Elvie vs Willow Pumps: Choosing the Best Breastfeeding Gadget
Before leaving the maternity ward, the nurses told us that the best way to increase milk supply is to pump. They explained all about extraction, etc., but we can't say that we listened. The idea of being hooked up to some kind an apparatus to extract milk didn’t seem like something we would do. We found it strange that any woman would because it sounded as if it is implied that women become reduced to milk supplying machines when they become mothers. But our baby was our world! So we figured - let’s try breastfeeding, and then try formula if things won’t be well.
We also asked our friend Julie for help and being a mother herself, she said something along the line: “But, you DO know that breast milk is a better food option than any formula? Even World Health Organization said so. Why don't you try pumping instead? There must be some models that will not make you feel weird". She used a wearable breast pump when feeding her younger son. Moreover, Julie told us that these new models of hands-free breast pumps became a big hit recently, and all the busy moms are using them. After thinking about it, we decided to give it a go and started looking for the best breast pump. It turned out she was telling the truth. It became such hype that the market is expected to grow at 8.2% CAGR. Our minds and eyes were stuck on two models Elvie and Willow! These two gadgets appear to be almost identical. However, some differences can play a defining role when investing.
What Are Wearable Pumps and Are They Worth it?
We can say that the best hands-free breast pump is a real game-changer, and here is why. We know that there isn’t healthier food for the little ones than breast milk. And the American Academy of Pediatrics claims that we should breastfeed at least during the first year of a baby’s life. And if you opt for breastfeeding be prepared that it will take between six and eight hours per day. Pumping will take even more. This is quite intimidating, isn’t it? However, it doesn’t need to be, but you need a wearable pump.
Wearable pumps are breast pumps that you can wear under your clothes and do whatever you want or need to do during the time they extract the milk. You can use them when working, traveling, reading a book and enjoying time with your friends. And to get as much comfort, you need only the best pumping bra. There are several models out there. However, we chose today to talk about the similarities and differences between Elvie vs. Willow. We will also mention some breast pumping tips.
Elvie Breast Pump Overview
- SILENT: Revolutionary technology eliminates noise so that you can pump in peace - anytime, anywhere. It’s in stealth mode so that you don’t have to be.
- WEARABLE: Small and lightweight, Elvie Pump is worn inside a standard nursing bra, making it truly hands-free. Nothing to tie you down or slow you down.
- HASSLE-FREE: From setup to clean up, using Elvie Pump is simple - it has just 5 parts to clean and takes seconds to assemble. No cords, no wardrobe changes, no fuss.
- SMART: Connect to the free Elvie Pump app to monitor milk volume in real time, track pumping history for each breast and control the pump remotely.
- RESPONSIVE: Elvie Pump automatically switches from Stimulation into Expression mode when it detects let-down and will pause when the bottle is full. One less thing you need to think about.
If you are looking to buy a breast pump, you are probably most curious to know how it performs when used daily. First, it is necessary to say that the Elvie pump is all in one device. All parts are discreetly placed in one unit, which you can put in your bra. That means it is a cordless and wearable device. Keep in mind that it is best to wear a nursing bra when using this pump. Elvie features snap-on bra extenders, which make the whole process simple. It comes with two Bluetooth compatible hubs, two – size plastic breast shields, and two plastic milk containers. Before using the pump, you need to charge it with a micro USB cable. It takes about two hours for it to get fully charged. You can control the device through the Elvie app you can install on your phone.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Willow Breast Pump Overview
- COMPLETELY MOBILE & SPILL PROOF: Willow Generation 3 Pump fits in your bra and goes where you go. Patented, no-spill technology makes Willow the only pump that can be used in any position – even lying down or doing yoga.
- ENGINEERED FOR MORE MILK & MORE COMFORT: Generation 3 offers 7 levels of suction comparable to most traditional double electric and hospital grade pumps, as well as a sensitivity setting for comfort. Smart Suction technology adjusts based on your preference to help you get more milk.
- COMPLIMENTARY 1:1 COACHING: Our breakthrough technology is unlike any other pump on the market. Our all-mom team of experts are here to help maximize your milk output, in addition to the on-boarding videos available in the Willow App.
- PUMP INTO STORAGE BAGS OR REUSABLE CONTAINERS: Pump on the go and keep milk safe with spill-proof, self-sealing hygienic storage bags or pump, pour, repeat with reusable containers (sold separately).
- QUIET & HASSLE FREE: No loud sucking sounds. Easy to assemble, with just a few dishwasher-safe parts to clean. 1 year manufacturer's warranty.
Willow breast pump is also a cordless and wearable device. It fits perfectly into the bra, and thus you can do whatever you want while pumping. If you use bags, you can even extract milk while laying. It is a small and lightweight pump, which is excellent if you are moving a lot. Cleaning it will be simple because you have only two parts (if you are using bags) and four parts (in case you use containers). Also, according to a lot of breast pump reviews, it is quiet compared to traditional pumps. So it’s discreet. Oh, and you can control it via an app on your phone.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Elvie vs. Willow Side by Side Comparison
| Elvie | Willow | |
| Pump strength | 220mmHG | 245mmHg |
| Pump controls | 2 phase pumping with seven settings/td> | Smart suction/ 7 suction levels |
| Capacity | 5-ounce bottles | 4-ounce bags / 4-ounce containers |
| Portability | Yes | Yese |
| Noise level | Silent | Very quiet |
| Special features | The smart pump connects to the phone | Willow app |
| Closed/Open system | Closed system | Closed system |
| It comes with |
|
|
| Warranty | 2 years on motor and 90 on accessories | 1 warranty |
Design
The main difference in design between Elvie vs. Willow is in the actual pumps. You can buy one Elvie pump at the time. Willow pumps always come in pairs. Elvie pump design is universal, which means you can use it on both breasts.
Size
The flanges on these pumps come in different sizes. Willow offers the possibility to choose between 21mm, 24mm, and 27mm. Elvie flanges come in two sizes 24mm and 28 mm. If you need 21mm flanges, you can buy them separately.
Maintenance
With Willow, you have only three parts that you need to clean. You can wash them by hand or put them in a dishwasher. Elvie, on another hand, has five parts that need to be washed. It sounds daunting, right? Nonetheless, when you learn that you can sanitize them in the microwave, Elvie doesn’t seem so scary, does it?
Performance
When we look at Elvie vs. Willow 2023, we see that there aren’t so many differences regarding performance. The main difference is that Willow has different suction levels. The suction power is also a bit better.
Overall Key Differences
- Elvie is not totally spill-proof
- Willow is noisier than Elvie
- Willow comes with bags; Elvie has only bottles
- The capacity of Willow containers is 4 ounces, while the capacity of Elvie containers is 5 ounces
- Elvie can have a single, while Willow is always a double pump
Using a Wearable Brest Pump: General Tips
- Always check the alignment
- Lean back as much as you can
- Massage the breasts to encourage flow
Conclusion
Finally, we have to say that it is not simple to decide between Willow vs. Elvie breast pump. As you could notice, they are both powerful pumps that will extract more than enough milk. Willow offers the possibility to extract while resting, which is something some women prefer. Elvie, on another hand, can be used as a single pump. It makes it more affordable! So hopefully these little tips will help you choose between Willow or Elvie, and feel a lot more calm and comfortable!
So, which of these two pumps would you like to buy? Can you share with us your reasons?
related reviews
-
-
-
-
-
