How to Use Your Willow Breast Pump // Momma Alia

In this Willow breast pump tutorial, I'll show you how to use your Willow Breast Pump Generation 3. This tutorial should also help with the Willow pump 2.0 or 1.0 also! The description does contain affiliate links. I also have a Willow breast pump generation 3 review as well! Please leave any questions or comments below!
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Purchase the Willow Breast Pump through my affiliate link at no added cost to you. Thank you if you shop through my links!
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0:00 Intro
0:42 Parts
3:14 Assembly w/ Container
5:30 Assembly w/ Bag
7:00 How to Pump
9:09 Flip to Finish w/ Bag
11:00 Flip to Finish w/ Container
13:05 Extras
- Check out my Amazon page to see all my breastfeeding essentials, must haves and the equipment I used!
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Momma Alia is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This video contains MagicLink affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links at no added cost to you.
*DISCLAIMER: While I do sometimes receive products for free or at a discounted price I would never waste my viewers’ time with products I don’t personally use and love. I’m honest no matter what and all opinions are 110% my own!
#MommaAlia #WillowGeneration3 #HowToUseYourWillowBreastPump

[@trudy-annmcfarlane2406]

You just get straight to the point , awesome video. You explain everything perfectly.

[@MommaAlia]

Thank you so much!

[@ellikarlsson5605]

Omgosh I got the smaller flange and then rewatched this vid regarding how to put the bags in. I’m so greatful for this vid. I watched so manny. ,,but this one was the most clear

[@borayom8695]

Thank you so much for making this video! I have watched countless videos on Willow, and yours is the best that made me use both container and disposable bags at ease.

[@MommaAlia]

So happy to hear that!!❤️

[@hannahherber3951]

This was sooo helpful! Thank you so much for this video! 💕 just did my first pump session with the Willow 3.0 with your help 😊

[@karinadavis2439]

Thank you for this video. You have helped me set up this pump and the medela max flow. I really appreciate you getting straight to the teaching.

[@katelynnwilliams2771]

How do you like the willow from the max flow?

[@guadalupezavala1647]

Love your video! Clear and easy to understand all the parts! Honestly the best how to video ive seen! Y

[@MommaAlia]

So happy to hear that!❤️

[@aubreyjclark]

thank you so much for the thorough video. I had someone gift me this pump bc they ended up not sticking with breast feeding so the instructions were not in the bag. this helped so much!

[@jennifercarrillo8853]

Great video - especially while trying to become familiar with my new pump. It looked intimidating and so I have been putting it off - but your walk through has definitely helped. Thank you

[@jonasmacs]

Thank you so much. This explained everything really well. We hadn’t seen the bag attachment, and we’re trying to figure out how to put the bags in the full containers. Thank you again

[@MommaAlia]

Of course!! Happy to help!

[@vivieni-g]

Thank you, so much, for this video. I had our baby girl at 28w6d and she's in the NICU, due to COVID-19 the visiting times are limited so I'm having to start this pumping journey without her. I really appreciate the time and effort you put in to this video- postpartum and baby in NICU means I've lost my mind for a little while and you made this so easy to start. Thanks again!

[@MommaAlia]

Congrats momma!💕 I’m so glad my videos could help and my heart goes out to your family! These are such hard times and to have a little NICU fighter with visiting limitations on top of it isn’t fair. But it sounds like you’re doing awesome all things considered! I hope she thrives and is able to be with you as soon as possible🤍🤍

[@mariahjane7401]

Going to need this video soon so happy you made it!

[@MommaAlia]

🥰❤️

[@jannmendoza1984]

thank you so much it was very helpful im getting mine today hopefully i will get the hang of it since i have the ones that are stuck to the wall.

[@susanmarkusson3570]

Thank you! This helped out so much.

[@alexandriahilton8601]

Very helpful video! Thank you so much! I'm waiting for mine to come in. ❤️

[@MommaAlia]

Yay, so happy it can help!💕

[@kristeenrockafellow2]

Thank you so much for this video! I was really struggling when I detach the reusable container on when to use the one or the two! I was also struggling with emptying it lol this video helped me with both those issues thank you so much!

[@MommaAlia]

Aw yay!🥰🥰🥰

[@migtriece]

Great video. I am 30 days out from delivery, so I'm trying to prepare. Thanks for all this info.

[@MommaAlia]

Happy to help momma! Good luck💕

[@Darchellebooksandplanners]

This was very helpful!

