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. Efficiency. Elvie does the job, but even on its highest setting, it's not nearly as efficient or powerful as a hospital-grade pump, so in my experience, pump sessions take a little longer. By using a pump to express any remaining milk, you can relieve this discomfort and reduce the risk of developing these problems.

There is a bit of a learning curve with any portable pump, including this one, but the directions help you navigate that. It has a large selection of suction settings

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.

Wear the right bra. Your bra should keep Willow Go snug and secure, pressed uniformly against your breast. The pump should be supported at the top and bottom by a full coverage bra; Willow Go should be mostly covered by the bra. It’s gentle enough for frequent use, strong enough for good output, and pretty easy to use. The concerns for parts are easily remedied with a good wash routine, and hand washing to prevent warping extending the longevity of parts. I've been able to test both of these pumps while nursing my two sons.Though both Elvie and Willow are excellent options and comparable in many ways, there are some notable differences.Read on for more about each of these wearable smart pumps, plus pros and cons to consider as you shop. Elvie PumpClogged 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. Uses traditional pump suction pattern where you can toggle between stimulation and expression modes.

Comfort: Ensuring that your pump fits properly, maintains a strong suction and extracts milk painlessly will make all the difference in your pumping sessions. Many pumps come with flanges, also called shields, in different sizes (24mm is usually considered standard) that allow you to find the right one to fit your nipple. If you're new to pumping, it's smart to get at least two breast flange sizes if you're uncertain which will fit best, in advance of baby's arrival. Flanges are measured in millimeters, so take the metric side of a ruler and measure the width across the base of your nipple (not counting the areola) to find your ideal size. Remember to round up a few millimeters since you don't want any discomfort or rubbing. Some pumps, like the Willow, have a nipple sizing guide to make sure you're using the right one.Design. Elvie boasts a slim, curved design that fits nicely inside a bra. Although not fully invisible, it's relatively discreet. More parts to clean than the willow 3.0 (5 compared to 3), but they are EASIER to clean and it’s super intuitive to take apart and put together. Previously Thawed - Storage time (< 12 hours in fridge): Previously thawed breast milk can stay in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Frozen milk should be thawed in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that thawed breast milk should ideally be used within the first 24 hours if kept in the fridge, but within 1-2 hours when thawed at room temperature. Yes, some women are able to obtain a full or partial reimbursement for their Willow Pump and accessories through insurance! The outer shell of the milk container is thin and somewhat flexible - more so when warm from washing. This presents a concern for possible warping, but it is labeled as dishwasher safe.

A small percentage of moms may experience milk with a somewhat sour, soapy scent once it is thawed; this is not harmful to your baby. The smell is due to the presence of lipase, which is an enzyme that helps break down fats. For these moms, when breast milk is kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator, their active lipase enzyme will create a stronger scent. The longer this breast milk is stored, the more lipase activity will occur. Hands-free breast pumps can give breastfeeding parents the opportunity to go untethered while pumping, giving you more freedom to use your pumping time however you see fit. While you can't exactly run laps since you'll have to be careful that they don't leak, parents can fold some laundry or engage in some gentle chores while doing double duty. The question of how long you should pump after nursing ultimately depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. While it's not necessary to pump after every nursing session, there are benefits to consider, such as maintaining your milk supply and having a reserve of milk for future use.

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Yes, it was designed with large breasts in mind, up to H bra cups. Does the Willow Go pump work on small breasts? There are methods for storing breast milk in the freezer to ensure that your milk stays fresh. To avoid contamination, make sure that you are using BPA-free storage containers that are designed for storing breast milk. Be sure that your containers have a tight seal, and wash your hands before storing them. Make sure to read our detailed guide on how to get a free breast pump through insurance. It’scrazy easy and only takes a minute! Does insurance cover the Willow Go Breast Pump? One of the biggest benefits of the Willow is that it has helped alleviate my mom guilt. Leaving my baby to go to work was already tough, but finding time to pump on top of that was an added stressor. However, with the Willow, I can easily fit in pump sessions without feeling guilty or overwhelmed. It has made balancing my business career and motherhood so much easier. Maintaining a schedule can also be helpful. Establishing a routine for nursing and pumping can help regulate your milk supply and make it easier for both you and your baby to anticipate feeding times. However, it's important to listen to your body and adjust the schedule as needed. Flexibility is key!<