This is one of the best reviews I’ve seen thus far on the Willow. I just purchased with Sonata as my primary pump and have been back and forth on the Willow v. Elvie (I’m heading to find your comparison next). I love that you were able to also compare to the Sonata and that you use the Kiinde. I EP’d for my first for 10 months and I’m currently 20w with baby number 2 and trying to be very prepared since I really planned to nurse with my first. This time I plan to go straight to EPing again. I will be using the Kiinde system again cause it’s soooo convenient and I definitely want something super portable like the Willow. I’m a Disney mama and I want to be able to pump easily so we can enjoy our trips without stopping often to setup a pump station. Thank you so much for this review!
Stefanie Kane Confratulations! And yay! I’m so happy it was helpful! I love my Sonata and am now using it with baby #2 (quick tip to take it out periodically and charge it while it’s not in use otherwise the rechargeable battery basically dies 😩 and you always have to have it plugged in) I’ve switched to exclusively pumping for my 5 month old and would seriously be lost without both the Sonata and Willow 3.0.
Thank you for this review! I was excited to hear that you got similar output with the Willow 3.0 and Sonata! I know it’s different for everyone, but now I have something to compare it to 👍🏼
Victoria Kimble I only know of one other TH-cam mom who routinely uses the Sonata (Kimberly Jarest). She did a review on the Elvie and didn’t really care for it. I was already on the fence about exchanging my Elvie for the Willow and this definitely helped push me over (: thank you again! I hope you are staying safe and healthy.
Thanks for this review! After seeing this video and your comparison review with the Elvie, I feel much more confident buying the Willow. The Willows suction was also my biggest concern but it sounds like it might actually help assure that I’m emptying my girls better 👌🏻
I thank you so much for your comparison to the medela, I was really nervous to buy this bc I was scared I wouldn’t get the same kind of output I get with my current pump. You really shed light on a few things I have been digging to find out about the willow
Hi! Thank you for your review! What is your flange size?? I struggle with getting milk out with the willow! I am currently waiting for a bigger flange size in hopes that it will solve my let down issue. Also, I heard you say you colored your hair while pumping? I’m dying to highlight my hair and research shows it’s safe but my family is aganist me highlighting my hair while breastfeeding!
Would you suggest having more than one pair of the reusable containers? Or is the dry time between pumps quick enough to reuse the same containers for all pumps?
I personally don’t think you need two sets. It forced me to empty them right away and wash which I needed, they clean up so easy if you rinse them out right away. Dry time was never issue since everything opens up.
Taylor Tranby The pump always stops itself. I notice if I’m sitting down and not moving much it fills past the max line (there’s still plenty of room after the Mac mine in my opinion) but if I’m running around it will stop pretty much at the max line. I think it’s just the sensor getting splashed with milk when I’m moving around.
Jaritza Colon Hi! I went with the same size I use in Medela pumps as I was told the flange sizes were comparable and that worked for me. There are guides available online if you are starting from scratch, I highly recommend Milky Mommas IG or Legendairy Milk’s IG. They have great resources to help find the perfect fit for you.
I’ve seen a lot of reviews on women having strawberry milk with willow meaning they suction so hard they bleed 😔 has this happened for you at all? Compared to the medela settings how would you rate how strong it is on the medela?
I’ve never comments on a video before, so I hope I’m doing this right 🤦♀️ You mentioned in another video that you are an over producer. Have you had to switch bottles mid pump? How does that work?
Hi! Yes I have had to switch, the pump pauses when it’s full, you either empty the container and then put it back in and hit start or change the bag if you are using those. I had an extra set of flanges and containers so I could quickly load the empty one and keep going.
It's just too pricey with all the extras you need to buy. But don't know if I want to get the Elvie cuz I'm worried it wouldn't have enough suction 😭 so stuck
I’m comparing portable pump for my upcoming 2nd baby, and bumped into your review and it was really helpful since I’m a bit skeptical with portable pumps. But I wonder how many oz could it contain? Thanks again 😊
Hi! I have fit 5oz in the Elvie bottles and and 5oz in the Willow reusable containers, I am usually only able to get a little over 4oz in the Willow bags.
