Finding the right fit

A properly-fitted flange, supportive bra, and good alignment are all crucial when it comes to pumping comfortably and maximizing your output.

Fit your flange

Always measure yourself before choosing your flange. Getting this right is critical for comfort and output. You might need an insert if your size isn’t included in your kit.

Choose a supportive bra

Carrying pumps safely—and in style

Pumping is a major investment in so many ways, not least of which is all the gear that goes with it. Here's how to protect and transport your pump and accessories.

Keep it organized 

If you’re looking for a pump bag that is both stylish and functional, look no further. Willow’s bag fits your pump and the Pump Anywhere case, and helps you keep your accessories and supplies protected and neatly organized.

Nest and protect

A hard shell case that nests inside your pump bag uses a moulded tray and strap to secure your two pumps in place, and a mesh storage pocket is built into the case to hold smaller parts and milk bags. It’s not only robust and stylish, but easy to clean.

Simplifying cleaning

If you’re pumping multiple times a day, there are a few tricks to making cleaning more efficient, all while ensuring that the parts completely dry before you use them again.

Make cleaning easier

Warm soapy water is best, and the parts are dishwasher safe, but you might not always have access to soap and clean water. Pump wipes and cleaning spray are designed to remove breast milk residue when you’re on the go.

Buy extra parts

If your pump parts don’t completely dry between sessions, their quality can degrade and impact pump performance. But washing after every session isn’t always practical. You can save time, and effort, swapping out extra sets and then batch cleaning once a day.

Carry parts in reusable bags 

With everything you’re juggling, it’s handy to be able to stash your pump parts in one place. Food-grade quality silicone bags that won’t leak and are dishwasher safe are an ideal solution for easy storage and transport home.

Transferring and storing milk

After pumping into your reusable Willow milk containers, there are a few ways to transfer and store it, depending on your circumstances and how soon you plan to use your milk.

Keep your milk cold on the go 

A dedicated cooler both keeps your milk cold and helps you carry it discreetly.

Freeze your milk in bags

If you don’t plan to use your milk within a few days, you’ll need to freeze instead of refrigerate it. Freezer milk bags are especially handy because they’re easy to label, stack, and organize by date without taking up much space.

Looking after your breasts

Both pumping and direct breastfeeding involve a lot of touching, tugging, and pulling on sensitive areas. If your breasts and nipples are feeling it, you’ve got options.

Lubricate your nipples 

Throughout your pumping journey, and especially when you're pumping frequently, a little lubrication on your nipples can help your pump glide over your skin, reducing friction or chafing while improving the seal.

Massage sore and engorged breasts

Heat, massage, and showers can help prevent and/or relieve some of the most common breast conditions—including engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis.

Looking after yourself

It’s easy for your own self care to take a backseat when you’re managing life with a baby, but it’s important for both of you that you continue to look after yourself.

Nourish yourself 

Whether you’re planning your return to work or you just want a little help with mealtime, you’ve got options. Cooking and freezing meals ahead of time, getting support from loved ones, and investing in a healthy, recovery-focused meal program can help.

Support your supply

Tea is a tasty way to stay hydrated, and hydration is a key part of helping you maintain your supply. You can incorporate ingredients that might support milk production (known as galactagogues) into your breastfeeding repertoire.

Amplify your wardrobe

If your pre-pregnancy outfits aren’t quite right during your pumping journey, you can take some of the stress out of updating your wardrobe by trying subscriptions for rental clothing.