Why Does My Willow Pump Keeps Gulping?

ByWinters Hours Updated:

For exclusive and regular pumpers, the Willow pump provides a hands-free solution that enables you to maintain your pumping routine while still having the freedom to work, complete a Zoom call or face-to-face meeting, play with your children, or even lie down for a nap.

Despite some challenges with the pump, the company appears committed to customer satisfaction and progress. We’ll talk about a few pros and cons and Willow pump-related issues in this article.

The Willow pump is designed for the following individuals:

  • Moms in the workplace who desire to work at a desk while pumping
  • Busy mothers who want to try the hands-free pump
  • Mothers whose lactation is established
  • Who have a flexible spending plan

Why Willow pump keeps gulping

Here are some of the reasons and solutions if the Willow pump keeps gulping.

  • The pump will swallow more frequently if there is a quick flow or if there is an air leak. Normal swallowing is what your sessions with Willow will be like as you grow used to pumping, and you can utilize odd swallowing patterns to discover any difficulties (for example, an air leak creates more “swallows” and bad alignment can be identified if the pump “swallows” less often).
  • It may take a minute for Willow to adjust to your increased milk supply if you hear gulping right away after increasing your suction level or suction strength settings past 3. These sounds can be reduced by raising the levels incrementally and waiting a little while between each increase.
  • Double ensure that the dial is set to position 1 while pumping if you frequently hear swallows or gulps while using the pump container. Another way to stop and/or avoid gulping is to rinse your container valve with vinegar.

Pros of the Willow pump

Here are a few of the major advantages of the Willow.

  • You can pump with Willow anywhere

Willow is wireless, which is practical. Pump practically anyplace by slipping the pump into your bra. You can simply pump while working, cleaning the house, doing yoga, or spending time with your other children.

The Willow is leak-proof when you use milk bags. If you work a demanding job, like a nurse, this is a tremendous advantage. If you have young children, having to move around constantly might also be a significant benefit.

  • You might pump longer and save money on formula if you breastfeed.

Another significant advantage is that you may be able to continue breastfeeding or pumping for a longer amount of time thanks to your freedom while doing so. With a cordless pump like the Willow, you can very much carry on with your daily activities. To latch the pumps, unlatch them, and store the milk, you only need a little break.

You can save money by continuing to breastfeed or pump for a longer period. You will save money on formula if you continue breastfeeding and pumping for a year. The formula can be very expensive. You can use Willow to pump while you’re relaxing or sleeping.

  • You can use Willow to pump while you’re relaxing or sleeping.

The Willow’s ability to allow you to recline or even close your eyes while pumping is one of its distinctive characteristics. It is quite convenient to be able to take a brief 20-minute nap while pumping.

You can even fasten the pumps and recline in bed if you are pumping at night to enhance your milk supply. If you are utilizing the milk bags, you don’t need to be concerned about leaking. This stands in stark contrast to a conventional pump where bottles and flanges are involved and spills are a concern.

  • Willow offers reusable containers to save money

With the third-generation pump, the Willow also offers the option of reusable containers. You can pump into reusable milk containers instead of using milk bags throughout each session if you like.

After washing and drying, you can use these containers for your subsequent pumping session. You won’t need to purchase milk bags for each pumping session as a result, which will enable you to save money. Visit the Willow website by clicking this link to learn more about reusable containers.

Cons of the Willow pump

The Willow pump has a few disadvantages as well. The cost is the largest one. Contrarily, giving your baby breast milk flow is like giving them liquid gold. It is inestimable.

  • The price tag

Willow’s costly pricing for the pump and accessories is its main flaw. To offset the cost of the pump or accessories like containers, disposable milk bags, or chargers, they do, however, frequently conduct promotions.

  • Learning curve to align the pump properly

Another drawback is that it can take some practice to properly place yourself in the cup when using the Willow. Because the cups are opaque, you cannot see how the pump is functioning even when you can latch the pump. To get the finest results from the Willow, you can experiment with a few different approaches.

You might have to use inserts. To get the best output, you might also need to reduce the size of your pumping flange by one size. Willow also provides excellent customer service. They have a crew available to assist you with any pump troubleshooting you might require.

  • Need to recharge the pump daily

The Willow’s next flaw is that you have to keep in mind to recharge the pump. One pump can only be charged at a time because there is only one charger in the box. Our best advice is to either buy a second charger or develop the practice of charging one pump at midday and the other pump at night to overcome this problem.

About five 20-minute pumping sessions should be possible on one charge. Most mothers who pump and breastfeed should be able to get by with just one daily charge for each pump. In the end, none of these drawbacks are particularly significant.

FAQs

Q1: How long should you use Willow to pump?

How long does one need to pump? You should pump for roughly 15 minutes with each session, or a total of 30 minutes if you double pump.

Q2: Can Willow match Spectra’s power?

The top two electric double breast pumps are without a doubt Willow and Spectra S1 Plus. It’s important if you intend to exclusively pump or store breast milk in the freezer that both of these are equally effective at expressing your milk.

Q3: Can you sleep while using a willow pump?

Yes! If you use Willow’s spill-proof milk bags, their patented method allows you to pump in any position, even while lying down. However, we do not advise pumping while you are asleep.