This is for all you nursing, pumping, and nursing/pumping mamas to be. I am just going to straight up say you NEED this! Literally one of the best baby investments you will ever make! And makes for the perfect gift for any nursing mom. I'm sure most of you know exactly what the Haakaa is, as it has taken over the breastfeeding world by storm, but if you haven't I will start with what it is and then move on to why I love the Haakaa.
So what is the Haakaa? The Haakaa is a one piece breast pump that can serve as a milk collector as well as a manual breast pump.
And why do I love it?
1.One Piece
The Haakaa is a one piece manual pump made with 100% food grade silicone.
2. Easy To Use
No small parts and no assembly, how great is that? Just suction the Haakaa to your breast and let it do the work. Place the top of the pump over your nipple, squeeze the base to create suction, and watch your letdown begin to flow. You can also fold the flange back, as in the directions below, which worked best for me. Depending on how much you want to express or how fast your let down is you can squeeze the base a few times.
You can use the Haakaa while nursing or not while nursing. I LOVE using the Haakaa while nursing as you don't have to do much work as your baby will start your letdown. This will help drain your breasts in order to prevent mastitis or clogged milk ducts. And better yet, helps you create a freezer stash!
How To Use
1.Fold back flange.
2. Squeeze base of pump to initiate suction.
3. Place nipple in the center of flange.
4. As you fold flange up release suction for tight seal and wait for milk to begin dripping.
3. Easily Portable
Simply throw the Haakaa into your diaper bag or purse and you are set. No carrying a large pump bag with all sorts of parts. No cord, no charging, no batteries, and no searching for outlets. The Haakaa also works wonders when you don't have the time or ability to bust out your electric pump (traveling, work, etc.).
4. Discreet
Pump ANYWHERE! I don't know about you, but when you are trying to discreetly pump and your pump is making the squeeky/wheezing noise (the best I could come up with for the noise the pump makes, haha) it makes it a little hard. With the Haakaa, it literally makes no noise! Out in public, coverup with a nursing cover or blanket, and no one will even know you are pumping. Better yet, with no noise, it will never wake up your snoozing baby, or husband (if you just so happen to be worried about waking him too).
5. Affordable
Literally, the most affordable breast pump ever. Cheaper than other manual pumps and by far cheaper than electric breast pumps. You can order the Haakaa on Amazon for $13. Although, if you are worried about spilling your milk I would purchase this one. As it has a suction base, ensuring your pump won't fall over and spill your precious milk. It also comes with a cute silicone flower stopper in order to create an airtight seal, meaning no leaks or spills.
6. Easy To Clean
One piece, so ONLY one piece to wash. No taking apart your electric breast pump and washing several different small pieces. Can also be sterilized with any steam sterilizing system or boiling water. And better yet, dishwasher safe! Because what mom has time for dishes?
7. No Toxic Materials
Since it is made out of 100% food grade silicone, the Haakaa is BPA, PVC, and Phthalate free!
8. Hands Free
Hands free, and no need to buy a hands free pumping bra in order to make it hands free.
8. Collect More Milk
And to save the best for last. The #1 reason why I love the Haakaa is that it helps collect more milk. While nursing suction the Haakaa onto your non nursing breast and watch your letdown begin to fill the Haakaa. I am extremely mad at myself for not getting the Haakaa from the very beginning of my breastfeeding journey. Think of all that precious milk that soaked into my breast pad instead of into the Haakaa.
I was able to collect 75 extra ounces in just a week after I started using the Haakaa!
Cons
1.The measurements for ounces is inaccurate. Although, if you are worried about the measurements of ounces I would just dump the milk into a bottle in order to get the accurate ounce measurements.
2. Sometimes babies have a tendency of kicking the Haakaa off of your breast. This can easily be prevented by holding your hand on top or in front of the Haakaa in order to keep your baby from kicking it off.
Now for frequently asked questions?
1.How does the Haakaa compare to a manual breast pump?
Once you attach the Haakaa to your breast, it will extract milk on its own. No having to continuously squeeze a pump handle.
2. How does the Haakaa compare to electric breast pumps?
By no means should you stop using or get rid of your electric breast pump. Although, the Haakaa makes it easy to pump when you don't have the time or ability to bust out your electric pump, for example traveling. The Haakaa is also great because you don't have a million pieces to wash.
3. Who is the Haakaa for?
ANY nursing mom! A stay at home mom who wants to have an emergency stash without investing in an electric pump. A working mom who wants to build up a freezer stash before returning to work. A mom who only has a single electric breast pump and wants to save time by tandem pumping with the Haakaa. A mom who feels the electric breast pumps are uncomfortable. And the list goes on and on.
4. Can I store milk in the Haakaa?
The Haakaa is not intended to store milk. Pour whatever you collect with the Haakaa into a milk storage bag, and freeze. If I only got two-three ounces while using the Haakaa I would put it into a milk storage bag and keep it in the fridge. And then the next time I used the Haakaa and got a few more ounces, I would pour it into the same bag and freeze at the end of the day.
5. Is the Haakaa one size fits all?
Yes, every one that I have talked to has had no problems due to breast size.
6. Do you still nurse on both sides during a feeding?
Yes, if you still feel that you need relief you can nurse on both sides. And if that is what you and baby are accustomed to, go ahead and do it.
If you are wanting to try out one of the greatest nursing inventions of all time, you can get it here. This option comes with the suction base and the flower spillage stopper.
I hope this post gave you more knowledge about how to use the Haakaa along with answering all of your concerns. Although, if you have additional questions I would be happy to answer them.
And for those of you that have used the Haakaa, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
You can find all of my favorite motherhood/baby/toddler products here!
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18 Must Haves For Breastfeeding Mamas
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I’ve heard such good things about the Haakaa! I hate pumping so I feel like this would work a lot better for me. I have to get one!
Yes, it is absolutely amazing! My favorite is using it while nursing as it catches your letdown, instead of all that extra milk just soaking into your nursing breastpad.