Choosing the Inserts for Your Willow Pump
Navigating the maze of available inserts for the Willow Pump is one of the most challenging parts of getting your perfect sizing and using it to make the Willow Pump your dream pump. And since no two nipples are alike, or respond exactly the same, all we can do is go down the list by what the likelihood of you finding success is. Your options will vary by size as to what is available, but work your way down this list in the options available to you to find your perfect fit!
Willow Pump Flange or Containers
If they make their flanges in your size range, try them first! You may get lucky and need no additional parts.
Maymom or Freemie Inserts in Your Size
Maymom or Freemie Inserts fit in a.) 24 mm container b.) 27 mm container c.) 21 mm container (in order of preference here). These are soft silicone tunnels that slip into the flanges and reduce the size of the flange.
BeauGen Cushions in the Properly Sized Flange/Insert Combo
BeauGen Cushions are thin, supple cushions used in a combination of flanges and inserts to achieve your proper sizing range (in my experience, BeauGens do perform better at your nipple size plus 1 mm).
Ameda Flexishield
Ameda Flexishields are silicone inserts that extend around the areola to help prevent the areola from being pulled into the flange. If these are in your size range, these are great! I’ve had success using them from 17 mm-21mm depending on the shape or elasticity of the nipple.
LacTeck Flanges Used as Inserts
LacTeck Flanges are silicone flanges with a flexible silicone window designed to increase areola stimulation to improve milk output. They are intended to be used as a standalone flange, but you can also use them as an insert for the willow. You can cut them down or you can allow them to not sit quite flush. If traditional flanges and cushions have failed to achieve the desired fit, this is my next go to!
Pumpin Pals
These do fit in 24mm or 27 mm flanges. Older Pumpin Pals that have gotten more flexible fit the 24mm, but more rigid, newer ones struggle there. These are not the best inserts to try, and depending on your breast and nipple shape, they are prone to air leaks and alignment issues. For some though, they fit great!
So why do I give you all these options at once when I size you?
I genuinely understand it can be overwhelming! I do this for a living, and I still get overwhelmed at times by the sheer number of flange options. But pumping isn’t cheap, and I’m not in charge of your household budget! Many clients come to me with a basket of assorted and abandoned flanges by the time they decide to seek professional help, and for all I know, they may have options in that basket that may be lower on my list, but if they already have them, they should try them first! I fully encourage you to try what you have on hand before spending any additional money, so I give you all the information I have so you can decide what you want to try.
If you are still lost going through this list, and you need to go shopping, but don’t know where to start, that’s the type of support I can provide. You just have to be upfront about your priorities and your budget so I can factor that in and help you figure out the options that meet your personal needs.
