Does the Haakaa Pump Increase Milk Supply? Yes, it can increase your milk supply. Breast milk supply is general based on demand. If you are drawing out more milk each feeding by using the haakaa breast pump, this will signal your body to produce more milk.
The Haakaa doesn't stimulate your body to produce more through suckling stimulation as a breast pump, manual expression, or a baby would. However, the milk removal from the Haakaa will still be replaced by your body (meaning if you use the Haakaa every day, your body will still produce that milk the next day).
Attach your Haakaa and attach your baby! As your baby feeds, your Haakaa will collect milk from the other side. Don't worry about it 'taking' the milk your bub would otherwise be getting! Your breasts continually produce milk and won't run out!
The haakaa can be used to increase your milk supply or to build a freezer stash, especially during the first few months postpartum.
However the Haakaa can also assist if you have oversupply of milk. You can use it to let off the excess milk that is pouring from your breasts and then detach the Haakaa that it is not stimulating further milk production.
While it has the benefit of being very comfortable due to its gentle suction, that suction is very limited and may not be very helpful to some women. In particular, the suction level is far weaker compared to many other types of pumps. This may not be a problem for women who easily express a lot of milk.
oversupply. vasospasm/ pain (because it's constant suction is left on too long) slow weight gain (because the Haakaa is taking the milk the baby needs) clogged ducts/ mastitis (because Haakaa leaves the most fatty milk inside the breast)
The best way to save time when you're exclusively pumping with a single breast pump is to pump on one side while using a Haakaa or milk catcher pump on the other side. Haakaa pumps are made of food-grade silicone. You can just suction one onto the side you're not pumping, and it will work on its own to pull out milk.
Additionally, you can try looking at photos or videos of your baby while you're using the haakaa breast pump to try and encourage let down. Lastly, leaving the haakaa on for about 15 minutes and allowing your body to relax should also help, as the more anxious you are, the harder it is to letdown.
How often should I wash/sterilise my Haakaa? It really comes down to preference. In the first three months after baby is born, it is recommended to sterilise your pump and all baby bottles that are used after every use.
Attach your pump and leave leave it to do its thing for 5-10 minutes. You do not need to continue pumping like a hand or manual pump.
You can sleep with the Ladybug on to prevent leaks and stains from getting on your clothes and sheets. Please bear in mind that any breast milk collected overnight cannot be stored at room temperature for more than 4 hours.
The Haakaa breast pump helps you collect both foremilk and rich hindmilk.
You can definately use the Haakaa as your primary pump. Some women use our pumps simply to catch excess milk that would otherwise be lost in a nursing pad. However, you can use it to express as you would with any manual pump.
When your breasts are empty, they will probably feel lighter and no longer uncomfortably full, as they might have at the start of the pumping session. You can also pick them up to see if they still feel heavy or full of milk. Pumping sessions typically take about 15 to 20 minutes.
Will my baby unlatch when the breast is empty? Your breasts are never really empty. You might feel they're less full, but you can usually squeeze some milk out if you try. Generally, babies will unlatch when they've had enough.
How Much Milk Will You Get From a Haakaa? The answer depends on your and your production. I have been an over-producer of milk in both of my nursing experiences and would collect anywhere from 1-3 ounces per feeding.
If you feel pain, the suction is too strong. Simply remove the Haakaa and when reapplying it, don't squeeze the sides quite as hard. This will create less suction. The oz markings on the side aren't accurate.
Hand expression can also be used as a technique during and after pumping to increase caloric content2 and remove more milk. It can be more reliable than a pump when electricity is scarce. It's quieter than a pump when privacy is needed. It's certainly less expensive than a pump.
Can relieve engorgement (by releasing some milk to soften your breasts) and help your baby to latch on more easily. Encourages milk production early in lactation.
After having used one myself with my second baby, I can confidently say that the Haakaa is a major game-changer for breastfeeding moms. In my opinion, every nursing mom needs one.
It seems there are a number of ways the Haakaa can be useful to breastfeeding moms. Many prefer to use it while they're nursing, to collect milk from the other breast that would have otherwise leaked and been absorbed into a breast pad. Others use it mainly to relieve engorgement.