There are tips and tricks you can find to fill those bags almost all the way. One such trick would be to keep the bag flipped over the front of the pump. Yeah this would mean it's not tucked away conveniently and unnoticeablely but then you can put so much more in and really get your $$ worth per bag.
@@santanablock1317 no problem! And yes, when you check out you will choose the flange size for the containers. The flanges for the bag attachment are different than the the flanges for the containers.
@@santanablock1317 I had my lactation consultant help me but I have tested a few other methods that worked just as well @milkymommas Instagram and their website have great sizing info as well as @legendairymilk (I prefer their sizing resources) also has awesome sizing help on their Instagram
If Willow is the best that’s really unfortunate. They are not comfortable for me, they are massive. Heavy. Noisy! People have said how subtle they are and noooo not the case omg. It hurts to try to rest or move much at all, you can forget “snuggling with your baby”. These things are way heavy and hurt worse doing that. I can’t believe how much they cost.
Amy Coon I totally agree that they are not discreet and are heavy. As far as comfort goes I will say that using something like the beaugen cushions really helps me as well as making sure I use a nipple cream before I start pumping. I do think they are significantly quieter then a traditional pump but definitely make noise. I’m so sorry they aren’t comfortable for you. I did use affirm to be able to pay for them overtime but ultimately used my FSA dollars.
poeticmurder2003 Hi! Technically it is only leakproof with the bags however I have never had the containers leak. In my opinion you would have to be completely bent over like downward facing dog bent over lol
This is one of the best reviews I’ve seen thus far on the Willow. I just purchased with Sonata as my primary pump and have been back and forth on the Willow v. Elvie (I’m heading to find your comparison next). I love that you were able to also compare to the Sonata and that you use the Kiinde. I EP’d for my first for 10 months and I’m currently 20w with baby number 2 and trying to be very prepared since I really planned to nurse with my first. This time I plan to go straight to EPing again. I will be using the Kiinde system again cause it’s soooo convenient and I definitely want something super portable like the Willow. I’m a Disney mama and I want to be able to pump easily so we can enjoy our trips without stopping often to setup a pump station. Thank you so much for this review!
Stefanie Kane Confratulations! And yay! I’m so happy it was helpful! I love my Sonata and am now using it with baby #2 (quick tip to take it out periodically and charge it while it’s not in use otherwise the rechargeable battery basically dies 😩 and you always have to have it plugged in) I’ve switched to exclusively pumping for my 5 month old and would seriously be lost without both the Sonata and Willow 3.0.
Thank you for this review! I was excited to hear that you got similar output with the Willow 3.0 and Sonata! I know it’s different for everyone, but now I have something to compare it to 👍🏼
C Lawrence I’m glad it was helpful! It’s definitely different for everyone, I wish I had a review comparing to Sonata before purchasing either.
Victoria Kimble I only know of one other TH-cam mom who routinely uses the Sonata (Kimberly Jarest). She did a review on the Elvie and didn’t really care for it. I was already on the fence about exchanging my Elvie for the Willow and this definitely helped push me over (: thank you again! I hope you are staying safe and healthy.
C Lawrence I really wanted it to work for me and I invested a lot of time and more money into accessories but at the end of the day it just didn’t.
Thank you for this thorough review & the comparison to Medela!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this review! After seeing this video and your comparison review with the Elvie, I feel much more confident buying the Willow. The Willows suction was also my biggest concern but it sounds like it might actually help assure that I’m emptying my girls better 👌🏻
The Willow definitely empties me which is so important! Glad I could help!
I thank you so much for your comparison to the medela, I was really nervous to buy this bc I was scared I wouldn’t get the same kind of output I get with my current pump. You really shed light on a few things I have been digging to find out about the willow
Yay! I’m so glad it was helpful, if you have anymore questions just let me know.
Hi! Thank you for your review! What is your flange size?? I struggle with getting milk out with the willow! I am currently waiting for a bigger flange size in hopes that it will solve my let down issue.
Also, I heard you say you colored your hair while pumping? I’m dying to highlight my hair and research shows it’s safe but my family is aganist me highlighting my hair while breastfeeding!
Would you suggest having more than one pair of the reusable containers? Or is the dry time between pumps quick enough to reuse the same containers for all pumps?
