The Top of Mind Newsletter by New Modern Mom is your guide to a fulfilling life, packed with wisdom on motherhood, travel, career, style and self care. Get the latest resources, news and musings right to your inbox.

Postpartum

Hands-Free Pumping: The Willow Go Breast Pump Review

NEW MODERN MOM

4/28/25

|

Written by:

Barbara Mighdoll

However you choose to feed your baby, one thing is for sure—it’s hard work, and it’s super personal. If breastfeeding in any form is on your list—whether exclusive, combo, pumping, or some mix that works for your life—I’m sure you’ve considered a hands-free pump.

And honestly? The options just keep getting better. Moms are busy, and the tools we use to keep up with our full days matter. The good news? Hands-free pumps are evolving, making it easier than ever to keep up with breast milk supply without being tied to a wall.

One of the most talked-about options right now? The Willow Go breast pump. I’m jumping into a full Willow Go breast pump review, covering everything from its design and features to what moms are saying about it—so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.

willow go breast pump review

Hands-free breast pumping

Modern moms today are showing up in all sorts of ways. We’re WFH, managing hybrid schedules, in the office, pausing our careers, or focusing on being a SAHM after our babies arrive. Wherever you are in this phase of life, if breastmilk is part of how you’re feeding your baby, then pumping might be too.

And being stuck to an outlet while trying to juggle a million other things in the day truly sucks. When you finally get a moment to yourself, the last thing you want to do is spend it tethered to the nearest outlet, holding pump parts in just the right position on you nipples.

The evolution of breastfeeding technology

Breastfeeding technology has come a long way, and hands-free breast pumps are more efficient and designed to fit into a mom’s busy life.

  • No more being attached to a wall—cordless, rechargeable options exist
  • Smaller, lightweight designs that fit in your bra
  • Quieter motors make pumping more discreet
  • Customizable suction settings that mimic natural nursing patterns
  • App connectivity that lets you track milk output and adjust settings
  • Fewer parts = easier cleaning and maintenance

Why hands-free pumping simplifies your daily routine

If you’ve ever used one of the traditional electric pumps, you know the drill—plug into an outlet or cross your fingers that the battery is fully charged and set up at a table with all the parts perfectly in place (been there). Suddenly, that precious nap-time window is spent stuck in one spot instead of soaking up a moment for yourself. And if you’re back at work? For many that means squeezing into a dark closet for your pumping break, hoping no one barges in while you’re fully exposed.

Going hands-free is pretty preferable, IMO. You can pump while:

  • Unloading the dishwasher
  • Answering emails at your desk (without playing a guessing game with your cover-up)
  • Driving home from daycare pickup
  • Grocery shopping
  • Reading a book or actually drinking a hot coffee

Pumping should work for you, not the other way around. 

The Willow Go breast pump review

A hands-free pump that actually lets you be hands-free? That’s the dream. (Trust me, some of these wearable breast pumps claim to be hands-free but are anything but, sadly). The Willow Go is one of the more popular wearable options out there, designed for moms who don’t have the time or desire to be in one spot while pumping (so, basically all of us). It’s wireless, portable, and made to fit right into your bra—so you can pump while getting stuff done.

But is it really as convenient as it sounds? Let's get into the details for this Willow Go breast pump review — how it fits, how strong the suction is, and what features make it stand out.

Design and ease of use

Here's how the Willow Go breast pump is thoughtfully designed to integrate seamlessly into a busy mom's life: 

  • In-bra, cord-free design: The pump fits entirely within your bra, eliminating the need for external cords or tubes, allowing for true hands-free pumping.
  • Easy assembly: With minimal parts, the Willow Go is straightforward to assemble and disassemble, making the pumping process more efficient. ​
  • Reusable containers: The Willow Go uses reusable milk containers, available in 5 oz and 7 oz sizes, which are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
  • App integration: The Willow Go connects to a dedicated app so you can control the pump, adjust suction levels, and monitor your sessions directly from your smartphone. (Worth noting—​you don't have to use the Willow app to operate the pump, it functions independently using the physical buttons on the device.) 

Suction strength and customizable settings

One of the biggest worries with wearable pumps? Whether they can actually keep up with a traditional pump. Moms understandably want convenience, but not at the expense of milk output. The Willow Go is designed to tackle that concern with hospital-grade suction and plenty of customization options to help you find what works best for you.

