9 Steps to Troubleshoot the Willow App Reading High

Short of a pump just entirely failing to work at any time, little is as frustrating as seeing the app on the Willow Pump read higher amounts of milk than what you are pumping. Sometimes, it’s off by a little, and sometimes, it just gulps and gulps and reads absurd amounts like 50 ounces.

It’s infuriating!

So, what do you do if this happens to you? Well, you have to troubleshoot.

If the pump is reading incorrectly, it means it is getting air through the valve in the container or the bag. Air doesn’t belong there, and the pump can’t tell the difference between air and milk. So, what we have to do is figure out why you are getting air in there in the first place.

These are the 9 Steps to Troubleshooting the Willow App when it Reads High:

Step 1: Check your sizing: Then, check it again. Make sure you are measuring exactly the base of the nipple where it meets the areola, measuring height and width, at least two hours after pumping, or one hour after nursing, hand stimulated, and measuring with an accurate tool. In the Wearable Pump Paperweight Prevention Group, we have these steps laid out the steps to help you confirm your measurements. You can also get that information here.

Step 2: Now take the measurements from Step 1: If you are using exactly that size or 1 mm bigger than that size, AND YOU MEASURED CORRECTLY (40% of people measure themselves incorrectly consistently), it’s unlikely to be sizing. If you are still struggling though, save yourself the headache and book a professional sizing. It’s not uncommon to need another set of eyes to get such a precise measurement right.

Step 3: If you are using bags, try a new bag: The valve in the bag could be faulty.

Step 4: If you are using bags, and it’s happening with multiple bags: Check the pump very carefully for even the smallest of cracks.

Step 5: Check the Flextubes: No matter what you are pumping with, check the Flextubes for damage to the collar or tears in the silicone.

Step 6: If you are using containers, Deep Clean them: You need to deep clean that container like it’s the day before you are hosting company at your house. If that valve gets dirty, which happens with fatty breastmilk residue, it will read wrong and gulp air leaving you full of milk and frustrated.

Step 7: Inspect the Valve: After you deep clean that container really really really well, check it carefully for the valve being flat with no tears or ripples.

Step 8: Check how the pump is sitting against your body and supported by your bra: The pump needs to be in a well-fitted bra, with a snug under bust band, and stretchy cups that are covering a good part of the pump. The pumps need to sit flush to the breast and be well supported. If they slide when you move, the bra isn’t the right fit.

Step 9: Make a Post: If you have done all of those things, please make a post in the Wearable Pump Paperweight Prevention Group telling us what all you have tried, and what exactly is happening so we can help you find the most likely issue needing attention. We may refer you to professional support, but that is because we want you to be successful! We know this can be a frustrating issue, and we want to have it resolved ASAP for you!