However, its also possible for the pump to shut off prematurely if the sensor is wrong. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We're here to help with tips, clues, and the answer. I felt like the Elvie was slightly less comfortable, but definitely more silent! This post refers to the Willow 3.0, but you can read more about the Willow Go here.). Having the option to pump into bags means that when you need to, you can pump lying down, while cleaning, etc. By Amanda Glenn, CLC. But when it came time to choose a pump, I was torn. Unfortunately, Willow's bags are more expensive than standard breast milk bags you can buy from a grocery store or pharmacy. I think you deserve to buy the things you want at a price you can afford. -Kourtney. Choosing Joy: What You See is What You Get. If you're using the proprietary Willow storage bags, you can buy them directly from the company for $23.99 for a package of 48. This is the first point of differentiation between the Willow and Elvie. (If you use the reusable milk container, that adds a third part.). More info here. Hey Kendra! A win-win!! THANK YOU! So, you have to be sure you flip the pump and let it all drain out fully. Giving my baby breast milk was a priority to me and because I was able to get my pump partially covered by insurance, it was much more affordable than buying formula would have been. The Elvie can handle a greater volume of milk produced in a session 5 ounces compared to 4 ounces for the Willow. While the Willow does advertise that you can lay down to pump, personally, I always felt more comfortable remaining upright. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If you're pumping with the Elvie, or the Willow's reusable milk container, you can store breast milk in freezer bags, which are available at most stores from brands like Lansinoh or Medela. Here's what I chose. In the end, the Elvie was a clear winner for me, and I was so happy with my experience using it. See you at your inbox! But now the Willow offers the same exact idea in a bottle attachment! All rights reserved. I have one thats bulky as all can be and LOUD, but it seems to work the best. How I do back to school clothes shopping as a mom of 4. Spoilers within. There are now a few wireless breast pumps on the market, and its hard to know which to choose Elvie vs Willow vs Momcozy. The Momcozy breast pump does not stop when its full, so you may need to check it periodically. You can choose your flange size and use the free Willow app to help you get started with the pump and control it remotely, all while monitoring your milk production without having to look down your shirt. It may be difficult or impossible to return an opened pump, and pumping with the wrong size breast shield can damage your nipples. (Idaho Jones makes a great case for wearable pumps as well as a special backpack that you can use to take your pump on the go. ELVIE: The Elvie definitely wins for being the very quietest pump I have ever used. If a typical day in the office (post-pandemic, hear me out) would require 2-3 pumping sessions, you'll need to bring another container with you to store the milk, or dump it into storage bags. But when youre a full-time pumping mom, thats definitely easier said than done. Using the apps, you can see how much youve pumped, and track pumping output over time for each breast. YES! There are some hands-free breast pumps that are not wireless, such as the Freemie Liberty (it fits in your bra but does have tubing and an external pump motor), but this article focuses on the best wireless breast pumps. Are there any deals on the Willow or Elvie pump? Compared to the discomfort of pumping every 2 hours with a traditional pump, the Elvie felt downright luxurious. Many moms pump a stash of milk prior to returning to work and freeze it. When I very first got my Willow Pump with Millie, I was frustrated the first time or two of trying to figure it out. Hey Kristen! Chaunie Brusie is a mom of five and a registered nurse turned writer, editor, and author. Corrine said that she felt like they were both equally good at suction and getting milk! However, exactly what type of pump that a policy covers can vary a lot. My own personal insurance let me purchase the pump, then submit paperwork to get reimbursed for their breast pump allotment, which came out to be about half of the cost of the pump. They can be sanitized using a dishwasher, a countertop sterilizer, or boiling water. These can also be washed by hand or on the top rack of the dishwasher. Im Amanda. Hope that helps! The Elvie is available for purchase either as a single pump or a set of two, while the Willow is only available as a set of two. The ULTIMATE backpack guide for every age. Please help! WILLOW: The Willow pump storage bags and reusable Milk Container hold up to 4 oz. "It was just a private joke, which is even more pure.". I found it easier to use, but that could be because I was already used to it from having used it so much with Millie? Stress has been found to play a role in inhibiting breastfeeding, so nursing parents are often told to try to relax when feeding their babies or pumping. Mint Arrow has been featured in Forbes, Women's Wear Daily, Business Insider, The Wall Street Journal, AdWeek and Allure. She and her husband Neil live in South Orange County with their 3 little girls and baby boy, she runs her blog and business with 7 team members, where they find the best daily deals and share favorite finds in fashion and beauty. Both the pump motor and the milk collection units are housed