TO HAAKAA OR NOT TO HAAKAA

The Haakaa is essentially a manual breast pump made out of silicone with a bulb on one end and a flange on the other. You squeeze the bulb, place the flange on your breast, and release the bulb, creating a gentle suction that helps collect milk.  The Haakaa company was the first company to market them widely in the US, and they have since become wildly popular.  In this article, I'm using the term "Haakaa" for any similar silicone breast pump, even though there are now many different brands of silicone breast pump on the market.

The Popularity of the Haakaa

The Haakaa has become a popular gift at baby showers and a commonly recommended tool for new moms. It’s marketed as an easy, hands-free way to collect milk, and it can indeed be very convenient. However, as with any tool, it’s important to understand both its benefits and potential drawbacks before incorporating it into your breastfeeding routine.

Pros of Using the Haakaa

Gentle and Convenient Milk Collection

One of the primary benefits of the Haakaa is its gentle approach to milk collection. Unlike electric pumps, the Haakaa doesn’t have any motorized parts that can sometimes create a harsh suction. It works by creating a natural vacuum, which can be more comfortable for some mothers.  

Hands-Free Operation

The Haakaa is designed to be hands-free, making it convenient for multitasking. You can attach it to one breast while nursing your baby on the other. This way, you can collect milk without needing to interrupt your breastfeeding session or find time for a separate pumping session.

Easy to Use and Clean

The Haakaa is straightforward to use—just squeeze the bulb, attach it to your breast, and let it do its thing. It’s also easy to clean, as it typically has only one piece without complicated parts or tubing, unlike electric pumps.

Affordable

Compared to electric pumps, the Haakaa is quite affordable. This makes it an attractive option for many families, especially those looking to save money on breastfeeding supplies.

Useful for Collecting Extra Milk

The Haakaa can be particularly helpful for collecting milk that might otherwise be wasted. For instance, if you have a strong letdown reflex or if your baby feeds on one side and you have milk dripping from the other, the Haakaa can collect that extra milk for storage and later use.

Cons of Using the Haakaa

Risk of Overproduction

While the Haakaa can be great for collecting milk, it’s important to be cautious about overusing it. When used with suction, it acts like a pump and can stimulate your breasts to produce more milk. It's easy to forget you have it attached and you can unknowingly express quite a bit of "extra" milk without realizing it.  Overproduction might sound like a good thing, but it can lead to problems, including engorgement, plugged ducts, and even mastitis.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Haakaas are "one size fits all," so often pull in a large amount of breast and areolar tissue (unlike a properly-sized pump flange that pulls in mostly just the nipple).  Pulling in all of this tissue can contribute to nipple and breast pain, swelling in the breast, and subsequent difficulty expressing milk.  

Potential Impact on Feeding

Some babies, particularly younger babies or babies with lower tone or a history of prematurity, feed more effectively when the breast is more full and the flow is faster. If you’re using the Haakaa on one side while nursing on the other, then switch your baby to the side where the Haakaa was used, they are feeding on a breast that is no longer full and may be very ineffective or even refuse the breast due to difficulty transferring milk. This can affect how well your baby feeds overall and may cause frustration for both you and your baby.  It can also lead to poor weight gain by decreasing your baby's overall milk intake if you are not immediately bottle feeding the Haakaa-expressed milk to your baby after each nursing session.  

Emptying More Milk Than Necessary

Though there is no motor attached to the HaaKaa, it can generate quite powerful suction that can contribute to oversupply if overused. In addition, using the Haakaa on both sides can lead to emptying more milk than your baby needs. This can disrupt the natural balance of supply and demand, potentially leading to overproduction. It’s important to listen to your body and your baby’s needs to avoid creating an oversupply.

When the Haakaa Can Be Helpful

Despite the potential downsides, there are situations where the Haakaa can be a helpful tool. Here are a few scenarios where the Haakaa might be beneficial.

Building Up Milk Supply

If you are having difficulty making enough breast milk or your baby isn’t transferring milk effectively, the Haakaa can help you collect extra milk. You can use the Haakaa on one side after nursing on that side, while you nurse on the other side. This can help you gather more milk without needing to use an electric pump.  This MAY replace your need to spend more time attached to the pump after nursing if your production is close to meeting your baby's feeding goals.  

Avoiding Electric Pump Fatigue

For some mothers, the thought of hooking up to an electric pump multiple times a day can be overwhelming. The Haakaa offers a simpler, less intrusive alternative. By collecting milk with the Haakaa, you might be able to reduce the number of times you need to use an electric pump, as noted previously.

Managing Letdown and Leaks

If you have a strong letdown reflex, the Haakaa can help manage milk flow and prevent leaks. It can be placed on the opposite breast to catch milk that drips while you nurse (without squeezing the bulb first so there is no suction applied to the breast), ensuring that no milk goes to waste.  It can also be a convenient receptacle to use when hand expressing for any reason.  

Collecting Final Thoughts

The Haakaa is a versatile tool that can be useful in some situations, but it’s important to use it mindfully. Overusing the Haakaa can lead to overproduction and other common breastfeeding issues, so it’s crucial to pay attention to your body and your baby’s needs.

If you’re unsure about how to use the Haakaa or if you’re experiencing any difficulties with breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine specialist or lactation consultant. They can provide personalized guidance and support to help you navigate your breastfeeding journey.  Also, consider gifting someone a breastfeeding class or other lactation services or support for the postpartum period instead of potentially unnecessary breastfeeding paraphernalia.