As a new mum, you probably understand that breastfeeding is the ideal source of nutrition for your child. However, breastfeeding not only aids the growth and development of your child but saves you is a money-saver as you could potentially be shelling out thousands in costs for formula annually.
For this reason, you need a reliable pump to help you save every drop of this breast milk. However, with the wide variety in the market, it is probably difficult for you to get the right pump.
What many mums already think is that they are better off investing in electric breast pumps instead of manual ones. However, not many know that even manual breast pumps such as the Haakaa silicone pump with a suction base can work just as efficiently and fast.
In this review, we outline why every new mum needs the Haakaa pump.
What Is The Haakaa Pump?
Haakaa is a hands-free breast pump that is known for its powerful suction that draws breast milk out of the breast. The Haakaa manual breast pump is recommended by everyone including doulas, lactation consultants, magazines, celebrities and even breastfeeding mums.
All these people use the Haakaa with their children. The award-winning Haakaa breast pump from New Zealand is surely the best you can get for your child right away and use it at any time, but especially during feeding.
The Haakaa silicone pump will allow you to efficiently express breast milk through simply suction. You do not need to manually keep pumping for it to work. Instead, you simply have to attach it to your breast and let it work as it should. It is also built simply and with a few parts.
This means that this pump can be carried and used anywhere and at any time. Also, unlike electric pumps, the Haakaa manual breast pump is easy to clean, easy to use, assemble, and is not as expensive.
You will simply need to clean the inside by boiling it in water for 3 minutes to five minutes, which is simpler than cleaning an electric pump. Its portability makes it easy to carry around and you can simply throw it into your baby bag as you leave the house.
You can also use this one/single piece pump on the go or as you breastfeed. No matter where you go, this pump comes in handy. You will simply need to attach it to the lateral one to help catch any let-down.
In this way, you can be sure that your little one is receiving every little drop of the nutritional liquid that is mother’s milk without letting it go to waste in a nursing pad. You can use milk that would otherwise go to waste.
While many mothers may feel concerned about their breast sizes, we have some good news. The Haakaa manual breast pump fits is a one size fits all, thanks to its flange. It fits comfortably even on sensitive skin.
As a mother, Haakaa understands that your child’s health is of utmost importance. That is why the Haakaa pumps are eco-friendly. The Haakaa is lead, BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free and is made of high-quality food-grade silicone.
Therefore, this product is ideal for use even in the first months of the life of the baby.
How Does It Work?
The Haakaa Silicone pump works by drawing out from your breast using its powerful suction force. In essence, this product is neither manual nor electric and can be used either when breastfeeding your baby or as you go about other activities.
Ideally, the food-grade silicone pump should be suctioned to collect milk on the other breast as you breastfeed. It taps in on the letdown that naturally happens when a woman breastfeeds the baby.
Instead of the milk drenched into your nursing pads, it gets collected into the bottle and can use it later instead of going to waste.
If you are skeptical of this breast pump simply acting as a milk collector, you are wrong. This breast pump would only be collecting the foremilk and not the hindmilk.
However, if you look at the milk that has been collected, you will realize that the product helps you collect even the thick milk that comes after the initial letdown.
You will be impressed by just how much you can get from your milk supply you can get from a single breastfeeding session with this handy piece of equipment.
Even mothers who have a problem with their supply will find that this silicone breast pump is a lifesaver that they can use to express milk and build a steady milk supply for the baby in the freezer.
If you have not used a pump before, you may find it relatively challenging and strange to use the Haakaa breast pump initially. However, it is not difficult to learn.
What you need to do to make everything easier is to ensure that you catch the initial letdown that comes when you feed the baby.
You will do this when you let your baby breastfeed on one side and catch the other side’s supply with the pump. Alternatively, you can use the pump when you are using an electric pump on one breast.
