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)
Yes, there are risks to using a Haakaa Pump. Haakaa Pumps generate negative pressure and typically result in more milk removed than a traditional passive milk collector. This can be problematic in 2 ways: It can encourage an oversupply which does come with risks for many parents.
If she feels her supply is continuing to dramatically increase and her baby finds feeding more and more difficult, then stop the Haakaa completely. If things are going well, she can continue to do this.
Although its called a pump, the Haakaa is really more of a passive milk catcher. By securing the Haakaa on your breast opposite of your baby nursing, it provides a gentle suction and is able to catch your 'let down' and collect the milk for later use.
Something we get asked about a lot is whether the Haakaa is JUST for catching let-down, or whether it can be used to exclusively pump on its own or with one on each side? So the answer is - yes, you CAN!
I would not recommend Haakaa for exclusive pumping as it's not as efficient or quick as a traditional breast pump, nor does it stimulate the breast in the same way for milk production. It may also draw down more foremilk and not be as balanced of a milk as milk fed or pumped by traditional pumps.
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)
After you finish using your Haakaa, the best way to store your milk is in either a milk storage bag (like these Junobie Reusable Milk Storage Bags) or a milk storage container before moving to the fridge or freezer. Simply remove your cap or stopper and carefully pour your milk into your chosen storage system.
Clean after each use. We strongly recommend cleaning and sterilising your Haakaa Breast Pump with any steam sterilising system or by boiling in water for 3-5 minutes. Do not use any bleach-based agents or sterilising tablets to clean this product.
Can the Haakaa suction breast pump increase or cause oversupply? The suction nature of the silicone pump doesn't necessarily increase your supply, so it won't cause an oversupply.
The Haakaa breast pump helps you collect both foremilk and rich hindmilk. Because it's only a piece of silicone, there's no electricity nor any cords required, making it so easy to integrate into your daily routine!
Top tip: The Haakaa Generation 3 Silicone Breast Pump is super handy for those looking to express milk to help reduce engorgement, without having to wake up your bub for a feed.
If you need to wear your Ladybug for longer stretches of time, you can simply empty your milk into a safe storage container after 2-3 hours of wear and store away in the fridge or freezer. Then wash your collector with warm soapy water, dry thoroughly and wear again.
We recommend that you wear your Milk Collector for no longer than 4 hours at once, to ensure that the milk you collect does not become unsafe.
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.
Can I mix freshly expressed breast milk with older breast milk? Mixing freshly expressed breast milk with already cooled or frozen milk is not advised because it can rewarm the older stored milk. It is best to cool freshly expressed milk before combining it with older, previously cooled or frozen milk.
Does the haakaa only collect foremilk? No. Foremilk is thinner and less fatty than hindmilk, so it flows quickly and easily during any pumping session (manual or electric). The same is true when you use this pump—the foremilk will flow easily and quickly, while the hindmilk is slower.
If you need to wear your Ladybug for longer stretches of time, you can simply empty your milk into a safe storage container after 2 hours of wear and store the milk away in the fridge or freezer. Then wash your collector with warm soapy water, dry thoroughly and reattach.
Your husband may have to take one for the team and try to suck out the clog. Especially if your baby is younger your husband may be able to suck a lot harder. You can also use the dangle feeding position above to allow gravity to help him suck it out. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do!
Meet the Elvie Curve
It is similar to the popular Haakaa but better, in my opinion, because it fits in your bra. The Curve allows you to express up to 4 ounces of milk with little to no effort. Just slip the Curve into your bra, allow it to suction, and watch the milk collect.
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.
The amount of milk you collect with a haakaa varies from mom to mom. A lot of it depends on your milk supply, the last time you nursed or pumped, and how your breasts respond to the pump. I would, on average, collect about two ounces per feeding.
Engorgement vs clogged duct
With a clogged duct, pain and inflammation is confined to a small lump on the breast, while engorgement typically affects a wider area. The lump caused by a clogged duct will often be red, while engorgement is less likely to cause redness on the skin of the breast.
How long should a baby nurse to get hindmilk? After about 10 to 15 minutes of breastfeeding, the milk flow slows and transitions to the sweet and creamy hindmilk, which contains vitamins A and E, and has more fat and calories than foremilk.