within the shell that fits in your bra, so pumping is completely convenient and 100% hands free. of milk. The main drawback I had with the pump is that it can be a challenge to clean. Thanks to a one-way valve, you also can't spill it at this stage. For me, losing my liquid gold was a deal-breaker. Elvies pump parts can be sterilized using boiling water, a microwave steam bag, or the dishwasher. The extra bottles that come with the Elvie create more flexibility in terms of milk storage options, and I didn't have to do as much cleaning right away. Currently, the Elvie and the Willow are the only pumps of their kind on the market. Momcozy offers phone (1-855-322-1777) and email (support@momcozy.com) support. If you measure wrong, you'll need to order a new part. Mint Arrow 2022. I have a call in 10 mins and the baby is going to need to be fed during the call! or Babe I have to leave for an appointment in 10 mins, can you please hurry and assemble my pump while I shower for the first time in two days?. In the end, BOTH the Willow and Elvie breast pumps are GREAT. Elvies charge will hold for about 2.5 hours of pumping, while Willow says that it lasts for about 5 pumping sessions. After years of minimal major improvements to breast pumps, we have come to live in an age of relative abundance. ELVIE: This will also be different according to what insurance you have but the Elvie Pump may be partially covered by your insurance plan. So at the end of the day you'd have three bottles of milk and one more to wash. Alternatively, you could use bottles 1 and 2 for Session 1, then combine it into a freezer bag and wash the bottles. I also loved that the suction could be changed on the actual pump instead of only on the app. Did one have better suction then the other? I LOVE the Kindred Bravely Sublime pumping and nursing bra. Both the Elvie and the Willow pump are the same exact price at around $500. I tried the Elive Pump with Harry and was genuinely so excited to be able to compare both! Save or Dump: Can I Feed My Baby This Breast Milk? Best Hands Free Breast Pump: Elvie vs Willow vs Momcozy (2022), Willow Pump Review Hands-free Pumping (2022), Best Portable Breast Pumps (2022 Reviews) , you can read more about the Willow Go here, the others are available separately from the website. WILLOW: The Willow Pump takes about two hours to fully charge. Wearing a snug bra keeps the Willow secure enough to do yoga or other moderate-intensity activities, even where the pump becomes inverted or when the user is lying down. You can see how they compare below: Image courtesy Adriana in the Facebook group. I also used my wearable pump when I traveled away from home and, like I mentioned before, I took it with me to work conferences when Millie was 6-8 months old if I needed to pump to keep my supply while I was away from her, and it was infinitely easier than having to pack and carry-on a bigger, more bulky pump. Required fields are marked *. Although I will say that while using the Elvie, I was able to do a lot of household activities, like bend over to do laundry and pick up my baby. What's going on? They can be washed by hand or on the top shelf of the dishwasher. If you have health insurance in the United States, you should be entitled to one breast pump, at no cost, per pregnancy. Elvie and Willow both have apps that are available for iOS and Android. Thanks for signing up. Corrine Stokoe is a blogger, podcaster and content creator behind the brand Mint Arrow. I would pump right before we went to the temple, on our way in the car, and then if it was a longer session, I could pump on our way home, too! If the baby is drinking all the pumped milk within a 24-hour period, then keeping the milk in bottles in the fridge will probably be the easiest choice. The Willow Pumpwill turn your world upside down!! As long as you wear a tight-fitting shirt or bra, you should be fine to move around while you use it. Even with working from home, I found a wearable pump EXTREMELY helpful if I really needed to be totally tuned-into a meeting instead of distracted by trying to feed my baby. Stuck on 'Wordle' #408? If so, how did it work?? In contrast, the Elvie's milk bottle is underneath the motor and visible from the outside, though your bra will be covering it while you pump. Pumping went from a dreaded chore that left me crazed trying to keep the baby happy on my own to something I could easily do while still holding or feeding her, or getting stuff done around the house. Our reviewer found this took a bit of practice, and she accidentally dumped milk all over her counter the first time she did it. It all comes down to the features that work best for you. Choosing between the Willow and the Elvie will probably come down to which features matter more to you, though knowing that in advance may be tricky for someone attempting to pump or breastfeed for the first time. Ah, theres the rub. As a self-proclaimed (and industry recognized!) In fact, when you buy a double pump, you are actually buying TWO pumps, one for each breast. In those cases, the baby may drink milk that's been defrosted and the newly-pumped milk will be frozen until it's used. The only problem? Elvies app also allows you to control the pump. While it is an investment, the pump is covered by some insurances (check with yours to confirm) and is HSA and FSA eligible. Unfortunately, you cannot return either pump once theyve been opened. I tried once and was very unsuccessful haha. If youre a breastfeeding mom or an exclusively pumping mom, chances are, youve probably heard