Here we go, another pump but not just any other pump. This pump is the second on the market to offer warming flanges. So let's dive in and give you the DL on the new Mother’s Nature W1 Warming Pump. At first I didn't think I had a lot to say but as the review started flowing out of my finger tips, the thoughts kept comin'. Here is review on some solid insight as to what this pump offers (or doesn’t).
Let’s start here, this pump does not offer any kind of app compatible connection so you will not be able to control or view this pump from an app on your phone. Is this a bad thing? No, I think it’s awesome. The reason I love this detail so much is because it offers this design of pump without tech options but more importantly, a pump with warming flanges as an option for those whom may not want Bluetooth tech in their bra. Let’s be honest, warming flanges are all the rage right now. We have one pump on the market, with multiple versions that offer warming flanges, all of which are app compatible. There are also several pumps coming to the market soon that all offer warming flanges but all app compatible, as well. Those don't fill the need for moms who want to experience warming flanges without the added technology on their chest.
The Mother’s Nature W1 warming flanges have a single heat level, it’s either on or it’s off. Super easy to turn on, hold down the mode button for an extra 2 seconds and the wavy icon presents on the LCD screen. My original concern was how warm will the flanges actually get? I am pleased to report that they are heating my boobs up to the same temp as another leading warming flange on the market. One of the latest times I used this pump I had my husband do a temp test for me. I asked him, "Can you touch one boob then the next, which is warmer?" To this, he did not resist; reached right in and confirmed, “They feel the same level of warmth to me.” Husband confirmed & breastfeeding mom approved: they’re warm. Now, I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, warming flanges are not a deal breaker for me. I think it’s a great add-on to any flange but it won’t always be a mode I’ll be reaching to turn on. As I write this review it is 13°F outside, and needless to say, this warmth is much welcomed by the ladies. However, give me a Chicago summer day and there will be no chance of subjecting my comfort to warming flanges. Let's address the obvious, these flanges are green and look soft, that's because they are. This silicone material is comfortable, not at all sticky and feel velvet-y to the touch. If I were to end this review right now, last sentence would be this: If you’re looking for warming flanges but without the tech, the Zomee Mother's Nature W1 is going to be my top recommendation- my only recommendation.
Okay, so we have established that these warming flanges are the real deal but what about the modes? I want to preface this with I generally don’t find myself liking all offered modes on pumps. It is very typical of me to find one mode I prefer and roll with it 100% of the time. These pumps are no different. In general, I have a real preference for longer pulls, medium cycle speeds and consistency for patten. I have found the double drop mode or expression on level 7 to be my go to. I don’t believe any pump should rip your nipples off but I did find it odd that I need to set it to level 7 out of 12 to find a suitable strength. For reference, I pump on level 3 (of 6) with the BabyBuddha and Pumpables Genie Advanced and Momcozy M5. I’m pretty middle of the road, and still not terribly different in this case, but I was surprised by how soft the first few levels are with this pump. On the flip side, this may be perfect for those who do need a more gentle suction strength.
Okay, I want to jump into this little bit more before moving on. As I sit here writing up my IRL notes while really zoning in on the feel of each suction pattern, these thoughts are flowing out of my fingertips.
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Stimulation, level 6, cycles are too quick for my liking. Could hardly stand it. Needed to jump to expression (next mode on screen) to give my nipples a break (and my feet from uncomfortably kicking around).
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Expression- confirmed suction strength and cycle speeds are most well paired together.
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Two phase- also level 6. Again these cycle speeds are just a tad too quick for my liking. As I sit in Starbucks typing, kicking and grabbing at my boobs, I hope no one calls a paramedic thinking I’m having a heart attack. If you're not familiar with how two phase mode operates, it's just as it sounds, faster cycles followed by slower cycle speed- longer pull. A mix of stimulation and expression. Right now as I type this up, two phase just switched to the expression (longer suction pulls), 5 faster pulls followed by 5 slower and longer pull. A bit more tolerable but nothing like keeping it rolling on expression. Some Moms love two phase modes, it allows you to benefit from both stimulation to trigger let-downs and automatically moves into expression- reducing the need for YOU as the user to switch modes manually. Not a bad option, but the cycle speeds for me on stimulation are just too quick for my liking.
- I am doing my hardest to use (and understand) BioBoost mode as I type this, but my feet are kicking and twitching due to my discomfort while using these pumps. Currently on level 5, I’m finding the feel too nibbley - faster cycles that are leaving me super uncomfortable. When I increase suction strength the cycles slow, which is normal and expected. Level 7 is going to be my best fit once again in this particular mode, I tried to go level 8 and found it a touch too strong but if I'm being honest, I think I could get used to it. After several times of using these pumps at these levels I have grown to like it and noticed acceptable output. These two levels are tolerable and the cycle speed feels ideal for my preference. *for reference, I prefer 38/40ish CPM). Now what is BioBoost, honestly, I'm not entirely sure. My original assumption was a power pump style mode, this original assumption was all due to page 9 in the Product Manual. This mode reads Power Pumping Mode, whereas, now I feel it should read BioBoost because what I am feeling is basically two phase but more sophisticated. There are no breaks between modes or duration of pumps cycling. I do like this mode, simply because it takes two phase to the next level. I can appreciate the automated cycling between stimulation and expression.
