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Willow Go Breast Pump Review – From a Real Mom

By: Author Hannah

Posted on Last updated:

Willow Go Breast Pump Review – From a Real Mom

If you’ve been wanting to try the Willow 3.0 breast pump, but with a price tag of $499 or your insurance wouldn’t cover it, the brand new Willow Go breast pump for $349 is what you’ve been waiting for! JUST RELEASED in March 2022 is the brand new Willow Go breast pump! I ordered it within ten minutes of the launch. I had to try it out!

If you are a new mother and find yourself pumping once a day or nine times a day as I did, you’ll definitely want to invest in a hands-free wearable breast pump like the Willow Go. It is the only wearable breast pump that can store up to 14 oz of breast milk per session!

I was an exclusive pumper for both of my children, and there is no way I could have done it without a hands-free wearable pump. I currently own six breast pumps, and I was super excited about the Willow Go pump when it hit the market. You are reading an article written by a real mother who exclusively pumped two children!

I wanted to try it out to see how it compared to the Elvie Stride that came out in 2021. And let’s get real: I have a slight addiction to trying out the newest breast pump on the market. Always check to see if your insurance will cover all the costs or a portion. Click here to check your insurance cost.

Let’s review everything you need to know about the brand new Willow Go breast pump and why it might be the best hands-free breast pump for you.

How much does the Willow Go Breast Pump cost?

Without insurance, the Willow Go costs $349. You can purchase it directly with Willow here. Before paying outright, check to see if your health insurance will cover all or a portion of it. Click here to check it only takes 20 seconds.

Remember, for every pregnancy, your insurance should have breast pump coverage. Mine did not have a time frame before pregnancies, but some do.

Make sure to read our detailed guide on how to get a free breast pump through insurance. It’s crazy easy and only takes a minute!

Does insurance cover the Willow Go Breast Pump?

It is possible to see if your health insurance covers the Willow Go breast pump and how much of an upgrade it would be. Click here to check your coverage.

Many insurance companies have certain breast pumps that are free and covered at 100%, and then a list of other breast pump options and their upgrade price to you. For example, during my most recent pregnancy (this was before the Willow Go was on the market), I had the option of the Spectra S2 for free ( I already have this; I got it with my first child), S1 for a $35 upgrade, Spectra Gold for $75 (this is what I choose), or original Elvie double pump for $250 upgrade ( I already owned it).

Where can you buy the Willow Go?

You can purchase it easily and with super fast shipping here on Amazon. Several retail stores sell it and durable medical equipment companies (DME). I would suggest purchasing it from one of these vendors.

#1 – Best Willow Go Pumping Bra
Must-have bra – I have tried a TON of bras. Super tight ones work for me.

Buy Now

#2 – Best Willow Go Bag
I have tried several bags, and this one is by far the best. I like this bag that holds all my breast pump supplies for the day, has a cooler, and is affordable!

Buy Now

#3 – Best Breastmilk Storage
The Ceres Chill is a game-changer for those moms who pump at work or when they are pumping while out of the house and need to store their fresh breastmilk.

Buy Now
top of Willow Go breast pump controls

Willow Go Breast Pump Pros

  • Super portable
  • More affordable at $329 compared to the original Willow 3.0, which is $499
  • Insurance approved, find out how much your insurance will cover
  • Wireless breast pumping
  • Huge capacity, 14 oz capacity per session
  • Hospital-grade strength (up to 280 mmHg)
  • Reusable & dishwasher-safe collection cups
  • Willow app to track sessions and learn breast pumping tips
  • The battery lasts five pumping sessions on average
  • One-handed setup
  • Stimulation & Expression modes, with a total of 15 levels of suction
  • 90-minute charge cycle

Willow Go Breast Pump Cons

  • Still on the pricier side at $349
  • You cannot control the pump through the app (you can with the 3.0)
  • Not 360-degree mobility, so you can sleep in it or bend fully over
  • When wearing them, they make you super busty
  • Very hard to 100% conceal the pump while wearing
  • Getting replacement/spare parts is hard
Willow Go vs Willow 3.0 size

Willow Go Breast Pump Specifications

  • Dimensions: 3.1″(L) x 4.7″(W)X5.3″(H)
  • Weight: 0.85 lb

Is Willow Go Pump a Hospital Grade?

Yes, the Willow Go is a hospital-grade breast pump. The Willow Go has a hospital-grade suction of up to 280 mmHg, which makes it stronger than the Elvie Stride, which has suction of up to 270 mmHg.

Does the Willow Go really work?

Yes! Some women are nervous about breaking away from their traditional Spectra or Medela, afraid they won’t completely empty, or just in pure disbelief that pumping could be this easy and cord-free.

Is the Willow Go Breast pump worth it?

Every penny is worth it. To not be chained to the wall is worth more than $329 if you ask me.

Is the Willow Go Pump noticeable while wearing it?

Yes, it is. It will make you rather busty. Unless you are wearing a sweatshirt or sweater up to your neck, it will be nearly impossible for the top of the pump not to be peeking out.

How loud is the Willow Go Pump?

It is ultra-quiet. If you currently have their original Willow 3.0 pump, it is very similar to that. If you are working in a typical office setting, you most likely wouldn’t hear the noise at all over the typical office.

Willow Go breast pump box

What’s in the box?

  • 2 pumps
  • 2 flanges (21 mm)
  • 2 flanges (24 mm)
  • 2 container bowls (5 oz capacity)
  • 2 container backs
  • 2 pump diaphragms
  • 2 duckbill valves
  • 2 USB charging cables

How often do you have to replace Willow breast pump parts?

Willow suggests replacing parts every three months for optimal pumping. Order replacement parts here:

How long does the Willow Go breast pump battery last and take to charge?

