What Is a Haakaa?
Mommy Care Team
Everything You Need to Know About Silicone Pumps
When you look at a Haakaa it might not look like much, but trust us when we say that these little gems are a wonderful hack for breastfeeding moms. They’re great for both nursing and pumping mothers for various reasons. Silicone pumps have grown in popularity, taking the mom and baby space by storm.
It’s for good reason too! Silicone Breast Pumps, like the Haakaa are versatile tools for breastfeeding moms. Read on to learn more!
Image from Haakaa
Reasons to Use a Silicone Breast Pump
Passive Milk Collection
Whether you’re nursing your baby or taking a hot shower, wasting breast milk can be heartbreaking. But what are you to do? You can’t nurse your baby on both sides at the same time, and in the shower, well, you’re in the shower! With the Haakaa moms have been able to safely collect milk that would have otherwise gone to waste.
When you’re nursing, decide which side your baby will use. Then, use the silicone pump on the other side. If you experience a letdown while nursing, the silicone pump bottle will collect the milk rather than let it dribble into your bra, a nursing pad, etc.
Some moms love to use them in shower. Because they can be attached with suction (without a nursing bra) moms can shower without the fear of losing milk. Apply a collection bottle to each breast before stepping into the shower or bath. As you enjoy the warm water, you can relax knowing you have a way to catch all of that liquid gold.
Image from LaVie
Manual Pumps
There are now three different generations of Haakaa Silicone Collection Bottles and Pumps, and a plethora of other options on the market. Many major pump brands have developed their own. You can use the original bottle designs which offer a bit of constant suction, or one of the newer generations which have a built in pump base. These allow you to use the silicone milk collector as a manual breast pump.
From milk collection to clearing clogged ducts there are many reasons why having a manual pump on hand can help save a mother's breastfeeding journey. We’ve built a whole list of reasons why we love manual breast pumps and the Haakaa’s fit right into this list along with the other lever operated pumps. Check out the full list here.
Image from Bed Bath & Beyond
How to Use a Silicone Breast Pump Like a Haakaa:
You start by cleaning or sterilizing your pump. Next, peel back the flange. The result will make the flange look like its inside out or backwards. Squeeze the bottle of the pump as you bring the pump to your breast. Align your nipple in the center. Then pop the flange back into place and release your grip on the bottle.
It might take a few tries to get the suction and placement of the flange just right. Once you’re done, break the suction and remove the pump. Most pumps come with a top or method of sealing the bottle for safe storage of your recently expressed milk. You can also use the flange of the pump as a funnel to easily transfer your breast milk into a freezer safe container, large pitcher, or baby bottle. Newer generations of the Haakaa also come with a nipple attachment to convert the pump directly into a bottle.
Other Milk Collection Tools
Tools like the Elvie Catch, or the Milk Collection Shell by Medela are other options for breastfeeding moms. These are similar to their silicone pump counterparts minus the suction. They are designed to fit into your nursing bra and collect milk that might leak while your baby nurses. These are easy to use, and can save you time, sweat, and breast milk!