one can tell im wearing it (as long as they cant hear me) -High capacity cups (holds way more than Willow 3.0) -The parts are easy to assemble/disassemble and clean Cons: -The app sucks, disconnects a lot and doesnt really do much other than show you how long and which setting you are on -Louder than Willow 3.0 but not by much -Takes longer to empty me than other wearables -Battery life could be better, I only get about 2 30-min sessions, but it does recharge pretty quick Overall I would not recommend the 3.0 but I would def recommend the Willow Go for exactly as the name states, on the Go. It's the perfect pump for traveling or completing outside chores etc. just would not recommend as main pump but that goes for any wearable.
I bought this pump despite the bad reviews because I needed something quiet for work. Definitely quieter than any other wearables! That alone made it worth the price for me. I have to run it twice (stops at 25 minutes) so it takes 50 minutes to empty me but it does get out the same as my wall pump when doing so. The motor in the middle makes it a bit harder to fridge hack as you have to kinda take it apart then put it back together without the motor and stick in the fridge. If there’s any milk leftover or if it’s not completely dry sometimes the fridge hack won’t work and you’ll have to take apart and dry then put back together. Kind of time consuming at work. I have no problem with the pumps holding charge as others have stated. I charge once overnight and then can use it twice at work running them about four times total without dying. Cleaning for me is harder than other wearables as there are 10 large pieces to clean. Overall I’m happy with my purchase and could not imagine using my momcozy or Bella Baby at my work cubicle like I can the Willow Go.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Wireless and wearable design for hands-free pumping on the go
- Compact and lightweight body for portable pumping in need
- Smart control with mobile app for customization
- 280 mmHg for hospital-grade suction performance
- Two flange sizes to fit most moms
Cons
- High price over $300
- Short battery life only 3 pumping sessions
Willow Go Alternatives
Willow 360
Why is it better than Willow Go?
- Slightly lighter (355g vs 385g)
- Longer battery (5 sessions vs 3)
- Quick Charge vs no
- 360° leak-proof design vs no
- Fewer parts to clean (3 vs 5)
- More modes (3 vs 2)
Why is it Worse than Willow Go?
- More expensive ($499.99 vs $349.99)
- Weaker suction (245 mmHg vs 280 mmHg)
- Less levels (7 vs 9)
- Smaller container (4 oz vs 5 oz)
Momcozy M9
Why is it better than Willow Go?
- Cheaper price ($269.99 vs $349.99)
- Stronger suction (300 mmHg vs 280 mmHg)
- More modes (5 vs 2)
- More levels (15 vs 9)
- Lighter pump (302g vs 385g)
- Longer battery (5 vs 3 sessions)
- Fewer parts to clean (4 vs 5)
- Include multiple flange inserts
Why is it Worse than Willow Go?
- More flange size (21/24mm vs 24mm)
- Weaker suction (245 mmHg vs 280 mmHg)
- Less levels (7 vs 9)
- Smaller container (4 oz vs 5 oz)
Willow Go FAQs
1. Is the Willow Go worth it?
Whether the Willow Go is worth it depends on the individual needs and preferences of the moms.
The Willow Go offers several advantages, including its wearable and cordless design, portability, customizable settings, and hospital-grade performance. And most important, it’s a smart wireless wearable breast pump, at the cheapest price. That’s very appealing for modern young moms who use a smartphone for daily life.
However, it’s expensive, almost $350. That’s the double price for some non-smart wireless wearable breast pumps. If you have enough budget, you can try.
2. Is Willow 3.0 or Willow Go better?
To answer this question, you should know your budget first, the Willow 360 is $499.99 while the Willow Go is $349.99. If you decide to choose one between Willow 360 and Willow Go, keep on reading.
Both are wireless wearable breast pumps.
Willow Go is designed with a stronger suction power up to 280 mmHg while the Willow 360 is weaker at 245 mmHg.
Both offer two pumping modes – Stimulation and Expression. But the adjustable levels are different. The Willow Go allows for 6 levels for adjustment in Stimulation while the Willow 360 for 3 levels. The Willow Go allows for 9 levels in Expression mode while Willow 360 for 7 levels.
