How Do They Work?
Haakaa silicone breast pumps are marketed as manual breast pumps, but some moms prefer the term “milk catcher” to better describe how they work.
The flange attaches to your breast. The soft silicone body, shaped like a baby bottle, is pressed and released on your breast to create suction. It also catches and stores your liquid gold (aka breast milk).
Many moms use it while breastfeeding, putting this milk catcher on the opposite breast. The Haakaa helps ensure that you don’t waste a drop of breast milk by catching what might otherwise just flow onto your breast pad or clothes after letdown.
When the Haakaa pump is full, you can pour the contents into a baby bottle or use the flower stopper (available in some sets) as a cover.
The third-generation design actually converts the pump into a baby bottle by replacing the removable pump flange with a nipple set and cover.
Are Haakaa Manual Breast Pumps Worth It?
With a starting price of $13.99 for Haakaa Generation 1 (4 oz) and $30.99 for Haakaa Generation 3 (9 oz), these manual breast pumps are several times cheaper than most electric breast pumps.
For some moms, the price tag and the pumps’ benefits (e.g., helping with clogged ducts and increasing milk supply) make them worth the money.
Can The Haakaa Pump Increase Your Milk Supply?
Some nursing moms find it difficult to breastfeed their first baby because they feel that their supply is too low or their nipples are too painful. Breastfeeding can sometimes become easier with the second baby.
As you and your baby learn the proper position for correct latching and achieving letdown, your baby will be able to take in more milk.
Because your milk supply often depends on your baby’s demand, pumping regularly with your Haakaa (or another breast pump), even if your baby isn’t hungry, can help increase supply.
A lactation consultant can assist you if the low supply or pain persists.
Can Haakaa Help With Clogged Ducts?
If you have breast milk oversupply, you may experience engorged breasts, leak or drip milk, and be prone to clogged milk ducts. You can also be at a higher risk for mastitis, a painful breast infection. (1)
The Haakaa uses natural suction to help deal with oversupply and can help clear your clogged ducts.
How Effective Is The Haakaa Pump?
The Haakaa can effectively collect breast milk after letdown as a hands-free alternative to traditional manual pumps.
It can also be used to help increase breast milk supply.
Haakaa Breast Pumps
- Haakaa Generation 1 Silicone Breast Pump (starts at $13.99) – The most budget-friendly, basic Haakaa milk catcher
- Haakaa Generation 2 Silicone Breast Pump (starts at $19.99 for 4 oz and $20.99 for 5 oz) – Upgraded milk catcher with a suction base; available in two sizes
- Haakaa Generation 3 Silicone Breast Pump (starts at $28.99 for 6 oz and $30.99 for 9 oz) – Milk catcher that converts into a baby bottle and sippy cup; available in two sizes
Common Features For All Haakaa Breast Pumps
What Makes These Milk Catchers Special?
Baby-safe Materials
Haakaa breast pumps are made of food-grade silicone, free from toxic chemicals like BPA (bisphenol-A), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and phthalates.
They’re also 100% eco-friendly because silicone is made from silica (derived from sand), with the manufacturing process not using crude oil (used in plastics).
Easy To Use
They’re manual milk catchers that are easy to use, cord-free, and don’t require batteries to work.
Easy Clean-Up
All Haakaa pumps can be put in the dishwasher, steam sterilizer, or cleaned with boiling water.
The accessories, including the silicone cap, stopper, and milk collectors, are also dishwasher-safe.
Common Key Features & Specifications
- Material: Food-grade silicone
- Product Safety: BPA-free, PVC-free, and phthalate-free
- Pump Bags: None, but milk storage bags are available
- Apps: None
- Pump Type: Manual, milk catcher
- Batteries: None
- Portability Options: Yes, it fits in your diaper bag
- Pump System: Closed system
- Settings: None
- Display: None
- Pump Strength: Not indicated
- Pump Controls: None
- Noise Level: Silent
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: 14-day money-back guarantee (if bought directly from haakaausa.com)
- Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
- Bag and Cooler: Yes, if bought in combination with the Haakaa On-the-go Save and Stash Pack ($81.81)
Product Recall
- None
Common Cons & Factors To Consider Before Purchasing
- The Haakaa pumps can get knocked off your boob, resulting in spilled milk.
- They don’t have a pump mechanism (such as a lever) to continue drawing milk like the other manual pumps.
- Some customers complain that the strong suction hurts their nipples.
- Some dish soaps or cleaning agents can make the silicone pump turn cloudy.
- The soft silicone material might also be prone to scratches.
Continue reading to learn more about each silicone milk catcher and what makes them different from the other Haakaa pumps.
