Let’s Celebrate World Breast Pumping Day (Win!)

It goes without saying that having a baby is a juggling act! This World Breast Pumping Day (January 27), there’s no better time to discover Willow Go, the breast pump by leading FemTech brand, Willow Innovations that’s giving busy moms the freedom to live life with both hands. We chatted with Ashley Morris, Willow’s Mom Experience Lead, and Sarah O’Leary, Chief Commercial Officer, to learn more. —Noa Nichol

When it comes to breast pumping, what are some of the biggest myths out there these days? Why can it be such a controversial topic of discussion?

SO: There is so much judgment surrounding mom’s feeding choices. More than 90 per cent of Canadian women begin breastfeeding, but the rates significantly drop by six months. That is true even with better social support for paid family leave than in the U.S. We know this isn’t because moms want to stop; however, their obligations to work, their families, and themselves are not always compatible with breastfeeding. Simply saying “breast is best” doesn’t help a mom struggling with the pressure of being the sole lactating parent. Breastfeeding parents need more options and less judgment to access the tools, like the Willow Go pump, and the information they need to be successful.

January 27 is World Breast Pumping Day (Jan. 27); what message needs to be sent out about breast pumping at this point?

SO: Pumping is breastfeeding—and motherhood shouldn’t be about martyrdom. There are more options than ever before to support parents on their breastfeeding journey without sacrificing themselves or their mental health. You no longer need to be tethered to a wall with a traditional pump every three hours, isolated from the world. Specifically, with Willow Go, you can have access to an ultra-powerful pump that allows you to nourish your baby and go about your day without hiding in bathroom stalls to pump.

AM: Pumping is also an equalizer for lactating parents. Breast pumps are not required, but they are necessary tools. Many partners are anxious to help share the tasks of infant care; however, the unintentional assignment of the default parent begins as early as infancy. Feeding is one of the first of many responsibilities that may be the sole responsibility of one parent. Eating has always been a social activity for much of the world, and feeding infants shouldn’t be any different. Pumping helps with this.

How does breast pumping benefit both mom and baby?

AM: Breast pumping benefits the entire family! It gives others an opportunity to help share the experience and bond with the baby. Pumping helps provide lactating parents with a change of pace from the fairly unforgiving and frequent task of breastfeeding. Willow Go allows even more freedom and the ability to move. Now we can move away from walls, cords, and tubes that have kept us restricted. Moms don’t have time to be pumping with outdated technology.

What are some challenges associated with breast pumping? Where does a device like the Willow Go come in?

SO: Pumping with traditional pumps is inconvenient and, as a mom who experienced them, a bit humiliating! Traditional double-electric pump technology hasn’t been updated in decades. The pumps are clunky and loud and require moms to be plugged into a wall, hooked up to tubes, cords, and dangling bottles. Willow reinvented the concept of the pump to allow moms to move freely and pump with dignity. Willow Go is a sleek design that fits entirely in your bra and is completely free of cords, tubes, or external motors. It is a powerful, double-electric breast pump that is quiet, discreet, and comfortable so parents can pump while they live their lives, rather than interrupting their life to pump. In addition, what is often neglected in the breastfeeding conversation is mom’s mental health, which we at Willow believe is very important.

AM: The emotional and physical toll traditional pumping can take on a lactating parent adds up and is not negligible. It is typical to pump or breastfeed at least every two hours during the day and every three to four hours overnight for the first six months of an infant’s life. Willow Go is the tool parents need to help them on their feeding journey. Willow Go gives you options and allows you to live your life while providing the best for your baby.

What (else) makes this a must-have tool for expectant Canadian moms? How much is it, and where can we get it?

SO: At Willow, we believe moms deserve a better world, and we are committed to building solutions for their most meaningful challenges. I’ve talked to many moms who describe their Willow pump as life-changing! I am proud that we can offer moms freedom and empowerment to help them meet their breastfeeding goals. Every mom deserves a hands-free pump and we are excited to bring this best-in-class technology to Canadian moms. Willow Go is available on Amazon.ca and retails for CAD $499.

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Win! A $499 Willow Pump Wearable Breast Pump!

Congrats Urszula L. of Toronto, ON, who will receive a $499 Willow Pump Wearable Breast Pump! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadaily.ca. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.