[@dayamy08]

Thank you so much!!! 1st time momma here and I’m prepping for sept

[@AniAvetisyan]

Great video! Just got mine today 😊

[@AliaForever210]

Thank you for this video, it was very helpful. I just purchased this pump today and I can’t wait to use it.

[@MommaAlia]

Happy to help!🥰

[@zekatvoman7122]

Hi Momma! Love your videos! Thank you for taking time to do these reviews :) Any idea if I can steam sterilize the containers? Thank you!

[@MommaAlia]

Hey! So happy to help! They have recommendations in their use guides and I do believe those are online!😊

[@kiaraleos1614]

Thank you ! Great instructions 😀

[@MommaAlia]

Happy to help!🖤

[@nastyxa28]

First time user, thanks for your help!❤

[@MommaAlia]

Happy to help!🥰❤️

[@elizwen1222]

Thank you for this video! Lol getting the milk out of the tunnel was SO SATISFYING 😍🤣 I hate when I see all the milk left in the tunnel of my other wearable pumps!!

[@kristinejohnson5951]

Ordering one today!

[@MommaAlia]

Hope you enjoy it momma!

[@nicolecook1245]

Awesome video!!!!

[@jameschambers5514]

Thanks for the great video!

[@MommaAlia]

Glad you liked it!

[@jadeDamom]

Thank you for posting this video, I read the instructions but I guess my brain is too foggy to understand English words lol. I was losing milk because I didn’t know how to get that suction at the end. Thank you love😘

[@mskdub007]

Who are the 4ppl who disliked this video.... like Seriously? It's so thorough. Question, what's the 1 and 2 tab thing for? What do they do when it's on 1 vs 2?

[@lepast5443]

I loved the video thank you!

[@MommaAlia]

Happy to help!🖤

[@Rosecourt94]

Omg thank you

[@carlarobertson3368]

Thank you!🙌🏾

[@veebee1550]

The amount of times I reference this video 🤯 I feel like most these views are me lmao THANK YOU 💕

[@lmef26]

Thank you thank you !!!!

[@munchkinm6929]

This was so helpful and so easy to follow thank you so much. I got eight ounces on my first try.

[@cguillen5458]

Good morning moms, FTM here…for those of you using Willow 3.0 BP and are pumping directly to the bag, how are you storing them? I am looking for a freezer storage organizer. Thank you in advance! 🙏🏻

[@JenniferLevi6]

I want this pump so so badly!!

[@susyquintero2422]

It’s sooooo worth it! I just got it last week. Learning curve is real hahaha but it’s increased my output.

[@marionchadwick08]

On sale now on Amazon for 399

[@tzchicsta]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤thank you so much got one given to me and had no instructions and I was definitely confuzzled😂😂😂😂😂😅

[@jennc.5624]

Thank you for this video

[@MommaAlia]

Of course! Happy to help!

[@francesmunaraparicio4032]

Could you make a video on how to dissasemble the pump ? In order to clean it . Thank you so mucho for the video !

[@heidiwolfe5819]

Thank you for this. I really want, but have been reading very bad reviews.

[@MommaAlia]

Happy to help!🥰

[@shawntayllorence619]

Thanks!

[@reeba66]

Hi love your videos ... i have one question if i fill the container or bag and i still need to pump do i do a flip to finish or do i empty it without and continue ?

[@MommaAlia]

Thank you so much! No matter which one you’re needing to switch out/empty and get back to pumping, you have to flip to finish. That makes sure all the milk is where it’s suppose to be. It looks like it takes awhile (because I was taking it slow for the video) but it only takes a minute or two for me to flip, empty, and get back to pumping!

[@lundgrenmarissa]

Pumping at work, are you able to store the reusable container in the fridge between so I don't have to clean each time...no where good to clean

[@rans0927]

I just started using it today. Every time I tried to take the milk bag out, there would be spills from the Flextube. I don’t know why and I did everything you did before taking the milk bag.

[@MommaAlia]

I haven’t experienced that so I would reach out to their customer service! They’d be better at trouble shooting than I am. Sorry I’m not more help!💕

[@sweetipi67]

Hi, You touched on being able to lay down and pump with the bags, assuming you can’t with reusable container? Is there anything else you’ve found you can or can’t do with one receptacle or the other?

[@MommaAlia]

With the bags I was able to do anything I normally would do. I could still bend over with the containers but not to a great degree or lay down with the bags.

[@user-hq4nv8vk2p]

Hello! Will you show and explain how to sanitize parts before first use? I’m not sure which parts I need to sanitize with the reusable containers. Also, where in this video did you get the glass bottles? Thank you so much for your help!!