Haakaa Generation 1 Silicone Breast Pump
Price
- Haakaa Generation 1 Silicone Breast Pump (4 oz) – $13.99
- Haakaa Gen 1 Silicone Pump with Silicon Lid – $22.99
- Haakaa Gen 1 Silicone Breast Pump 4 oz and Silicone Flower Stopper Set – $22.99
- Haakaa Silicone Pump & Ladybug Silicone Milk Collector Set Combo – $45.05
What Makes It Different?
Easy To Use & Doesn’t Requires Additional Time
No setup is needed with this easy-to-use milk catcher. You simply press it, put it on your boob, and let it do the rest.
The third-generation pump still needs to be set up as a pump because the parts need to be taken apart while cleaning.
Easy Clean-Up
A one-piece pump, this Haakaa model is super easy to clean.
Budget-friendly
With a starting price of $13.99, it’s a budget-friendly option with a price tag several times smaller than electric breast pumps. It’s even cheaper than other manual pumps.
Key Features & Specifications
- Capacity: 4 oz
- Spill-Proof Cups: Pump easily converts into a spill-proof cup using the silicone cap; Ladybug silicone milk collector (sold separately or bought in combo)
Pump and Accessories In The Box
The accessories in the box can vary, depending on the combo you purchase.
The basic box contains the one-piece breast pump.
Other packs can contain:
- Silicone stopper (which fits in the neck of the pump)
- Silicone cap
- Milk collector sets
- Milk storage bags
- Insulated baby bags
- Silicone brush
Cons & Factors To Consider Before Purchasing
- This older Haakaa generation doesn’t have a suction base and can’t be converted into a baby bottle.
- The basic pump doesn’t have a stopper or cover (these are sold separately).
Haakaa Generation 2 Silicone Breast Pump
Price
- Haakaa Generation 2 Silicone Breast Pump with Suction Base – $19.99 for 4 oz and $20.99 for 5 oz
- Haakaa Deluxe Express & Collect Travel Pack (includes an insulated storage bag, silicone breast milk storage bags, silicone cap, and a ladybug silicone milk collector) – $78.99
- Haakaa Express & Collect Travel Pack (includes a silicone breast milk storage bag, silicone cap, and a ladybug silicone milk collector) – $55
What Makes It Different?
Easy To Use & Clean-Up
Like the first generation Haakaa, the second generation is also easy to use and clean.
Suction Base
An upgrade to Haakaa Gen 1, this Gen 2 breast pump features a suction base to help stop accidental spills.
Two Size Options
This milk catcher is available in 4 oz or 5 oz.
Budget-friendly
Like the Gen 1, this pump can still be easy on your wallet.
Key Features & Specifications
- Capacity: 4 oz or 5 oz
- Spill-Proof Cups: Ladybug silicone milk collector (sold separately or bought in combo)
Pumps and Accessories In The Box
The Gen 2 pump has accessory options similar to the Gen 1 pump.
The basic box contains the one-piece breast pump, but other combo options are available.
Depending on what you get, you can have the following:
- Silicone stopper (fits in the neck of the pump)
- Silicone cap
- Milk collector sets
- Milk storage bags
- Insulated baby bag
- Silicone brush
Cons & Factors To Consider Before Purchasing
- It can’t be converted into a baby bottle.
- The basic pump doesn’t have a stopper or cover (these are sold separately).
Haakaa Generation 3 Silicone Breast Pump
Price
- Haakaa Generation 3 Silicone Breast Pump – $28.99 for 6 oz and $30.99 for 9 oz
- Haakaa Gen 3 Premium Pack (includes different bottle sizes and sippy spout attachment) – $105.99
What Makes It Different?
Convertible
The Generation 3 converts into a baby bottle by changing the removable flange.
The pump parts are also compatible with the other Haakaa Generation 3 silicone bottle range attachments.
It also converts into a sippy cup using the sippy spout attachment (sold separately or available in the premium pack).
More Portability Options
Because of its unique design, Haakaa Generation 3 offers better portability and accessibility. You don’t have to pour the collected breast milk into a separate container if you need to be on the go.
Key Features & Specifications
- Capacity: 6 oz or 9 oz
- Spill-Proof Cups: Just change the flange into the nipple set; ladybug silicone milk collector (sold separately or bought in combo)
Bottles and Accessories In The Box
- One silicone breast pump flange
- One screw ring
- One silicone bottle
The pump is compatible with all silicone bottle range attachments and is available in combo packs containing:
- 6 oz silicone baby bottle
- 9 oz silicone baby bottle
- Sippy spout attachment
- Bottle feeding spoon attachment
- Bottle nipples
- Flower stoppers
- Sealing discs
- Replacement caps
Cons & Factors To Consider Before Purchasing
- It’s more expensive than the other Haakaa pumps.
- It doesn’t have a suction base.