A full battery should last you all day, with up to 5 pumping sessions. If you are like me and exclusively pumped, you know the first few months, you are pumping 8-10 times a day, which means you’ll have to charge it mid-day. A full charge takes less than 2 hours.

Cups on Willow Go hands free breast pump

Cleaning the Willow Go pump

Cleaning is super easy with only five parts, and it is dishwasher safe. I suggest putting the parts in something like this when putting them in the dishwasher.

That way, something doesn’t fall to the bottom and melt…trust this has happened to some of my breast pump parts. Learn from my mistakes.

Willow Breast Pump Warranty

There is a one-year warranty from the purchase date, while accessories and parts have a 90-day warranty. Make sure to keep your proof of purchase in order to have a warranty claim.

Willow Pump Protection Plan 2 Year

You can also purchase a 2-year protection plan for $29.99. I personally think it is worth it and highly suggest getting it. You can purchase the protection plan online when purchasing directly from Willow.

After you add the Willow Go to your cart, it will ask you if you want the extra 2-year protection plan. Click here for more details.

Here is what the Willow Go protection plan covers:

  • Mechanical and electrical breakdowns after the manufacturer’s warranty expires
  • Accidental damage from handling, like spills, drops, and cracks from the date of purchase
  • Replacement of your pump for a covered failure.

1x1 Portfolio

Other FAQ

Can you sleep with the Willow Go pump?

No, it does not have the full range of mobility like the 3.0 does. You can sleep with the Willow 3.0 as they have Spill-Proof milk bags.

Best pumping bra for the Willow Go

When pumping with a Willow pump, I love their Willow Perfect Pumping bra. My second favorite is the Kindred Bravely. You can get it on Amazon here or their website here. They often have deals on their website.

Does the Willow Go pump work on large breasts?

Yes, it was designed with large breasts in mind, up to H bra cups.

Does the Willow Go pump work on small breasts?

Yes!

Does the Willow Go pump hurt?

No, it does not hurt. When you pump/breastfeed for the first time after birth, your nipples are sensitive, but after a few pumping sessions, your body will adjust, and it will not hurt at all.

Which has stronger suction, Willow 3.0 or the Willow Go?

The Willow Go has more suction at up to 280 mmHg, and the Willow 3.0 has suction at up to 245 mmHg.

How many ounces does the Willow Go hold?

The collection cups it comes with are 5 oz each, but you can purchase 7 oz collection cups here on Willow’s site. A two-pack of collection cups is $34.99.

Elvie Stride Review Best Affordable Wireless Breast Pump

Willow Go vs. Elvie Stride?

I am a big Elvie lover, but I think Willow wins for the best affordable wearable breast pump, and here is why:

  • No wires, whereas the Elvie Stride has wires, and you have to wear the pump on your waist.
  • Much cheaper replacement parts. The Elvie Stride parts are crazy expensive. I am talking $70+ for one set of parts.
  • Slightly stronger

Elvie Pump vs Elvie Stride – Which is Better?

For those currently using the Willow pump, I’d love to hear your thoughts and tips/tricks on it below.

Do you think it is the best hands-free wearable breast pump on the market?

Other Must-Have Items for Breastfeeding & Exclusively Pumping Mothers

  • Best Willow Go Pumping Bra – I have tried a TON. For me, super tight ones work. If I am in a pinch, a sports bra will work.
  • Good Willow Breast Pump Bag – This is a good bag option to carry the Willow Go pump and has room for bottles.
  • Best Bottle Drying Rack – It’s super cheap and compact. I have one in my suitcase for travel, two in my kitchen, and one in my cabin.
  • Nipple Cream – Don’t forget to put this on every time! I have used all different brands, and they all have been fine. I just most recently bought the one linked there and really liked it.
  • LaVie warming Lactation Massager – This thing warms & massages which helps improve milk flow and makes pumping faster. It REALLY helps with clogged ducts and engorgement. I am speaking from a painful experience. I have two of these, but you can buy just one and switch sides.
  • Breast pads – Again, any brand will work, I typically get this cheap brand from Target, which does the job. NOTE I am not a big leaker.
  • Hot & Cold therapy packs – For under $10, these are great because they can be thrown in the freezer for cool relief and put in the microwave to warm up your breasts. These really helped me when my milk first came in.
  • Clogged Duct Relief – Legendairy Milk sunflower lecithin helped me and several friends loosen clogged ducts and then help prevent them. I took this daily after my first clogged duct.
  • Help increase milk production – If you are struggling with your supply, I suggest trying Legendairy Milk Liquid Gold.
  • Breast milk storage bags – I honestly haven’t had an issue with any other brands I’ve used. I like the price point of the Dr. Browns bags, so I buy them the most.
  • Haaka – Yes, you really need one or two (I have two). Yes, they really work. When you get out of a hot shower and are leaking, you can just throw this on to catch the milk.
  • Cheap Bottle Warmer – I have tried several, and this cheap one is my favorite. The Dr. Browns bottle warmer was terrible…Once you go to 100% formula, I cannot recommend the Baby Brezza – We love this thing. Now, with baby number two, we have two of them, one in the kitchen and one in our bedroom. Click here to read our Baby Brezza Formula Pro review. We swear by it!
  • Sterilizer Bags – You’ll want these to sterilize new bottles, parts, pacifiers, etc. I also use them when traveling. They are cheap, and you can use each bag twenty times.

So, once you decide which breast pump is best for you, make sure to put it on your baby registry list.

Make sure you put some of our other favorite baby items. Here are a few other items we personally own and swear by that you might want to add to your baby registry:

If you travel often, here are some of our flying with toddler tips. Planning a Disney trip? Make sure you know the Disney stroller rules first!