What breastfeeding mums need to know about the haakaa

Hey there mumma. Congratulations on the beautiful journey of motherhood you’ve started on! Breastfeeding can be a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges and questions. Today, I’m here to share some insights into a popular breastfeeding tool – the Haakaa. If you’ve heard about it or are considering using it, this post is for you. In this post, I’ll cover how the Haakaa works, how it can be helpful, some things to consider about how you use it, why it might not always be the best choice.

What is the purpose of a Haakaa?

The Haakaa is a silicone breast pump designed to collect milk from the breast. It’s a simple concept that has become really popular among breastfeeding mums. It can be a really helpful tool to help you save precious breast milk that might otherwise go to waste. Lots of mums use it to catch milk leaking from the breast baby is not feeding from. Others use it instead of an electric breast pump so they can store and save expressed milk for their baby.

Should I Use a Haakaa While Breastfeeding?

Using the Haakaa while breastfeeding really comes down to personal preference and individual circumstances. Some mums find it incredibly helpful, especially in the early days when milk supply is being established. But it’s essential to be cautious about how and when you use it.

What is the Downside of Haakaa?

While the Haakaa seems like a breastfeeding lifesaver, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. The main downside of the Haakaa is the potential for oversupply (which makes you more likely to get blocked ducts and mastitis) and the risk of depriving your baby of the milk they need. It’s crucial to strike a balance if you choose to use it, being mindful of your milk production and your baby’s feeding needs.

It Can Create Oversupply

One of the key concerns with the Haakaa is that it can lead to oversupply issues. Your milk supply works on a supply=demand basis. When you use the haakaa (or any breast pump) consistently, you signal to your body that it needs to produce more milk than your baby actually requires. This can result in engorged breasts, discomfort, and even blocked ducts, mastitis and lactose overload in your baby which can really upset their tummy.

If you want to save and store some milk to keep in the freezer for your baby, it’s completely ok to do this. Just be aware that you can end up making too much milk. If you have lots of milk and you’re using the haakaa to catch the milk leaking from the other breast, you can just hold the haakaa under your breast without suctioning it on to catch that milk without increasing your supply to more than what your baby needs.

It Can Take Milk Baby Should Be Getting

Many mums use the Haakaa to collects milk from the breast bub is not feeding from. This can take milk away that your baby needs for their growth and development. This can lead to frustration for both you and your little one, as your baby may not be getting enough milk even though your supply is ok. To avoid this, feed your baby from both breasts (if they usually take both) before putting the haakaa on. This might look like feeding bub from the left breast, switching them to the right breast when bub is done and putting the haakaa on the left breast while bub continues to feed from the right. You can then put the haakaa on the right breast after bub has fed if you want to. This allows bub to get all the milk they need before you take any milk to store for later.

It Can Damage Breast Tissue

Unlike electric breast pumps, the Haakaa doesn’t allow you to adjust the suction strength. This can be a problem because the suction might be too strong for some mums, leading to pain, discomfort, or even damage to your breast tissue. Using any breast pump should not be painful, so if you’re trying to use the haakaa but it’s hurting, the haakaa might not be the best option for you. If pumping is painful for you, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can help troubleshoot with you to get pumping feeling more comfortable. Book a home visit or video call with me here.

Does the Haakaa Help Relieve Engorgement?

It can temporarily help with engorgement relief, but as I mentioned earlier, the more milk your remove from the breasts, the more you will make, so it’s often not the best option for relieving engorgement. If you’re dealing with engorged breasts, try:

• using cold packs on the breast to soothe discomfort
• super gentle lymphatic massage (light feather touch from the nipple towards the centre of your chest and from the nipples towards your armpit)
• taking anti-inflammatory medication like nurofen (check with your doctor first if you’re not sure this is safe for you)
• emptying a small amount of milk from the breast just until your breasts feel comfortable (not to fully empty). You can definitely use the haakaa to do this, but make sure you’re not emptying lots of milk because that can increase your supply and make the engorgement worse.

Is It Okay to Use the Haakaa Instead of Pumping? 

Using the Haakaa can be a convenient and portable alternative to traditional pumping where you need to be plugged in or have to lug around a heavy pump, especially if you only need to collect a small amount of milk. However, it’s not a complete replacement for a pump, especially if you’re exclusively pumping or need to build a significant stash. Electric pumps offer more control and efficient suction and are usually better at stimulating your let down (milk flow) than a haakaa.

For more tips about pumping, check out this blog post: Pumping Breastmilk 101: Get More Milk With Less Hassle!

The Haakaa can be a useful tool for breastfeeding mums, but it’s not without its drawbacks. It’s essential to weigh the benefits against the potential risks. If you decide to use the Haakaa, do so mindfully, and don’t forget to consult with a lactation consultant if you have concerns. Breastfeeding is a unique journey for every mother and baby pair, and what works for one might not work for another. Trust your instincts, listen to your body, and most importantly, enjoy the precious moments with your little one.

Have you used a haakaa before? Share your thoughts and experiences with me by DM over on Instagram.

Happy breastfeeding, mumma! You’ve got this!