- Some parents complain on Amazon that the suction is weak and the pump-bottle combination is too heavy.
Summary & Recommendations: Which Haakaa Pump Should You Get?
Choose Haakaa Generation 1 Silicone Breast Pump (starts at $13.99) if:
- You prefer the most budget-friendly, basic Haakaa milk catcher
- You don’t mind that it doesn’t have a suction base
- You don’t mind that it doesn’t convert into a baby bottle
Choose Haakaa Generation 2 Silicone Breast Pump (starts at $19.99 for 4 oz and $20.99 for 5 oz) if:
- You prefer an upgraded milk catcher with a suction base
- You need one available in two sizes
- You don’t mind that it doesn’t convert into a baby bottle
Choose Haakaa Generation 3 Silicone Breast Pump (starts at $28.99 for 6 oz and $30.99 for 9 oz) if:
- You prefer a milk catcher that converts into a baby bottle and sippy cup
- You need one available in two sizes
- You don’t mind that it doesn’t have a suction base
Cleaning The Haakaa
Do You Wash Haakaa After Every Use?
Yes. It’s important to clean the Haakaa after each use.
How Often Should You Sterilize Your Haakaa?
It’s best to sterilize your Haakaa after each use.
How To Sterilize The Haakaa
Haakaa recommends cleaning and sterilizing the breast pump with boiling water for 2-3 minutes or using any steam sterilizing system.
Don’t use bleach-based agents, sterilizing tablets, or UV (ultraviolet) sterilizers to sanitize your Haakaa because these might reduce the lifespan of your pump.
Is The Haakaa Pump Dishwasher-Safe?
Yes. The Haakaa pump and most of its accessories are dishwasher-safe.
Double-check the cleaning instructions to determine which parts can’t be placed in your dishwasher.
FAQs
Does The Haakaa Work As A Breast Pump?
The Haakaa isn’t considered a traditional breast pump because of the way it works. Instead, it’s more of a milk catcher.
Many moms still think of the Haakaa as a breast pump because it helps them collect breast milk.
Can I Use The Haakaa For Exclusive Pumping?
Yes. It’s possible to use the Haakaa for exclusive pumping. Some moms are able to do it.
Double electric breast pumps can be your best choice if you need a pump that works fast and collects milk simultaneously.
Can The Haakaa Pump Replace Electric Or Other Manual Breast Pumps?
Yes and no. If you’re exclusively breastfeeding and need a backup pump to store some breast milk, then the Haakaa can replace any pump.
Wearable electric breast pumps such as Willow and Elvie might be a better option if you need to pump exclusively and multitask.
Can I Use A Haakaa Breast Pump While Breastfeeding?
Yes. Many moms use the Haakaa pump while breastfeeding. Once letdown begins, the pump can collect milk from your other breast.
How Long Should I Leave The Haakaa Pump On?
It varies among moms, but you can leave it on for around 5-15 minutes.
Does It Work With Moms Who Don’t Normally Leak?
Yes. With its body acting as a suction pump, the Haakaa can still be used by moms who don’t normally leak.
Is The Haakaa “Stealing” Milk From My Baby?
Like other pumps, the Haakaa will remove milk from your breast, but you can opt to feed the expressed milk using a baby bottle to your little one.
Some moms discover that even if they already pumped using the Haakaa, their boob still produces enough milk for their baby.
That could be because your brain thinks there’s a higher demand for milk, so your body produces more.
Does Insurance Cover Haakaa Breast Pumps?
Haakaa isn’t available on Aeroflow and Edgepark. You can directly ask your insurance provider if they cover this particular brand or product.
Haakaa Accessories
- Haakaa ladybug silicone breast milk collector – $17.99 for 2.5 oz, $19.90 for 5 oz
- Haakaa silicone milk storage bags
- Haakaa disposable nursing pads butterfly shape
- Haakaa deluxe express & collect travel pack (includes an insulated storage bag)
- Haakaa silicone flange
- Haakaa new mom starter pack – $39.99
- Haakaa silicone breast pump strap – $8.99
- Haakaa silicone breast pump cap – $9.99
- Haakaa silicone breast pump flower stopper – $8.99
- Haakaa silicone cleaning brush kit – $23.99
- Haakaa double-ended silicone brush – $15.99
- Haakaa tube cleaning brush set – $19.90
- Haakaa silicone nipple shields – $12.99
- Haakaa silicone breastfeeding nipple shield (with orthodontic, round, or butterfly-shaped nipples) – $16.99
- Haakaa oral feeding syringe – $8.99
- Haakaa on-the-go save and stash pack – $81.81
Haakaa Pump Alternatives
Other manual breast pumps:
- Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
- Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump
- NatureBond Silicone Manual Breast Pump Milk Saver
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.llli.org/oversupply-gift-curse/