[@kristinedelacruz1030]

When you are done pumping in the bags do you press pause or just unlatch? I'm a little confused. Just got it today. I noticed what I pumped in 20min w madela took 55min with willow. Will this always be this way or will my body adjust?

[@kuuipotaketa9474]

Do you need to purchase the inserts for the milk containers or can you just use the flange it comes with?

[@kaseylperry]

If I don’t fill the 4 oz in the bag can I wait till next feeding and use the bag again? Feels like a waste of bag if I am only filling it with an oz. Suggestions? 🥰

[@benopie7772]

Hi thanks for the video we recently got this pump the one problem we’re having with it is the milk is pooling up in the flange tunnel where the nipple sits and not being sucked into the milk bag its happening on both , any ideas? Thanks again.

[@tanisha5556]

Same here

[@lilyeskew3424]

check your flange size !!

[@mariahjane7401]

Do the reusable containers come with a set of flex tubes too? Or is it just the one set that comes with the pump? How often do they need replaced? Also as far as cleaning goes how difficult is it to get inside the reusable containers and get them clean?

[@MommaAlia]

The reusable containers do come with their own flex tubes! They shouldn’t need replaced unless they get damaged. And a regular sponge helps get the deep spots!

[@mariahjane7401]

@@MommaAlia awesome! I'm so glad you clarified! I also bought another set I thought maybe they were like the duck valve or back flow protecter things that needed replaced every 4-6 weeks!

[@trishmccrary6704]

I have this pump. I bought smaller inserts because I’ve been told it has to be exact. Do you find this to be true? I use a 21mm with my spectra

[@MommaAlia]

I find their size guide to be accurate!

[@samanthaheizer-metcalf9703]

I have been really debating brining my milk back in now that my son can safely process the bilirubin levels because he is 9 months old. I was diagnosed with breastmilk jaundice and had to stop Providing breastmilk after 10 days of birth before it killed my son or cause permanent damage. Sadly I don’t think I can successfully bring back my milk without a wearable pump like willow. Unfortunately, insurance companies only cover one pump 😞

[@MommaAlia]

Ah momma that’s so tough! I really wish there was a better policy on breast pumps😞 or that they were more affordable. Could Freemie cups be an option for you?

[@davidcarroll2946]

I was told that by a very nice young lady that the only thing people don't have on these thing is about how you get started first beginnings

[@MommaAlia]

Hopefully this helps then!!

[@esteroverton-hunter3293]

Thank you for the video. I was wondering if this connect to the app and how it works, Before purchasing.

[@MommaAlia]

Happy to help!🥰

[@ellikarlsson5605]

Thank u . If I’m just pumping a little bit though, can I just be that I’m not producing that much milk or incorrect flange size? Because I did have the Elvie the first few days after giving birth, I’m now currently at one week, but I had to exchange the LV for the Willow, and I am now only getting a little bit of milk compared to what I did get with the Elvie

[@MommaAlia]

Happy to help! So you’re saying you got more milk with the Elvie than the Willow? I would double check your size on the flange. That could be it but there is a possibility you could just respond better to the Willow. I personally think they feel pretty different!

[@ellikarlsson5605]

Momma Alia correct. So I ordered the 21 mm with the Willow off of Amazon. Surprisingly it’s half the price on Amazon that it is on target

[@nurulfairuzhajiali8532]

I have the Gen 2 and the suction is way too intense for me (sometimes uncomfortable) though it did emptied me faster. I might need to purchase the containers because i filled up the bags more than 4 oz easily every single session 😥 (the bags are so expensive 😓)

[@MommaAlia]

Aw I’m sorry to hear that momma! The reusable containers would be great for that

[@SooraBarbourah]

Do you think Willow pump better than medela sonata?

[@lisastaack4657]

Thank you! How do you clean them? Do you think I could buy a used one?

[@MommaAlia]

The shields and reusable containers come apart in pieces so you can get a bottle brush in most the places. However some tighter spots are harder to get. There's definitely many available on the used pump market! If I was going that route I would just replace with all plastic parts to start fresh for myself and make sure I was buying somewhere that the purchase was protected against any scams!

[@user-jp8ee5mp3m]

So I was just given one of these, I see some insert pieces and I'm wondering what they are for I didn't see you assemble any inserts. Do they go in for a better suction?

[@samanthamadison8568]

I just received my willow today and I was a little confused because mine does not have the blue thumb area on the flange you use with the bags . My instruction manual shows it with the blue thumb area but mine is clear. Is that something they just recently changed? Seems like what you show would help with gripping that area?