Always ensure that you sanitize and wash the pump before using it for the first time so that it is safe for your baby. An ideal way to do this is by washing in boiling water for up to five minutes before using it. Make sure you allow it to dry. It is also dishwasher-safe.
After drying, follow the steps below:
- Squeeze the bottle’s bottom part and keep the flange on your nipple. Release the pump and you will notice that the pump suctions on your breast without much effort.
- If you want utmost suction, it is best to fold back the flange before positioning it over the breast nipple. Unfold it after attaching the pump to the breast.
Note that it may take you time to adjust to using the Haakaa. For instance, squeezing the bottom part of the bottle too softly may result in little to no suction while too much pressure when squeezing may cause discomfort.
This does not mean that you should give up. Overtime or after a few tries, you will get the hang of it. Instead of giving up, just take it off and try again.
- Allow the Haaka pump to collect milk from the other breast as you feed your baby on the other. You can choose to attach it to the other breast or let it stay on the same breast till the milk ceases to flow.
- Detach the pump from the breast.
- Transfer the milk you collected into a storage bag, bottle, or mason jar and be sure not to spill the milk as this will make you feel like you wasted your effort.
- Wash the Haakaa breast pump with suction and dry it. Ensure you cover the dry bottle with the lid and keep it in a clean place until you need to use it again.
With this handy pump, you can be sure that the woes relating to engorgement especially on the first days of breastfeeding will be relieved. You will also be able to save much more milk in the long haul.
Any Drawbacks?
While this breast pump has a lot of benefits, it also has a few drawbacks. For instance, it may sip off the breast occasionally if not attached appropriately and this is a waste of milk. Some mums also complain of the small volume measurement especially those with oversupply issues.
However, you can have an additional vessel near you to empty the Haakaa before continuing to feed your baby. Those who have supply issues also complain that because the breast pump has no motor, it has no power to extract sufficient milk.
How Many Versions Of The Haakaa Breast Pump Exist?
This is a common question among the Haakaa breast pump users and potential customers. The answer is that this helpful pump/milk saver comes in a variety of versions.
Original Silicone Haakaa Breast Pump
This is the original version of the Haakaa silicone breast pump. It is a one-piece piece of equipment that holds only 3 oz of milk. It is also the most low-priced of the three versions.
[amazon box=”B07CWK4S5W”]It lacks the suction base that features in other models but is a great pick because of its portability. You can simply store it in your diaper bag and be on your merry way.
Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump Second-Generation Version
This version of the pump is the same as the first but only with a suction base. This base of the pump is crucial as it allows the bottle to stand upright. In this way, you can avoid spills. It is a little more costly because of the upgrade.
[amazon box=”B07CVBG6DW”]The Third Version Includes A Silicone Cover lid.
This cover helps to seal the milk clean and safe once pumping is done. Unlike its predecessors, it comes in a variety of sizes: 3, 4, and 5 oz.
[amazon box=”B07G43F123″]Haakaa Pump With Suction Base And Flower Stopper Combo
This advanced option of the Haakaa pump has a stopper and a base to help keep the milk intact. It looks stylish yet completely functional. This is the version most mothers prefer.
[amazon box=”B06WGRL47X”]There are many types of Haakaa breast pumps available in the market. However, the Haakaa breast pumps are some of the best in the market. We hope that the information in this article helps you choose Haakaa for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Haakaa Increase Supply?
When it comes to milk supply, every woman is different. However, there are mums who have sworn by this pump’s ability to boost supply. It works as the best pump to help improve milk supply for those who plan to eventually feed their babies by the bottle.
Is The Haakaa Pump Worth It?
Yes. The Haakaa pump is the best investment you can make as a mother. It is simple, effective, and affordable and works perfectly to help a mother stash more milk for the future.
How Long Does It Take To Pump With The Haakaa?
The Haakaa does not take a specific time frame to pump milk. However, it will keep working as long as there is milk in the breast. In this way, your baby can enjoy the best of both fore and hind milk.