Understanding Your Haakaa Pump

A Haakaa pump is a revolutionary, simple, and hands-free silicone breast pump designed to effortlessly collect breast milk, particularly your let-down, without needing electricity, batteries, or complex assembly.

Understanding Your Haakaa Pump

The Haakaa functions by creating a gentle suction on your breast, which encourages milk flow and collects milk that would otherwise be lost into a nursing pad. It's especially popular for collecting the milk that leaks from one breast while you're actively nursing or pumping from the other.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Attach and Use Your Haakaa

Using your Haakaa effectively is straightforward, focusing on proper attachment to create a comfortable, secure suction.

1. Preparation and Hygiene

Before each use, ensure your Haakaa pump is clean. Wash it with warm soapy water and sterilize it by boiling, steaming, or using a sterilizer, as per manufacturer instructions.

2. Create the Suction (Crucial First Step)

To prepare the pump for attachment, you need to create a vacuum.

• Squeeze the body of the Haakaa pump firmly to expel air from within. This action collapses the pump, preparing it to create suction when released.

3. Position and Attach (As per Reference)

This is the most critical part of attaching your Haakaa securely and comfortably.

• While the pump is still squeezed, flip the little flange back. This is the top part of the pump that comes into contact with your breast. Folding it back helps create a wider opening for positioning.
• Position the opening of the Haakaa centrally over your nipple. Ensure your nipple is comfortably inside the bulb.
• Once positioned, release your squeeze on the pump. As the Haakaa reinflates, it will create a gentle vacuum seal against your breast.
• Hold it in place against your breast for a moment to ensure a secure and comfortable seal. You should feel a gentle tugging sensation, indicating proper suction.

4. Collect Milk Passively

Once attached, the Haakaa works passively. You can:

• Attach it to the breast opposite the one you are nursing from. The natural let-down from the nursing side will often trigger a let-down on the Haakaa-attached side.
• Attach it to a full breast for gentle relief from engorgement, or to collect a small amount of milk before a feeding.

5. Remove Safely

When you're finished or the Haakaa is full:

• Gently break the suction by pressing in on the flange (the top part) or the rim of the pump where it meets your skin. Never just pull it off, as this can cause discomfort.
• Carefully remove the pump, ensuring the collected milk doesn't spill.

Tips for Optimal Haakaa Use

• Timing is Key: The most common and effective time to use your Haakaa is while you are breastfeeding your baby on the opposite breast. The baby's suckling often triggers a let-down reflex in both breasts.
• Warmth Helps: Applying a warm compress before attaching can help stimulate milk flow.
• Positioning: Ensure the pump is angled slightly downwards so the milk collects at the bottom and doesn't sit against your nipple.
• Storage: Transfer the collected milk into a sterile breast milk storage bag or bottle and store it according to breast milk storage guidelines.
• Hands-Free Options: Some parents use a nursing bra or a Haakaa strap to keep the pump securely in place, freeing up both hands.

Common Haakaa Usage Scenarios

The Haakaa is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into various breastfeeding routines:

By following these simple steps, you can effectively use your Haakaa pump to collect valuable breast milk with minimal effort.