[@kileymadd]

The ones that are clear are the ones that use the bags, the reusable containers are completely different that you have to purchase separately.

[@stephaniemedeiros6218]

I’ve had so much trouble with my willow 3 and the reusable container exploding when I try and open it, I think I see what I’m doing wrong so I’m going to try this out and see if I can get it right.

[@MommaAlia]

I hope this helps!!

[@ludmilaa1553]

Thank you! Can I use the bag more than once? Also, if I’m out of bags and don’t have the container, can I still pump?

[@jayjayg2392]

The bags are only a one time use, so you can't reuse them. If you don't have the bags or containers then your unfortunately can't use the willow pump. I recommend you purchase the containers if you pump regularly since the bags are pricy.

[@MommaAlia]

I agree and can confirm what Judith said! The bags can get very expensive and I highly recommend the reusable container. For me it was also just easier to manage than putting in a bag every time. But that’s just my experience!

[@anapier420]

My reusable container did not come with flex tubes. Should it have come with them?

[@deancable1123]

How do you make sure the alignment of the flange with insert is correct? Its frosty and hard to see it is properly aligned.

[@catiemaloney2224]

How long did it take you to produce that level of milk?! My babe is 9 weeks and I'm only getting 3-4 oz at a time

[@MommaAlia]

This video is pretty old so I’m not sure! I will say your output for age sounds like it’s in the right spot. You’re doing awesome momma!🤍

[@rans0927]

Do you have to use the app to pump? Can you still let it pump without downloading and using the app at all?

[@MommaAlia]

You don’t have to and yes technically you can. But you may miss out on information without it. It automatically pauses when your container is full and on the app it’ll say that. It’ll also let you know if parts aren’t assembled correctly, if the latch isn’t good on your breast, and tracks info to make your pump sessions better. So you can technically use it without the app but you wouldn’t get stuff like that!

[@hellokitty89881]

Does it fit in a countertop sterilizer

[@ResetKeisha]

Omg thank you! I just received mine and I’m like what in the hell 😂😂 so hopefully I got this right!

[@iambethvee]

How you like it so far

[@ResetKeisha]

@@iambethvee I hated it… it was very bulky. I tried pumping at work and it was stressful. So, I quit all together. I wasn’t happy and for me it was a waste of money.

[@breannalynn1038]

​@@iambethveeI love mine, use it pretty much every day

[@meagannn6]

So does it start gulping by itself or is there a button that needs to be pushed?

[@CarrieSanders-rt1hi]

Mine didn’t come with instructions so this video was everything for me! Mine didn’t come with the parts you can use with the bag though. Any idea where I get them? Mine was gifted to me so I don’t have the instructions or know which model this is or anything 😩

[@pakiprinces89]

You can from Amazon. I ordered my willow and it only came with the bags not the container and I ordered from Amazon for about $50 separate. I have no luck using the willow 😢

[@lithelight1954]

Does the Willow Go have a reusable container as well?

[@haley9760]

What is easier: exclusively pumping , exclusively breast feeding, or a mixture of both?

[@lisahubbs4182]

Hey, thanks for this! How many uses/ minutes etc do you usually get before you need to recharge? Do you get a warning when the battery is low?

[@MommaAlia]

Happy to help momma! Yep, you do get a heads up. It’s been awhile since I’ve used mine so I can’t exactly remember but I know it was at least 3+ hours of a charge!

[@aliciawilliams8062]

Why is my bag feeling with air and it won’t latch now after it does that? If I switch out the bag for a new one it is fine, but the one I am doing rn isn’t closing. This is my first time

[@MommaAlia]

I'm not sure momma, I would give their customer service an email! They should be able to help you more than I can(:

[@kerlynstephaniesison4736]

Today was my first time using this pump at work with the reusable container and I spilled about 2 oz trying to transfer to q milk bag 😭😭😭😭

[@brittanybender7698]

I got the Willow pump but every time I put the pump on, I it makes my best look big. Any suggestions? I wanna be able to pump at work but I can’t because it’s really noticeable

[@MommaAlia]

Hm, I’m not sure momma. I usually wore mine in a nursing tank (so my breasts weren’t super supportive) with an oversized shit. I’m not sure if that played a part but that’s what I did!

[@sociopathicdorito]

@@MommaAlia oversized shit

[@jayjayg2392]

I wore a scarf over my chest at work. Not noticiable at all like that.

[@charitybritton5442]

Well you sold me. I'll order it at 30 weeks

[@MommaAlia]

Hope you love it!💕

[@TheBreastfeedingShop]

Charity, you can get the Willow pump partially covered by your insurance! If you need help please reach out to us so we can help you! Many of our mamas get it for half the retail price 👍

[@rosemarygarner7862]

Can you use it laying down without the bags?