  • Hospital-grade suction: The Willow Go provides suction levels of up to -280 mmHg, comparable to many traditional pumps. ​
  • Adjustable settings: It features two pumping modes—Stimulation and Expression—with six different levels of suction in Stimulation and nine in Expression. This allows users to tailor the pumping experience to their comfort and efficiency preferences.

I also took a scroll through Reddit for this Willow Go pump review to see what moms had to say about the suction. If a pump doesn’t deliver on that front, nothing else really matters.

  • One user shared, “I love the Willow Go!! It's my primary pump and I'm 3 months in 😊 I get great output and love the wearable aspect.” ​
  • Another reviewer mentioned, “I absolutely love this pump!… I get the same output as my Spectra with my Willow.”

Key features for efficiency and convenience

  • Wearable design – No external tubes or wires, fits discreetly in your bra
  • Hospital-grade suction – Strong enough for efficient milk expression
  • Customizable settings – Multiple suction levels to adjust for comfort and output
  • On-pump controls – Physical buttons on top of the pump let you power on, switch modes, and adjust suction easily
  • Rechargeable battery – Lasts up to three pumping sessions per charge
  • Spill-proof containers – Securely holds milk, even when bending or moving
  • Quiet motor – Designed to be discreet for pumping anywhere
  • App connectivity (optional) – Track sessions and output, but not required for use
  • Easy to clean – Fewer parts than some other wearable pumps, but as one reviewer on Reddit mentioned, be sure all parts are completely dry before reassembling to get the best suction
key features of the willow go breast pump

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 3.1″ (L) x 4.7″ (W) x 5.3″ (H)
  • Weight: 0.85 lb
  • Suction: Up to -280 mmHg suction strength
  • Pumping modes: Stimulation and Expression modes
  • Suction levels: 6 suction levels in Stimulation mode, 9 in Expression mode
  • Battery life: Up to 5 sessions per 90-minute charge
  • Milk capacity: 5 oz milk capacity per container, 7 oz containers available separately
  • System type: Closed system with backflow protection
  • Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

Insurance and affordability

Breast pumps can be a big investment, but many insurance plans help cover the cost, and there are ways to make the Willow Go more affordable. Here’s what to know about pricing and insurance.

Price

$349.99

Understanding insurance coverage for Willow Go

Many insurance plans cover breast pumps, including wearable options like the Willow Go—but coverage varies. Here’s how to check your options and maximize savings:

  • Visit Aeroflow Breastpumps or Willow’s website to see if your insurance covers the Willow Go.
  • Call your insurance provider to confirm what’s included—some cover the full cost, while others offer partial reimbursement.
  • Use HSA/FSA funds if your plan allows—it’s an easy way to pay with pre-tax dollars.

Willow Go breast pump review: what moms are saying

It’s rare I buy anything at all without looking at a review. And when it comes to picking a breast pump, real mom reviews are everything. So I looked at what other moms are saying about the Willow Go, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive—especially when it comes to suction strength, convenience, and ease of use.

Here are some of the Willow Go wearable breast pump reviews other moms shared online:

  • “Will buy this over and over again!”
  • “The wearable that outshines them all. Within 25 minutes, I feel completely emptied out. The suction is far better than previous models I’ve tried, and the app makes customizing your settings automatically so nice.”
  • “Love the Willow Go pump. Makes pumping ‘on the go’ a breeze. Thanks, Willow!!!”
real moms reviews about the willow go

From what I’ve seen, moms love that this pump actually works—giving strong suction without being tied to an outlet. If you’re looking for a wearable option that lets you move around while still getting solid output, the Willow Go seems to be a favorite.

Wherever you are on your feeding journey, know that there are so many moms figuring it all out right alongside you. Whether you’re exclusively pumping, combo feeding, or just trying to get through one more day of the newborn stage, finding the right tools can make all the difference.

Some other little hacks that helped me? Having some tasty snacks on hand and focusing on nourishing meals (I was seriously surprised by how hard hunger hits when you're breastfeeding), staying hydrated (a giant water bottle and a packet of your favorite electrolytes will be your best friend), and—most importantly—letting go of any guilt about where you are in your feeding journey. Fed is best, and you’re doing great.

Author

This post may contain affiliate links including the Amazon Associates Program. When you make purchases through links in this post, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  I only endorse products I believe in.