Willow 360 makes pumping freely possible — but like any wearable pump, it can take a bit of time to get the hang of. For starters, since the leak-proof latch tugs continuously on the nipple, it may feel different than what you’re used to. And since sizing is so important, you may feel some discomfort or get less milk than you expected if you haven’t found the right flange fit. 

Why does size matter so much? 

If your Willow 360 doesn’t fit snugly, you may feel discomfort and experience lower-than-optimal milk volume. (In some cases, your pump might not even be able to latch, or start a session, if the fit is too loose.)

How do I find my flange fit? 

The first step in finding your fit is to measure the width of your nipples. You can easily do this at home using our cutout sizing tool or a cloth measuring tape. Once you have your measurements, you’ll want to add 0-2 mm to find the flange (or flange and insert combination) that works for you. 

What are inserts? 

Silicone sizing inserts fit inside of our 24 mm flange to give you a more snug and comfortable fit. They’re a great option for moms who need a size smaller than 21 mm. 

What do you mean by alignment? 

Alignment refers to how your pump is positioned on your breast. For optimal comfort and output, your nipple should always be in the center of the flange — you can check this by looking at the suction ring on your breast when you remove your pump. 

What kind of bra can I wear with my 360?

The right bra is critical — it impacts suction, output, comfort, and leak-proof mobility. Your bra should be stretchy but snug — just the top of each pump should peek out. If it’s too loose, your pump can slip around and fall away from your breasts, potentially causing leaks and impacting your pump’s performance.

What kind of movement can I do while pumping?

Your Willow 360 is built to support 360° of movement when using the Spill-Proof Milk Bags. You can bend over to pick up your baby, go for a walk, do laundry, stretch, or lay down on the couch without leaks. 

Am I supposed to cut the bag before I pump?

Absolutely not! If you cut the tab off the bag before your session, you’ll flood both pumps and ruin them, requiring a replacement. The dotted line with scissors shows you where to cut your bag once you’re ready to pour your milk into a bottle.

Will I ruin the bags if I crinkle them when assembling my pump?

No! It is okay to crinkle the milk bag to get it inside the flange as long as it is inserted all the way. Another option is to pump with the bags outside of the flange draped over the pump if you’re in a private space, like working from home.

There’s air in my milk bag. How do I prevent that?

Air can make its way into your milk bags if your flange is too large, or if you find yourself realigning it frequently while pumping. Try measuring yourself again to ensure you’ve got the right fit, and practice aligning before starting your session. 

How do I remove my pumps without spilling any milk? 

It’s totally normal to have some milk in the flange or container tunnel when you’re done pumping. To avoid losing milk when you remove your pump, we recommend using a technique we call “flip to finish.” Here’s how to do it: 

What’s causing my pump to leak?

It’s rare to experience leaking with your Willow 360. If you do, the most common issue is worn or damaged parts, such as cracks or damage to the flange, flextube, container, and pump itself.

Is it OK to leave milk in the milk bag after pumping? 

Yes! The bags are self-sealing and ready-to-store, so you can put them straight into the freezer or refrigerator after pumping.

What can I do to make my pump more comfortable? 

We call it S-B-A — size, bra, alignment! Aside from pumping with a well-fitting flange, you’ll want to make sure your bra is snug enough to hold your pumps in place, and that your nipple is centered in the flange.

Can I use nipple balm when I’m wearing my pump?

Yes! It’s totally fine to use nipple balm or cream to relieve dry and overworked skin. Not only will nipple balm not mess up your pump’s fit or performance, but if it makes you more comfortable, it might actually improve your milk volume.

How do I use pumping spray? 

Pumping spray can be applied directly on your pump flanges to help them glide more comfortably over your breasts. 

_{What should I do if I’m not getting the volume I expected?}

It might take a little time to adjust to your Willow 360, even if you’ve used a wearable pump before. Most moms find that they’ve gotten the hang of things after 10 pumping sessions — trust us, pumping freedom is worth the wait! To avoid any dips in your supply during this transition, you can try pumping on one side while breastfeeding on the other, or following up each pumping session with another one using your traditional pump.

What should I do if my pump isn't performing well?

Always check your flange fit, especially if you start feeling discomfort or notice a change in output. We offer a variety of flange sizes, and many moms find that sizing inserts help them get a more comfortable fit. (We’ve found that most moms see success with 17 mm or 19 mm inserts in our 24 mm flanges). The ideal time to measure your nipples is before you pump or at least one hour afterwards. If you need help finding your size, Willow 360 Care is here to help. 

What should I do if my flange fits but my pump performance changes?

If you notice any changes in your pump’s performance or your own output, try replacing your parts — worn or damaged parts take a toll! We recommend replacing your pump accessories (that’s your Flextube and containers, if you’re using them) every 90 days.  

Why is my pump running low on battery?

Make sure you’re keeping an eye on your charge! There are two places where you can check the status of your pump’s battery: in the app or via the LED lights on the pump itself. An orange light indicates that your battery is low and you might only have one session left. If it turns orange while you’re pumping, you should be fine to finish that session. Charge your Willow 360 for 20 minutes to pump for one session, or about two hours for a full charge (and about 5 pumping sessions). The light indicator will turn solid green.

How often should I get replacement parts?

We recommend replacing your pump parts (that’s your Flextube and containers, if you’re using them) every 90 days to maintain optimal performance. Everyday use, as well as the fat in your milk, naturally degrade the parts, and your first sign might be a drop in your output. You can also inspect each part regularly for signs of wear and damage.  

How important are firmware updates?

Firmware helps keep your pump running! While your pump comes equipped with the most up-to-date firmware, we’re continually making updates to give your pump access to new features and a better experience. It’s easy to do and takes less than 10 minutes. Just make sure your phone is near your pumps when you do it.