[@pakiprinces89]

First time user and I am not sure what I’m doing wrong I know I have good supply but for some reason willow 360 not working out for me.

[@nyerhovwofunmi1595]

Me too! Other pump works better for me, but I haven’t gotten this to work well

[@jamiewormington733]

What is the difference in number 1 and 2 ? And why do you put it on 2 at the end when you are tipping it upside down ?

[@MommaAlia]

If I remember correctly one setting creates a seal and the other allows air

[@amberlilly1899]

Does the flex tube need to be washed everytime?

[@MommaAlia]

Yes!(:

[@soytufanalexa4308]

How many hours it takes to charge

[@MrsMystery07]

Do you need to use bags or containers?

[@MommaAlia]

You'll need one or the other. Only both if you want to. The bags allow you to have full range of motion and the containers allow you to not have to buy specific bags! I liked having both but primarily used the containers and just didn't completely bend upside down with them lol

[@lupitajauregui5388]

New mom here! So how often am I suppose to pump & for how long. TIA!

[@MommaAlia]

Hey momma! It depends on your situation! If you’re trying to exclusively pump (no direct nursing), then you want to pump every 2-3 hours during the daily and 3-4 during the night. If you’re pumping just while you’re away from your babe, ideally you’d want to do it as often as they would nurse. If you’re doing as extra while exclusively nursing (all feeds from breast) then you’ll only want to do it a couple times a day at most - too often could cause an oversupply which could negatively affect nursing. As far as how long, that varies for everyone, there’s no set time! Your breasts should be soft, squishy, with no streams of milk able to be expressed. For some people that takes 15 minutes and for others it can be up to 30. I wouldn’t go past 45 minutes and if you’re finding you are, something may need fine tuning to be more efficient! You got this momma! Good luck💕

[@Nveex3]

Have you tried the freemie cups?

[@MommaAlia]

I have but not long enough for a review so I’m gonna be trying them out here shortly for you guys😊

[@Nveex3]

@@MommaAlia thanks!

[@mmorales2201]

Did you ever try the Elvie vs Willow?

[@MommaAlia]

Currently trying Elvie now and plan to have the comparison in a few weeks!🥰

[@lepast5443]

How many reusable containers does it come with it?

[@MommaAlia]

As it currently stands I believe the reusable containers are sold separately!

[@adibaislam5397]

Can you put the parts in the fridge after each use and wash it once at the end of the day?

[@MommaAlia]

They recommend cleaning them after each use. I’m not sure if it would affect any set up with the pump or not considering it’s unique design!

[@nieljohnbulacan7260]

Hello. Any link for the mobile app?

[@MommaAlia]

Should be in your App Store if you search it!

[@tiabartholomew]

What brand bottle is that?

[@MommaAlia]

Glass Joovy Boob bottle. This particular style is currently discontinued. They came out with a glass diamond line but I haven't heard great things about them. I found half of our glass bottles of this style second hand and just replaced all the other parts!

[@FatimaSwing90]

What is the name of the app?

[@TheRabidLobster]

How do you know your flange size?

[@MommaAlia]

They have size guides available on their website!

[@riahpapaya8091]

Man I wish I could afford this pump!!

[@bigvic1787]

great video. just bought these for more wife. we tried the elvies before these and elvie sucked

[@MommaAlia]

Ah man, sorry to hear that!

[@nataliescares8671]

Is the app use required to use this pump?

[@MommaAlia]

No, not necessarily but I would highly recommend it and I think your experience would be much better with it!

[@fecortez1842]

Do you have give away?

[@MommaAlia]

No, sorry💕

[@aleforcade9432]

I keep spilling everything😢

[@Drob21]

I wasted 550$ on this pump. I feel as a first time mom I had been taken advantage of. My output from this pump wasn’t nearly as much as I produce. I’m extremely upset with this product.

[@MommaAlia]

I’m so sorry momma. Pumps are a huge financial commitment and it’s the worst when it doesn’t work out. I wish there’s some way we could try them before deciding because each moms experience can be so different from another’s. I know it doesn’t fix how you feel but there are pumping Facebook groups where you could resell your pump to recoup at least some of the money. It doesn’t help how you feel but I wanted to offer what I could to hopefully help🤍

[@norazaki2617]

I’m disappointed with the Willow. I am large chested and it looks so awkward. My Medela pump with cords is better

[@MommaAlia]

Sorry to hear that momma!