The Haakaa manual breast pump has gained major popularity in the last several years. In this post we’ll cover how to use a Haakaa, can Haakaa help clogged ducts, is the Haakaa dishwasher safe, and so much more!
How the Haakaa Manual Breast Pump Works
The Haakaa manual breast pump is a breast pump that works by putting it on the opposite breast your baby is nursing on.
The Haakaa will catch the let-down, and with proper application, will add suction to express breast milk!
Can a Haakaa Be Used for Colostrum?
In general, breast pumps are not the best for collecting colostrum.
Because colostrum is so thick, sticky, and comes out in small amounts, it’s best to hand express colostrum. Hand expressing colostrum allows you to effectively get more out and collect it better with a food-grade syringe.
How to Use a Haakaa Manual Breast Pump
How to use a Haakaa the right way, follow these simple steps:
- Ensure your breast is clean and dry. Without lotion so the Haakaa can stay attached to your breast with suction.
- Fold the flange back, center your nipple in the neck of the Haakaa manual breast pump, and squeeze the base of the pump.
- Release the sides of the Haakaa and the flange. You may need to flip the flange over your breast manually.
With these steps you should have an effective suction on your breast with the Haakaa!
Keep your Haakaa manual breast pump on until your baby is finished nursing on the other breast, or until no more breast milk is coming out into the Haakaa.
Can Haakaa Cause Oversupply?
When using a Haakaa manual breast pump to build your stash, avoid using it more than 2-4x every 24 hours.
Overusing any breast pump can create an oversupply.
Some people think oversupply might not be a bad thing since it’s just more breast milk, right? But no, it’s not definitely not something you want to have!
An oversupply can cause symptoms such as:
- A fussy baby when they’re trying to nurse because the flow is too fast
- Explosive (comes out of diaper), foamy, green bowel movements from baby. (Why this happens is explained in the Balanced Breastfeeding Course)
- Sore nipples from baby clamping down on your breast trying to slow the flow of breast milk
- Rapid weight gain in baby
However, without excessive pumping, some people just have an oversupply. If you’re interested in more potential symptoms, possible causes, and methods to treat an oversupply check out the Balanced Breastfeeding Course!
How Much Should You Pump Each Day for Your Baby?
Are you worried about how much breast milk you need to pump a day? How much do you need to leave or send your baby with when you go to work?
A general rule of thumb is 1.5 ounces for each hour you and your baby are separated.
For example, if you’re away for 9 hours for work, leaving your baby 13.5 oz should be enough!
So long as your baby is being bottle-fed the right way with paced bottle feeding.
Haakaa: How to Clean
How to clean the Haakaa:
- Clean with hot, soapy water each time after you use a Haakaa manual breast pump. I recommend a non-toxic, gentle, and fragrance free soap such as Dapple Baby Bottle and Dish Soap.
- Sterilize with a steam sterilizing system or by boiling in water for 2-3 minutes at least once daily.
However, do not use any bleach-based agents or sterilizing tablets to clean. And lastly, avoid UV sterilizers as they may impact its lifespan.
Can Haakaa Help Clogged Ducts?
An Epsom salt soak with your Haakaa might help release a clogged duct!
How to use a Haakaa manual breast pump for a clogged duct:
- Fill the Haakaa with warm water, just enough so that you can still suction it to your breast.
- Then add 1-2Tbs of Epsom salt to the water and put the Haakaa on your breast for 10-15 minutes.
You can do this up to 4x/day.
If you start to develop a fever or a red and warm-to-touch spot on your breast, this means the clogged duct might have developed to an infection called mastitis.
Are Haakaas Dishwasher-Safe?
The Haakaa manual breast pump is made out of silicone and is dishwasher safe!
But, it’s recommended to hand wash the Haakaa to get a thorough clean. Using a bottle brush is a great way to clean the crevices on the inside of the pump!
Can the Haakaa Go in a Steam Sterilizer?
The Haakaa can go into a steam sterilizer.
Although, do not put any stainless steel products in a microwave steam sterilizer and do not use bleach or sterilizing tablets.
Haakaa: When to Start Using
After about 3 days postpartum your milk will “come in”.
Once your milk is no longer colostrum (yellowish and thick) you can start using your Haakaa 2-4x a day with breastfeeding.
However, if you don’t need to start collecting extra milk yet, you can wait as long as you’d like!
If you’re returning to work and need a stash of breast milk, I typically recommend to start collecting when you’re half-way done with your maternity leave.
Haakaa: How to Store Milk
After collecting breast milk using your Haakaa, pour the milk into a breast milk storage bag, label it with the date, and either put it into the fridge or the freezer to use at a later time.
If you plan to use it within 4 days, put it in the fridge.
If you plan to use it in longer than 4 days, put it in the freezer.
Are Haakaa Measurements Accurate?
Unfortunately, the Haakaa does seem to be off in measurements.
Many mamas have found that in smaller amounts, the Haakaa measuremnts are pretty accurate. But, as you collect more, the measurements seem to be off by about an oz.
I would go off of your breast milk storage bags instead.
Will a Haakaa Manual Breast Pump Increase Supply?
Like any other breast pump, a Haakaa manual breast pump can increase your supply!
Increasing your supply is all about more breast stimulation. So, if you’re stimulating each of your breasts more by using a Haakaa, then it will likely increase your milk supply.
Why Does Haakaa Hurt?
Your Haakaa might cause you pain if you’re using it too much (more than 4x per day) or if it’s not on correctly. (See how to use a Haakaa above if you missed it!)
Also, consider if you might be having nipple pain from your baby breastfeeding or another pump you’re using.
Contact a local lactation consultant if you’re experiencing any nipple or breast pain to help you troubleshoot and solve the issue.
Why is Haakaa Manual Breast Pump Not Working?
If your Haakaa isn’t working, I would go through the steps above on how to use a Haakaa to ensure that it’s on and suctioned correctly.
Where Are Haakaa Products Made?
All Haakaa products are designed and tested in New Zealand.
Further, Haakaa states that the products are manufactured in selected advanced international factories under strict quality controls [1].
When Was Haakaa Invented?
The brand, Haakaa, was invented in 2007.
However, I’m not sure when the first Haakaa manual breast pump came out. But, it seemed to gain major popularity around the year 2020.
Which Generation Haakaa Manual Breast Pump is Best?
In my opinion, the Haakaa generation 2 is the best.
The first generation Haakaa is the simple silicone collector with suction.
The second generation Haakaa manual breast pump is the same as the first generation but with a suction on the bottom to set aside on a table. Plus, a lid on top to prevent spills if it were to tip over.
Finally, the third generation Haakaa is attached to a baby bottle so that if you bottle feed right after pumping, you simply change the top. This is unnecessary for most women as most of time it’s only recommended and needed to pump breast milk when you’re separated from your baby.
Usually you would not pump with your baby next to you and then go to feed them immediately after unless they are premature and unable to nurse at the breast (yet) when you are together.
Who Owns Haakaa?
Haakaa was founded by Shu Ting Zhang in New Zealand.
Questions or Comments on “How to Use a Haakaa Manual Breast Pump”?
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below👇🏻
Talk soon, mama!
– Katelyn Lauren
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DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding you or your baby’s health. Please read my Medical Disclaimer for more info
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