haakaa Manual Breast Pump, Silicone, Clear, 4oz/100ml

Baby #3. I used electric and manual pumps for both other kids. I’ve tried (and still have) Medela, Nuk, and Willow electric pumps with traditional and hands free attachments. I’ve also used Lansinoh and Medela manual pumps. All do what they claim to do but none are ideal for a working mom (which I am).

With my last baby, in particular, I was horribly bothered by how loud ALL of the pumps are (even the manual pumps) because when I’m pumping, it’s because I’m working (i.e., not with baby); not only is the incredibly loud sound of the pump distracting for me, but it makes others uncomfortable and I refuse to pump in a bathroom; it just seems disempowering to do so. With baby #2, I went to a manual pump so I would have more flexibility and discretion and while I loved these attributes of the manual pump, I found that even they make noise and my hand would get sore having to pump so much … also, again, I’m pumping because I’m working and, maybe I’m uncoordinated, but I found it hard to pump with one hand and work (write or type) with the other OR to have a conversation with someone while also focusing on pumping (insert awkward suction sounds during conversations which were sometimes rhythmic and sometimes not, LOL). All of these distractions led to me missing or minimizing my work pumping sessions and, ultimately, frustration for me and baby when my supply diminished.

I am SO EXCITED to have found this product and I cannot begin to understand why all those apps that promote products for mom and baby don’t include it. This is a MUST HAVE for all mamas and should be in EVERY mama basket at baby showers (it’s ok to have multiple, trust me!!!).

I got the 4oz haaka without the stopper because I was leaking all over myself, especially at night. I figured if I could catch at least one oz per session, I’d have 8oz per day but I couldn’t find those milk catching shields I’ve heard about/seen online anywhere locally. When I started looking for them on Amazon, I came across this little gem and thought it looked interesting … for $12, it cost less than the shields, could catch more, and looked like an alternative to my preferred manual pump. It turned out to be all that and more!

Not only did I easily catch the extra ounce per sessions, but I immediately noticed an increase in production. In a week, I have started a significant stash and now catch 1-3 oz per session and have 55oz collected and stored (in just a week).

I just started using the haakaa to pump in between night sessions (baby is now sleeping 5-7 hours at night – and my son is only a month old). I believe him getting more hindmilk at each feeding (i.e., from the second breast) is alleviating his gas/upset tummy as well as filling him up completely, which has been stretching his sleep periods. Before the haakaa, he would get too much foremilk too fast then get gassy from all the air he was sucking in at my let down then he would spit up most of his meal when he burped, causing a lot of mess and the need to nurse again shortly thereafter because he was hungry again. It was a frustrating cycle that I’ve suffered through with baby #1 in the past thinking there was no other way; now, I have a tool to help manage it.

I use the haakaa to catch my overflow at each nursing session then finish the session by moving baby to the second breast, which, by then, has been relieved of most of the foremilk and allows him to get more of the filling hindmilk. The result is a combination of reduced gas and increased sleep, which has already made life better for both of us!

A couple things for moms trying this for the first time:

– It IS different than anything you’ve tried before. Be patient with yourself! You’ll get it. Try it during the day at first so you can see what you are doing when your mind is clear and can focus (and awake!!!).

– If you want to use it as a catch system during nursing, don’t stress about the suction level, it’s easy to simply squeeze the bottom and attach – that’s enough suction to catch the let down.

– If you want it to actually “pump,” then you need to follow the instructions by bending back the top, aligning your nipple with the small neck opening, squeeze the bottom, and attach. I’ve noticed that the release/pumping action actually happens about 45 seconds after attaching it when the bottom is almost fully open; after that happens, squeeze again and wait for the next release. It usually takes me 4 squeezes to completely fill the “4oz” haaka. I also recommend paying attention to the weight of the unit when pumping; as it fills up, you need to monitor the suction and the volume to avoid it falling off OR you squeezing a full haakaa and dumping it out on accident.

– The 4oz haaka is NOT 4oz, it’s 100mL, which is 3.3 oz. Personally, I don’t care that the measurements are off, I just care that I’m getting the milk! I use bottles to measure my supply anyway.

– Pay attention as your milk supply increases … you’ll be surprised how fast you can pump or let down 3.5oz and have a mess on your hands when the haakaa itself overflows!!! Because of this, I’m ordering the 5oz/150mL version with the flower stopper. I will still use the 4oz during the day until my supply increases to the point that I need the 5oz all the time. Then I’ll probably get a second 5oz just so I can let the haakaa fully air dry between uses (saves a step of having to towel dry it … maybe I’m lazy, or maybe I have three kids, or maybe I’m finally getting a handle on this mom thing?).

– Tip: I have bottles that I use to pour the milk into after each haaka session; when the bottles get to 4oz, I transfer the milk to bags. This allows me to be sure I have 4oz in each bag and for all my bags to be uniform in quantity, which will make it easier to prepare bottles down the road.

– Tip: if you are fortunate enough to get one of these (or use ANY pump) during the early days when you are still producing that beautiful golden colostrum milk, consider freezing THAT milk in 1oz cubes or bags so you can add that liquid gold to your more mature milk down the road … this will give your baby powerful nutrition at 2+ months old that they normally would not get at that age.

– Tip: use the haakaa after nursing on each breast to stimulate additional milk production. You may not get more milk that session, but it tells your body you need to make more – and it will!

– You may find that you want to also use a classic electric pump to get that deep release when you are away from baby for longer periods … be gentle to yourself and don’t put stress on you to do things a certain way. It’s fine to use two (or three or four) different products to make sure you have the support you need. Any method that gets milk to your baby is a good method and any tool that helps you do that is a good tool. Try different things until you find the ones that work best for you.

– Tip: enjoy this time with your baby; it doesn’t last long. 💙

I’m so glad I purchased this. I was trying to boost my supply and my baby would only eat on one side. Using the Haaka has helped even this out a bit and I’m no longer at risk of needing to use formula while my son is at daycare. It does hurt sometimes when I use it.

Rapport qualité prix excellent !

The haakaa Manual Breast Pump has been a lifesaver for my breastfeeding journey. Here’s why I love it:

Effortless to Use: This pump is incredibly easy to use—simply attach it to the breast and let it do its magic with gentle suction. It mimics a natural nursing rhythm, making pumping comfortable and efficient.

Compact and Portable: Its compact size makes it perfect for traveling or using on the go. It fits easily into my bag and doesn’t require any cords or batteries.

Silicone Design: The silicone material is soft against the skin and BPA-free, ensuring it’s safe for both mom and baby. It’s also easy to clean and sterilize.

Versatile: Besides collecting let-down milk during nursing sessions, it’s great for relieving engorgement and building a freezer stash of breast milk.

Quiet Operation: Unlike electric pumps, it operates silently, which is ideal for discreet pumping sessions anywhere.

Affordable and Effective: It’s a cost-effective option compared to electric pumps, yet it’s just as effective in maintaining milk supply.

Overall, the haakaa Manual Breast Pump has exceeded my expectations. It’s a must-have for any breastfeeding mom looking for a convenient and gentle pumping solution. Highly recommend!