of the Elvie and Willow hands free breast pumps. I was an EP mom with a decision to make: should I buy the Elvie or the Willow? You can get 10% off with the code EPUMP.). The Willow shuts off automatically when it senses that it's full. You'll need to wash them and store the milk in a second container to keep pumping. If interested, you can check their websites to see if you are eligible for the Elvie Pump through your insurance provider or you can contact your insurance provider directly as they will have information that is specific to you. Do you work? ELVIE: Probably even slightly easier to clean and definitely also dishwasher safe. To learn more click here. Corrine is passionate about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ as often as she can and teaching others to use social media for good. Sizes other than the ones listed are not supported for either pump. WILLOW: This pump is not necessarily advertised as hospital grade, but from their website they say, Willow has seven levels of suction in Expression phase that are comparable to most traditional double electric and hospital-grade. The containers and some pumping components are dishwasher-safe. The Willow Breast Pump is a hands free, wireless, double electric breast pump that allows for flexibility when you pump--you can even pump while laying down. Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale KIDS picks! This pump also made our goal of going on weekly temple dates so much more doable. That study determined how much milk you make really comes down to genetics instead of pumping vs. nursing at the breast, which can be good news for some people. Lets start off with the one Ive used longer, because I used this with TWO of my babies! I purchased the Elvie pump a few weeks into my pumping journey and it immediately changed my life. When looking at the Willow vs Elvie, the Willow is a comparable pump in terms of function, features, and price. You can review Willows sizing chart here, Elvies here, and Momcozys here. The Willow does have an option to buy a reusable plastic milk container that attaches to the pump. Elvie vs. Willow: Which Hands Free Breast Pump Is Right for You? 4 Reasons You're Getting Little or No Milk When Pumping. Each insurance company has its own policy regarding reimbursement for breast pumps, so once you have your pump, the next step is to check with your plan administrator to see what you qualify for. Originally Posted February 20, 2022. I feel like it gave me both my sanity back and my wish to provide my daughter with breast milk. They run on rechargeable batteries the Willow uses an A/V charger and the Elvie uses USB cables. It can be used with disposable milk bags that fit directly into the pump or with reusable milk containers that you fit directly into the pump. The milk containers are sold separately, and cost an additional $50, and require additional steps to secure into the pump. she walked me through exactly how to use it on my body with my nursing bra (the #1 recommended in this post!) Corrine said she doesnt have one she loves since she mostly pumped at home with her first two, and then switched to the willow for her 3rd and 4th, so sorry!! Neil, can you hurry and grab my pump? How much you will be able to produce as a pumping mom will varyaccording to a 2015 study that looked at pumping moms vs. nursing-at-the-breast parents, the same amount of milk was produced. The whole pump goes in your bra and you can control the pump manually, or use the app to switch it on. ELVIE: This pump uses bottles that are dishwasher safe so yes, that part can be reused! Learn how your comment data is processed. It made breast feeding through bottle feeding possible for me, and that was super important to me as a mom, so Im incredibly grateful I found this product. I only recommend products I love! Does the Elvie Pump or Willow Pump actually work? I had the best luck wearing my Willow Pump with a super blousy shirt like this or a very loose sweater like this! For full-time or exclusively pumping moms, it can give a freedom like never seen before. WILLOW: Yes it is easy to clean and the parts are all dishwasher safe! I also have to give a plug to the Willow Support team. It also promised to be quieter, and that promise was definitely delivered!! baby-gear guru, Ive gotten lots and LOTS of questions over the years about the best stroller, binky, burp cloth, and recently, which wearable breast pump is best! Willows suction range is similar to other pumps. From my perspective, it worked just as powerfully and effectively as my hospital-grade advertised pumps! Compared to the Willow, it was also a bit easier to assemble IF you didnt know how to assemble the Willow. Hi! Used with permission. If youre exclusively pumping and decide to get a Willow, I would recommend buying the reusable milk container, as just using the bags will get expensive. In fact, I found I was able to get more out of each pumping session, which I attributed to the fact that because I wasnt in as much pain and dreading the experience, I was able to relax more and have more my milk let down. ELVIE: The Elvie pump bottles hold 5 oz. A full charged battery will last about two and a half hours. Two Momcozy pumps are about $120. Because I had a large milk supply, I decided to go with the Elvie. But if you have no idea what Im talking about, both the Elvie and the Willow are hands free, wireless, double electric breast pumps. Hands free breast pumps can offer new moms amazing freedom! They arent connected at all and can work independently you