Is a Haakaa the same as pumping?

Understanding the Haakaa: A Unique Breastfeeding Tool
The Haakaa is often discussed in the context of breastfeeding and milk expression, but it is important to clarify its function and how it differs from traditional breast pumps. While both the Haakaa and conventional pumps serve the purpose of milk collection, they operate on fundamentally different principles.
What is a Haakaa?
The Haakaa is a silicone breast pump that utilizes natural suction to collect breast milk. Unlike electric or manual pumps that require a power source or hand operation, the Haakaa is designed to be simple and hands-free. You simply press it against your breast, and it creates a vacuum that gently draws out milk. This design allows it to be used effectively while breastfeeding on the opposite breast, capturing any let-down milk that would otherwise be lost.
How Does it Compare to Traditional Pumping?
1. Mechanism of Action: Traditional breast pumps, whether electric or manual, rely on mechanical action to extract milk. Electric pumps use powered suction, while manual pumps require the user to operate a lever or squeeze a handle. In contrast, the Haakaa relies solely on the natural suction created by its silicone design, making it less of a “pump” in the conventional sense .
2. Purpose and Use: The primary function of the Haakaa is to catch let-down during breastfeeding, rather than to actively pump milk. It is particularly useful for mothers who want to collect milk without the hassle of a full pumping session. While it can be used independently to express milk, it is not designed for extensive pumping sessions like traditional breast pumps.
3. Efficiency and Milk Supply: Many users find that the Haakaa can help in building a milk stash or even increasing milk supply, especially in the early postpartum period. However, it may not be as effective for mothers who need to pump larger quantities of milk regularly, as it does not provide the same level of suction or efficiency as electric pumps.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Haakaa is often referred to as a pump, it functions more as a milk collector rather than a traditional breast pump. Its unique design allows for gentle milk expression through suction, making it a valuable tool for breastfeeding mothers. However, for those needing to pump larger amounts of milk or for regular use, traditional electric or manual pumps may be more suitable. Understanding these differences can help mothers choose the right tool for their breastfeeding journey.

Can I use my Haakaa instead of pumping?

The Haakaa can totally be used as a manual pump when needed. As a working mom, I have forgotten to bring my electric pump attachments so I keep this in my breast pump bag as backup just in case!

How to build a stash of breastmilk?

Stick to a schedule

1. Exclusively pumping. Pump for 10-15 minutes at 2-3 hour intervals.
2. Pumping for work/nursing at home. Pump three times daily AFTER you’ve nursed your baby. Once back at work, pumping at 2-3 hour intervals. Nurse on demand at home.
3. Increasing your supply. Pump once a day AFTER you’ve nursed your baby.

Can using a Haakaa increase milk supply?

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.

Does Haakaa only catch Letdown?

Absolutely not! Can you use your Haakaa in the same way you would any other breast pump? Definately. As long as there is milk in your breasts, the continuous suction of your Haakaa pump will draw it out – not JUST during your letdown.

What are the negatives of Haakaa?

The main downside of the Haakaa is the potential for oversupply (which makes you more likely to get blocked ducts and mastitis) and the risk of depriving your baby of the milk they need.

Can using Haakaa cause oversupply?

How Frequent Use Can Lead to Oversupply. Breastfeeding operates on a supply-and-demand principle: the more milk removed, the more milk the body is signaled to produce. Although a Haakaa is less intense than a pump, regular and frequent use can trick your body into thinking that more milk is needed.

Should you use the Haakaa every time you feed?

For mums who may want to build a bigger freezer stash and/or introduce a bottle, using their Haakaa for a couple of feeds each day may yield the best results. For mums who just want to catch their letdown and maybe have a smaller amount of milk in the fridge, 1-2 times per day may work.

Why do I get more milk from Haakaa than pump?

By using the Haakaa at the same time you are breastfeeding, your body releases increased levels of Oxytocin and Prolactin hormones which increase milk supply and output.

How long should I leave Haakaa on?

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.

What is the Haakaa controversy?

Many lactation consultants are concerned about the wide-spread use of silicone breast pumps, such as the Haakaa. They see issues like: 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)