Women have been using at-home electric breast pumps since 1991, when Medela developed the Mini Electric breast pump, the first electrical breast pump for non-hospital use. Over the last 28 years, breast pumps have come a long way, and we’re now facing yet another leap in breast pump technology: wearable breast pumps.
There are two wearable electric breast pumps on the market right now: Freemie and Willow. Both are hands-free and have the added convenience of fitting into your bra cup so you can pump with your shirt on (and lose the cow-hooked-up-to-a-milking-machine look).
Freemie Freedom Breast Pump: The double electric Freemie Freedom Breast Pump is a hands-free dream come true for moms who pump at work. The innovative cup collection system fits right under your shirt, allowing you to pump discreetly, without having to take your shirt off. Pump up to eight ounces of milk in each collection cup, and easily pour your breast milk from the collection cup into a bottle. The cups are also compatible with multiple top brand breast pumps, so you could pair the collecti
on cups with a different pump. The Freemie Freedom breast pump is a table-top style pump that plugs into the wall – so you’re not entirely unplugged – and offers single or double pumping flexibility.
Willow breast pump: This breast pump was recently launched in the US. It’s a wearable breast pump that fits inside your bra and collects your milk in a disposable (and spill-proof) bag. The really great thing about the Willow pump is there are no tubes or cords – the pump has “smart capabilities” and is powered through an app on your smartphone. Bonus: The app also tracks how much milk you pump and how much time you spend pumping for each session, which is super valuable data to have.
Wearable breast pumps are a wonderful and much-needed evolution of electric breast pumps, especially as mothers face more and more demands on their time throughout the day. Wearable breast pumps will allow women to continue working, caring for other children, or get some much-needed downtime while pumping instead of having limited mobility. Hooray for technology!
About Katie Stansberry
Katie Stansberry is a work-from-home mom of two sweet girls and the creator of Breastfeeding Bliss. After struggling at the beginning of her breastfeeding journey, she wanted to create a happy place where breastfeeding moms could find practical tips, positive inspiration, and the newest and best breastfeeding products. On her "Back to Bliss" breastfeeding blog, she shares her personal stories and tips for making breastfeeding an easier and more enjoyable experience.