- Confirmed! Expression mode is the one mode I can tolerate the best while using this pump. While the BioBoost mode is tolerable and effective expression once again is my happy place for the entire duration of my session. I'm going to say, two winning modes to choose from.
3 ounces pumped on BioBoost after baby nursed on right cup side
Now that I've shared how uncomfortable these fast cycles can make me feel, how do I respond to the modes that I do like? As I said earlier, it's not unusual for me to respond and prefer to one mode over the others. This could not be more true with this pump, so when I am pumping in Expression mode, I'd say overall I do pretty well. It would be wrong of me to say I respond awesome every time I use these pumps. I do find them effective enough... Enough to get the job done 90% of the time. I have found they do leave milk behind after a pump session. To this I'd say, for secondary use and the need for warming flanges I still think they're a very fair fit. If you've read any of my mobile pump reviews you'll know that no mobile does the same job as my preferred flanges with my primary pump. So this is no knock to the Zomee Mother's Nature pump, she's preforming as well as other well preforming mobiles I've put to the test.
On to the next order of business, other minor details that Zomee thought of that make a helpful difference. The duckbills have pull tabs, great add! The flange has an attached plug that is tapered to help it stay put in the flange. I’m not going to lie, it’s not bullet proof but it’s better than others I’ve used. I can appreciate the wedge design, another thoughtful detail. Zomee also included multiple insert sets (15mm, 17mm, 19mm, and 21mm) in the box, so if the 24mm flanges don't fit you're hopefully still covered. Don't know what size you are? They got you covered there too with a nipple ruler. If you aren't familiar with Zomee, know this! If you aren't provided with the size insert you need because it didn't come in the box, no problem, let them know and they'll make sure you get what you require! These pumps also have a light, simply identified on the far right button. This is what I have to say about lights in pumps, I can see where this would be super helpful for middle of the night but you will not find me suggesting any mobile for middle of the night. So unless you're using these pumps while the sun is down, not including that 2am pump session, I just don't see the point.
At the end of the day, there’s only so many ways to skin a cat. I’d say there are about four different pump designs on the market. This design is the most common, for good reason. This design sits well in the bra, I am a 36DDD and feel pretty comfortable using this pump in public. I’d be a fool to think my boobs don’t look silly depending on the angle and color of my shirt. I can absolutely spit off worse designs... Spectra Premier- I’m looking at you. (Side note, still can’t get over the ugliness of those things). Okay, okay, back to business, these cups hold 6 ounces and are easy to assemble. Cup, flange, backflow protector, duckbill (with pull tab) and motor to top it off. Easy Peasy, even easier to fridge hack, pop off the motor and toss the assembled cups into the fridge!
Let’s chat noise level quickly because mobiles are either quiet or they’re not. I ran to the bank while pumping and I feel confident to say that the teller didn’t hear a hum out of my bra. Are they silent? No, they’re not silent but they sure aren’t loud. Again, looking at you, Spectra.
Side by side of Spectra Premier and Zomee Mother's Nature W1
Okay, this is my biggest beef with this motor- the magnetic charger. Why is this my one biggest red flags? If you lose the charging cords, fail to carry them in your pump bag, or don’t have a USB block or port to plug the charging cord into, you're SOL or (shit outta luck). You know why this review took so long to write? I couldn’t find my magnetic charger and finally found the energy to dig the second one out of the box. If this motor had a USB-C port they’d always be charged. To be completely fair and honest, I never thought anything of this charging method until I couldn’t find the damn cord. (When you have the cord handy) they charge quickly, which is definitely a perk of this pump! A full charge takes 90 minutes for 2 hours of use, not bad math if you ask me! But if you don’t have the means to charge, then you’re in some trouble. I know I sound a little aggressive right now, all over a charging cord, but that’s how I felt. I wanted to use them but I couldn’t find the cord. Now you know why one item I share on repeat at bemybreastfriend is this portable charger. It’s easy and it’s always on standby to keep you powered up and ready to pump. Can you use the magnetic charger with this portable pack? Sure, but you can’t use one without the other so make sure you keep them together in an accessory bag! Selfless plug right there!
The Zomee Mother’s Nature W1 Pump is a fair choice if:
- You’re in the market for warming flanges
- You need a mobile pump with a wide range of suction, from super gentle all the way up to ouch strength (300mmhg) and don't forget their BioBoost mode
- You want a quieter mobile. Again, I’d say these aren’t silent but they sure weren’t drawing attention to my sweater
Ready to purchase? Use this link and put in my code KRISTEN15 to save yourself a few bucks!