can pump on one side or both sides using these pumps. Cost was a major concern for me in purchasing the Elvie and even though I was able to get some of my purchase reimbursed through insurance, lets be real: its still an expensive pump. (Many nurses and doctors in our Facebook group pump using the Willow because they are able to bend over and care for patients while pumping.). This hands-free breast pumphas literally been a complete and total GAME CHANGER for me. I scheduled a free consult with one of their amazing educators and (after confirming I was comfortable with this!) Its critical to make sure that you will fit one of the sizes for the pump that you choose! But youll have to use a separate bag to store or freeze milk. They also run a podcast called Mint Arrow Messages. Reusable milk containers can be purchased separately for $50, and a package of bags is $23.99 for 48. If you have used both of these pumps, Id love to know your favorite in the comments below. ELVIE: The Elvie Pump also takes about two hours to reach full charge. The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox. It honestly depends on WHY you want this pump. Not all wireless pumps are created equal. The Elvie Pump was also a more desirable option initially because you could use dishwasher-safe bottles to catch the milk instead of the made-for-Willow bags that were the only option when the Willow was first created. Session 3: Pump with bottles 2 and 4, then combine it into bottle 2. Nearly completely silent. The latest find stands nearly 10 feet tall. Giving her breast milk was still important to me, so I started down the road of becoming an EP momwithout really realizing what that meant. Hi, Im Corrine and its pretty simple. WILLOW: Not dead silent, but compared to my other favorite standard pump (and the MANY other standard pumps Ive tried over the years) it is very, very quiet. When you pump using the Willow, you can pump into. Plus, many insurances will at least partially cover the cost. ELVIE: The Elvie Pump does not have any information on their site about whether they claim theirs is hospital grade, but they do offer seven different levels of pumping just like the Willow. No deals right now, but we are always keeping an eye out! I'm a Certified Lactation Counselor and an experienced exclusive pumper. I seriously dont think you can go wrong with either one. Both fit directly into your bra or tank top and allow you to pump with total freedomyou dont have to be plugged in and there are no wires connecting you to the wall or to the pump. I havent used either since Im a new momma to be, but this was so helpful to see some pros and cons! Without the Elvie, I would have given up on pumping full-time far before I wanted to. If you are looking specifically for an insurance that offers the Elvie Pump via their plans, Elvie works with Durable Medical Equipment (DME) suppliers who partner with various insurance providers. The Elvie, the Willow, and the Momcozy are wireless breast pumps that you place into your nursing bra. This came in handy for me when I needed to pump in the car while traveling; I could just stash the dirty parts in a bag to wash at my destination. And when my husband had to go back to work, and I was left alone to get my other 4 school-aged children out the door and to school every morning, and care for the baby, I soon realized I would need some help if I wanted to continue pumping. However, retailers like Target or BuyBuyBaby may accept a return under certain circumstances, so you may want to check return policies before buying. The latest version of both the Elvie and the Willow are similarly priced at around $500 for two pumps. Some policies will cover the rental of a hospital-grade pump, others will cover a double electric pump, and some will just cover a manual pump. Both the Elvie and the Willow can be worn out of the house without being obvious. Both are wireless, hands free, with two main differences: the Willow claims to let you pump while laying down and uses bags or milk containers, but only holds 4 oz. The Willow also costs $499 and comes with 24 of the company's proprietary bags. My goal is to help make exclusively pumping as easy as possible for you, so that you can enjoy your baby! Willows warranty is one year from purchase, and they also cover the accessories for 90 days. One of the bigger differences is what you pump into: If you pump more than the bag or bottle holds, the Elvie and Willow will automatically stop to allow you to change out the bag or bottle, so you dont have to worry about overflowing. Others may allow you to choose your own pump, then get reimbursed. I was able to purchase mine full-price, then submit the receipt to my insurance company for a partial reimbursement, so its definitely something you should check with your own insurance company. Novak breaks down the strange lie Mindy Kaling told him on the set of 'The Office'. Since we think most users will opt for the double pump, that's what we'll be comparing in this post. All Rights Reserved. While I found the Elvie pump better for my personal needs, there is no right or wrong with this question. Momcozy has 5 parts and is dishwasher-safe. The Elvie (left) and Willow are cordless, rechargeable breast pumps that fit inside a nursing bra. You can download them from the app store and connect your pump. But this helps cut down cost and waste and also solves the problem of having to use exactly the amount in the bag since theyre not resealable. 