The Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump is a breastfeeding essential, especially in the early days. Using gentle suction rather than a pump, it silently and effortlessly draws milk out from one breast while you feed your baby on the other. Read on to find out what our parent-tester thought of the Haakaa. How we tested You may find the 3rd generation Haakaa pump a lot easier to use because you can collect some milk and then simply switch the flange for a teat and feed your baby immediately. You can also buy a spoon attachment so the same pump can be used when weaning your baby. You should sterilize it before the first use and wash it after every use. You can do so by putting it in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Unless your doctor recommends otherwise, you may continue to sterilize the Haakaa on an as-needed basis after you first sterilize it. 4. Is the Haakaa dishwasher-safe?

If you’re a stay-at-home mom or a work-from-home mom who breastfeeds 95% of the time, and you just want to have some milk on hand for occasional use, the Haakaa should suffice (this is what I used it for). 3. How often should the Haakaa be sterilized? Can be used to increase your breast milk supply. The Haakaa can increase your breast milk supply because the amount of milk you produce is all about supply and demand. If you are using a Haakaa to collect your letdown, and then with it properly suctioned over the breast getting it to collect extra milk while you feed or pump, then your body will produce more milk. The more milk your extract from the breast, the more your body is told to produce.

First impressions

No noise. Electric pumps are efficient, but they are so noisy! The Haakaa is much better for not disturbing your baby when in use and for use when watching TV so the noise isn’t drowned out. After pumping, always clean and sterilise all of your feeding equipment. Manual vs electric breast pumps: Hand-held pumps: a hand-held is a classic style that typically has a handle or lever that you squeeze to create suction. This pull uses a vacuum pressure to draw out milk.

Elvie fans are loving that they can pop it in and then be free to do so many things traditional expressing can stop you from doing. Another plus point raised by BabyCentre mums is that it feels different to other pumps and doesn’t hurt, with some women finding the suction from other pumps a bit uncomfortable. Struggling to get the milk flowing? 'Some gentle breast massage, as well as using a warm flannel on the breast, can help to release the milk,' advises Eilis. 'In fact, research has shown that combining some hand expressing and pumping can yield you up to 50% more milk.' Use visual aids Hand-held pumps: with the bottle attached, place the breast shield over your nipple and make sure it's in the centre of the funnel. Gently press down on the handle to stimulate milk flow and repeat. Once your milk starts to flow, press the handle and hold for a few seconds before releasing. It's important to always start by washing your hands. Make sure your pump and bottle are clean and sterile before use. You might want to find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed to pump in peace.

Which breast pump is best, at a glance

Plus, as a nursing mom, you put a lot of time, effort, and energy into breastfeeding and pumping. It isn’t easy!

If you do choose the Haakaa original then look for a version that comes with a plastic lid, as this means you can pump, pop it in the fridge, then use it again later the same day. This post will explain how you use a Haakaa plus what the difference is between the original and 3rd generation product. It’s easy to use and will make your breastfeeding days so much easier! It is ideal to use during the first few months when your milk supply is at its most plentiful, and your baby is at his least active stage. I only used my Haakaa for the first 4-5 months, but I managed to build up a sizeable freezer stash of breast milk during that time. How Do Silicone Breast Pumps Work? I got far more milk using it eventually than expressing alone. I would pop it on one breast while feeding from the other & used them after expressing to get the leftover milk out. I usually ended up with 200ml per day just with the Haakaa." (Mumsnet user Ozanj) When breastfeeding, it can be extremely helpful having the best breast pump that works for you and a manual breast pump, in particular, is a great way to express milk while keeping you in control of the speed and intensity of suction. If you're wondering if a manual breast pump is right for you or how to use a manual breast pump, keep reading.Created by a New Zealand family-run company, the Haakaa breast pump is an amazing innovation for breastfeeding mamas because it allows you to almost effortlessly collect breast milk while nursing your baby.

Once you have finished pumping for the day, decant the milk into a storage bottle or bag then wash your pump. Benefits of the Haakaa breast pump A manual breast pump doesn't just refer to a pump that is squeezed by hand. Over the years, different types of manual breast pumps have made their way onto the market, all with the aim of making expressing milk easier for mums. I tried this pump with my second baby, and I was seriously impressed by how much milk I was able to save. Almost effortlessly! It was a true life-saver. Many mothers report finding the Haakaa easier to use and get going with if they wait to fit it until after the letdown (where your baby or an electric pump has stimulated the breast to release milk from the glands) has begun. Haakaa original vs Haakaa 3rd generation pump: What’s the difference? Milk that's been cooled or defrosted in the fridge can be carried in an ice-cool bag for up to 24 hours.

How comfortable is the Haakaa breast pump?

But which pump is best, how do they work, and should you opt for single, double, manual or electric? We explore the best breast pumps on the market to help you master the art of expressing milk and keep your little one fed and happy in your absence. Types of breast pump