Why We Returned the Willow Pump
It was heavy, bulky, and loud. The Elvie Stride was better. Here's the comparison nobody tells you.
The Moment
Week 6 postpartum. I'm trying to pump while on a work call. I put on the Willow pump - the wearable one that's supposed to be discreet and portable.
It's loud. Really loud. Everyone on the call can hear it.
It's also heavy - so heavy that it's pulling my bra down. I have to hold it in place with my hands, which defeats the entire point of a wearable pump.
After the call, I take it off and weigh it. Each cup is almost a pound. When full of milk, it's heavier.
I return it that week and order the Elvie Stride instead. Night and day difference.
The Conflict
Wearable pumps promise freedom. Pump while working, cooking, taking care of baby. No cords, no sitting in one place, no feeling like a dairy cow hooked to a machine.
The Willow is the most popular wearable pump. It has great marketing. Tons of Instagram ads. Everyone talks about it.
But popularity doesn't mean it's the best option. Here's the reality:
Willow Problems
- Weight: Each cup weighs 10-12 oz empty. When full of milk, it's over a pound per side. That's too heavy for most bras.
- Noise: Louder than expected. You can't wear it on a call without people noticing.
- Size: Bulky. Visible under most shirts. Not actually discreet.
- Cleaning: More parts to wash. More complicated assembly.
- Bags vs. containers: You have to choose between disposable bags (expensive) or reusable containers (heavy).
What we compared
Willow 3.0 vs. Elvie Stride vs. Elvie Pump vs. Spectra S1 (traditional pump). The Elvie Stride won for portability, price, and ease of use. Traditional Spectra won for output and comfort. Willow came in last.
The Learning
After trying multiple pumps, here's what worked:
For Wearable: Elvie Stride
Lighter than Willow. Quieter. Half the price. Connects to a small hub instead of having the motor in the cups, so it's not as heavy. Still portable - the hub clips to your waist or goes in a pocket.
It's not truly hands-free in the way the Willow claims to be, but it's close enough and way more comfortable.
For Output: Spectra S1
Traditional pump, but portable (built-in battery). Not wearable, but more comfortable and better suction. If you're exclusively pumping or building a freezer stash, this is better than any wearable.
I used the Spectra at home, Elvie Stride on the go. Worked perfectly.
When Wearable Pumps Are Worth It
- You need to pump at work and don't have a private space
- You're pumping while caring for a toddler and need your hands free
- You're traveling or commuting and can't sit still for 20 minutes
When They're Not Worth It
- You're exclusively pumping (traditional pumps have better output)
- You pump at home where you can sit comfortably
- You're on a budget (traditional pumps are covered by insurance, wearables usually aren't)
What we use now
Elvie Stride for portable pumping. Spectra S1 at home. Elvie Curve (manual silicone collector) for catching letdown on the opposite side while nursing. Willow went back. No regrets.
The Updated Rule
Don't buy the Willow just because it's the most advertised. It's heavy, loud, and expensive. The Elvie Stride is better for most people.
How to choose a pump:
- Primary pump (at home): Get a traditional pump covered by insurance. Spectra S1 or Medela are both good.
- Portable/wearable (if needed): Elvie Stride. Lighter and cheaper than Willow, better output than Elvie Pump.
- Manual collector: Elvie Curve or Haaka (we preferred Elvie Curve - see separate field note on why we returned the Haaka).
And here's the thing: you might not need a wearable pump at all. If you can sit for 15-20 minutes to pump, a traditional pump works better and is free through insurance.
What I'd tell past me
Don't fall for the Instagram ads. The Willow looks good in photos but it's not comfortable in real life. Start with the insurance-covered Spectra. If you need portability, add the Elvie Stride later. You can always buy more gear - start with less and see what you actually need.
Not universal
Some people love the Willow. This is my experience. Your mileage may vary. If the Willow works for you, great. This is just what worked better for us.