24mm and 27mm, with inserts for 17mm, 19mm, and 21mm, Takes about 2 hours to charge; charge lasts for 2.5 hours of pumping, Takes about 2 hours to charge; charge lasts for about 5 pumping sessions, Takes 2 hours to charge, lasts for about an hour, Support via call or text during business hours, One year from purchase date; 90 days on pump parts. and I went from being confused to totally confident in how to use mine after one video call. Both the Elvie and Willow are self-contained breast pumps that are held in place with a full coverage nursing bra. Here are how the pumps compare so that you can choose the best hands free breast pump for you! So quiet that when Ive been in a room with other people, theyll walk up to me and have a full conversation with me and have no idea that Im pumping. -Kourtney, Your email address will not be published. Willow offers customers support via phone or text (1-888-WILLOW-3) during business hours. And if you're using the breast milk without freezing it, you'd use a disposable bag every time. However, both pumps come included with plenty of customer support, including FAQ guides and text and phone help if you run into a problem. Granted, by the time I tried the Willow, I was fully accustomed to my Elvie, so that could definitely be a factor, but for me, the learning curve was steep to get the Willow hands free breast pump set up and working correctly. You can then switch it out and keep pumping. Choosing which pump will be right for you. The discourse around a mysterious sauce and nutrition labels is the subject of memes across TikTok and Twitter. Session 2: Pump with bottles 3 and 4, then combine it all into bottle 3 and wash bottle 4. (Most people will want to double pump, and therefore will need one pump for each breast.). We're here to help with tips, clues, and the answer. 2021 TrulyMama.com All rights reserved. The Willow can pump breast milk directly into its proprietary bag, which is freezer-safe. So I dont think it works but Ive heard some people say they can! To see all my baby tips, favorites and MUST-haves, go to my best baby registry list ever. So for that reason, theyre extremely similar. Here is a little more detail on these differences. Some pumping parents might prefer the Willow, with its mobility options and bags. The Elvie and Willow have more features, but the Momcozy is much more affordable. The Elvie breast pump is a wearable, hands free, and completely wireless breast pump that has revolutionized the pumping game. These are my fave. Additionally, its important to note that there is a light on top of each pump when its operating, so if you want a pump thats completely discreet, youll have to wear a dark or thick shirt. The main difference between the Elvie vs Willow is that the Willow offers more flexibility in the positions you can pump inwhile you can move around while pumping with the Elvie (I bent over to do laundry and pick up my baby, for instance) the Willow claims that you can pump while laying down, which is a major plus. However, the Willow introduced their reusable milk containers that fit directly into the pump as a solution, making it comparable to the Elvie and giving pumping parents the option of using a bag or container. Let us know what you think if youve tried one! I didn't want to risk disrupting the seal and having to start over. Pumping all of my milk for my baby without giving her any formula quickly became a full-time job. However, if you are in a rush, a 20-minute charge will last for approximately one pumping session. I could pump virtually anywhere, very discreetly, without having to worry about plugging in or tubes or hiding gigantic pump bottles. Long answer: Theyre extremely comparable and I really think you cant go wrong with either one. The Elvie bottles, the Willow reusable containers, and the Momcozy collection cups may leak if you bend over. Share on Facebook (opens in a new window), Share on Flipboard (opens in a new window). I had bags and BAGS of frozen milk that I collected from my Willow pump, and my Elvie pump worked equally well. Below are the major differences between the Willow, Elvie, and Momcozy pumps at a glance. But if you dont need freedom to move around, there are many other types of breast pumps on the market to explore as well. (Updated April 2022: Willow came out with a new pump called with Willow Go. Wearing the Elvie didn't feel nearly secure enough to try exercise or significant moving around while pumping. The Willow can be challenging to put together for the first time, and it has a Flip to Finish maneuver that moves all the milk into the bag at the end of a session. Heres what I have to share about each hands free breast pump to help you decide what might be right for you. Game changer. 2022 Mashable, Inc. All Rights Reserved. There are absolutely cheaper ways to pump in a car (like this handheld pump!) This is an engineering achievement on its own. They're also more discreet to use. Willow has two parts to clean, the flange and a tube that connects to the pump. Overall, however, because I primarily used the pump at home, I had no issues with the lights, and having the Elvie completely changed my life. If the user isn't storing the milk, but just pumping to feed their baby shortly afterward, then the bag innovations of the Willow don't pay off, making the Elvie easier to deal with. As a first-time exclusive pumping mom, I definitely had concerns if I would produce the amount of milk that my baby needed without her actually nursing at the breast. Opened pumps may be difficult to return. Neil preferred helping me assemble the Elvie for this reason alone!