Your wearable Willow can offer so much freedom and flexibility on the go. But just like you had to get to know how to breastfeed your baby, there’s a learning curve with the pump. These are some of the top tips and tricks from moms on how to use your Willow Go.
Your pump’s performance
It might take a little time getting the hang of your wearable Willow Go, even if you’re a pro using other types of pumps. Just give it a little time. Typically by the time you’ve reached 10 pumping sessions, your body should adjust to your wearable.
Always check your size, especially if you’re new to pumping. We offer a variety of sizes to accommodate your fit. (You may need an insert to get the right fit. Most Willow moms use a 17- to 19mm insert.) The ideal time to measure your nipple size is before you pump or at least one hour after. Your nipples are likely at their largest around your delivery, so resize again a few weeks later, and then again around eight weeks postpartum, as well as anytime you feel discomfort or changes in output when you pump.
If you notice any changes in your pump’s performance or your own output, replace your parts. Worn or damaged parts can impact pump performance. We recommend replacing your pump accessories every 90 days.
No or low suction is a sign that your pump is assembled incorrectly. The tricky part of this diagnosis is that your pump might’ve worked fine the first few times, and then suddenly the suction drops. Check your diaphragm; one common issue is placing it backward when attaching it to the pump.
Don’t lose a drop: spill-free and leak-free pumping
You should be able to do most of your typical upright activities—walk around, play with your baby, drive, make dinner. It’s movement that involves leaning really far forward that might cause milk to splash out of the air gap at the top of your pump. A little leak or splash is most likely if your container is holding more than 4 ounces.
Your pump needs air flow for the pump motor to function properly. The pour spout at the top of your assembled Go also serves as an air vent, so be careful not to plug, cover up, or block it in any way. A full coverage pumping bra that covers the gap is fine because the fabric is breathable, allowing air to still flow.
You should be fine doing your normal activities, but take care when you remove your pump and pour out your milk. Lean forward slightly for one suction cycle just before powering off to empty any milk in the flange tunnel, and rock your pump back and forth as you finish pouring your milk to move any final drops out of the container. Some Willow parents even use the flange as a funnel to pour.
If you’re new to pumping and experiencing a leak, the most common issue is how you assembled it. Double check that the diaphragm is placed correctly. If you’ve been pumping successfully for a while, the most common issue is worn or damaged parts, like holes in the diaphragm, tears on the sides of the duckbill valve, and cracks or damage to the flange, container, and pump itself.
Inspect your parts carefully for cracks, tears, and other signs of wear
Optimize your comfort and output
The right bra is critical with a wearable pump. It affects your suction, output, mobility, and comfort. Your bra should be stretchy while also supportive and snug to your body. 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.
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.
Protect and maintain your pump
You have 60 days post-purchase to get one! Just enter your date of purchase and you can get two years of protection for everything from accidental damage, like dropping your pump, to mechanical and electrical breakdowns after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
What do I need to know about charging?
Take care when you charge. Make sure to insert the charging cable gently and straight-on — inserting at an angle (even just once!) can cause damage.
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 Go for 90 minutes to get a full charge.
We recommend replacing your pump parts 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. For Willow Go pumpers, replacing the diaphragm and duckbill is most critical for optimal performance.
Very! Your new pump comes equipped with the most up-to-date experience, but new firmware continues to improve on it. They’re basically free upgrades, giving your pump access to new features and a better experience without requiring updating the hardware itself. It’s easy to do and takes less than 10 minutes. Just make sure your phone is near your pumps when you do it. You can even update firmware while you’re pumping.
Get help
If you’re new to wearable pumps, follow these tips to get the output you want.
Using a wearable pump should be comfortable. Use our checklist to prevent issues down the road.
Once you’ve learned the basics and pumping is effective and comfortable, the next step is to optimize your routine.