The battery life for both Willow breast pumps is different. the Willow 360 lasts longer, up to 5 pumping sessions, beating the Willow Go’s 3 pumping sessions.
The Willow 360 supports a quick charge of 20-minute charging for 1 pumping session; the Willow Go and other electric breast pumps don’t have this feature.
The Willow 360 has the least parts to clean, only two, while the Willow Go and others need to wash 4-6 parts after every pump.
Check the full comparison of Willow Go vs Willow 360 if you still not decided which one is best choice.
3. How many sessions does Willow Go last?
The Willow Go’s battery life when fully charged provides users with sufficient power for multiple pumping sessions. A fully charged battery is typically enough for at least three pumping sessions, with each session averaging around 30 minutes.
Among the electric breast pumps with a rechargeable battery, the Willow Go has the poorest battery performance. If you have a large milk output and prefer wireless for portable use, the Willow Go is not the best choice.
4. Does the Willow Go leak?
The Willow Go is designed to minimize the risk of leakage during pumping sessions, providing breastfeeding moms with a reliable and discreet solution for expressing milk. The pump’s innovative design incorporates features such as a secure and snug fit within the bra, as well as a leak-resistant seal, to help prevent leaks and spills.
However, it’s important to note that the likelihood of leakage can vary depending on factors such as the proper fit of the flange, positioning of the pump, and individual anatomy. Ensuring that the pump is properly assembled and positioned according to the manufacturer’s instructions can help minimize the risk of leakage.
5. Does the Willow Go stop when full?
Yes, the Willow Go is equipped with sensors that detect when the milk container is full, and it automatically stops pumping to prevent overflow. This feature helps prevent spills and ensures that users can pump milk comfortably without the need to constantly monitor the pump’s progress.
6. Can you lie down with Willow Go?
No, better not. It’s not 100% leak-proof like the Willow 360, which is not suggested to lie down either.
The best posture for pumping is to sit upright or at least keep the Willow Go breast pump upright so that the expressed milk won’t leak out from the container. That’s the right pumping posture for most wearable breast pumps, even though their milk collectors or containers or bottlers have the valve on the top.
7. How often do I need to replace my Willow Go parts?
The frequency of replacing Willow Go parts depends on several factors, including the pump’s usage patterns and maintenance practices. Generally, it is recommended to replace certain parts of the Willow Go periodically to ensure optimal performance, hygiene, and safety. Here are some guidelines for replacing Willow Go parts:
Components such as the container bowl, container back, container duckbill valve, pump diaphragm, and flange are washable and reusable. It is advisable to clean these parts thoroughly after each use according to the manufacturer’s instructions. While these parts do not have a set replacement schedule, they should be inspected regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or deterioration. If any washable parts show signs of damage or become less effective over time, they should be replaced promptly to maintain the pump’s performance and hygiene.
8. Is Willow Go good for elastic nipples?
The suitability of the Willow Go for elastic nipples can vary depending on individual factors such as nipple size, shape, and elasticity, as well as personal comfort preferences during pumping. Elastic nipples, also known as stretchy or flexible nipples, may present unique challenges during pumping, as they may require a snug and secure fit to ensure efficient milk expression without discomfort.
While the Willow Go offers customizable settings for suction strength and pumping modes, as well as two flange sizes (24mm and 21mm) to accommodate different nipple sizes, it may not be specifically designed to address the needs of elastic nipples. Some users with elastic nipples may find that they require additional support or adjustments to achieve a comfortable and effective pumping experience with the Willow Go.
9. Does Willow Go have vibration?
The Willow Go breast pump does not have vibration as a built-in feature. While some breast pumps on the market may incorporate vibration as a means of stimulating milk flow or providing additional comfort during pumping, the Willow Go relies on suction strength and cycling speed to facilitate milk expression.
The Willow Go features two modes: Stimulation and Expression. The Stimulation Mode initiates quick suckling to trigger let-down, while the Expression Mode delivers slower, stronger suction for efficient milk expression. These modes are designed to mimic the natural sucking pattern of a nursing infant, helping to stimulate milk flow and promote efficient emptying of the breasts.