I personally don’t think you need two sets. It forced me to empty them right away and wash which I needed, they clean up so easy if you rinse them out right away. Dry time was never issue since everything opens up.
Thank you for the review! Question though, if you pump more than the container holds does it stop or warn you in any way? Or do you have to watch it?
Taylor Tranby The pump always stops itself. I notice if I’m sitting down and not moving much it fills past the max line (there’s still plenty of room after the Mac mine in my opinion) but if I’m running around it will stop pretty much at the max line. I think it’s just the sensor getting splashed with milk when I’m moving around.
@@SimplyKimble thank you so much!
Thank you for making this!
Of course!
How did you size yourself with this pump?
Jaritza Colon Hi! I went with the same size I use in Medela pumps as I was told the flange sizes were comparable and that worked for me. There are guides available online if you are starting from scratch, I highly recommend Milky Mommas IG or Legendairy Milk’s IG. They have great resources to help find the perfect fit for you.
Hi. Have you tried the baby Buddha pump?
I’ve seen a lot of reviews on women having strawberry milk with willow meaning they suction so hard they bleed 😔 has this happened for you at all? Compared to the medela settings how would you rate how strong it is on the medela?
I’ve never comments on a video before, so I hope I’m doing this right 🤦♀️
You mentioned in another video that you are an over producer. Have you had to switch bottles mid pump? How does that work?
Hi! Yes I have had to switch, the pump pauses when it’s full, you either empty the container and then put it back in and hit start or change the bag if you are using those. I had an extra set of flanges and containers so I could quickly load the empty one and keep going.
@@SimplyKimble thank you!
Can u lay back while using the pump? Will it leak?
It's just too pricey with all the extras you need to buy. But don't know if I want to get the Elvie cuz I'm worried it wouldn't have enough suction 😭 so stuck
It definitely is pricey, I used affirm and my HSA/FSA
I’m comparing portable pump for my upcoming 2nd baby, and bumped into your review and it was really helpful since I’m a bit skeptical with portable pumps. But I wonder how many oz could it contain?
Thanks again 😊
Hi! I have fit 5oz in the Elvie bottles and and 5oz in the Willow reusable containers, I am usually only able to get a little over 4oz in the Willow bags.
There are tips and tricks you can find to fill those bags almost all the way. One such trick would be to keep the bag flipped over the front of the pump. Yeah this would mean it's not tucked away conveniently and unnoticeablely but then you can put so much more in and really get your $$ worth per bag.
I know this was a year ago. But do you have to have the 27 mm to use the storage containers or can I get the 24 mm?
You can absolutely use 24mm flanges with the storage containers.
@@SimplyKimble so I can buy the 24 mm Willow pump and buy the containers? Will I need another insert? Sorry slightly confused
@@santanablock1317 no problem! And yes, when you check out you will choose the flange size for the containers. The flanges for the bag attachment are different than the the flanges for the containers.
@@SimplyKimble how did you size yourself? I’m struggling and don’t want to buy the wrong size. With my first I was a 24 mm for my spectra...
@@santanablock1317 I had my lactation consultant help me but I have tested a few other methods that worked just as well @milkymommas Instagram and their website have great sizing info as well as @legendairymilk (I prefer their sizing resources) also has awesome sizing help on their Instagram
If Willow is the best that’s really unfortunate. They are not comfortable for me, they are massive. Heavy. Noisy! People have said how subtle they are and noooo not the case omg. It hurts to try to rest or move much at all, you can forget “snuggling with your baby”. These things are way heavy and hurt worse doing that. I can’t believe how much they cost.
Amy Coon I totally agree that they are not discreet and are heavy. As far as comfort goes I will say that using something like the beaugen cushions really helps me as well as making sure I use a nipple cream before I start pumping. I do think they are significantly quieter then a traditional pump but definitely make noise. I’m so sorry they aren’t comfortable for you. I did use affirm to be able to pay for them overtime but ultimately used my FSA dollars.
Is it still worth it?
Is the Willow Leakproof with the reusable containers? Or is that only with the bags?
poeticmurder2003 Hi! Technically it is only leakproof with the bags however I have never had the containers leak.
In my opinion you would have to be completely bent over like downward facing dog bent over lol