Why You Need a Haakaa (Even If You Already Have a Pump)

ByCam

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Think your electric pump is all you need? Here’s why the Haakaa breast pump is a must-have—catching extra milk, easing engorgement, and helping with clogged ducts.

My First Thoughts on the Haakaa

When my friend told me I needed to get a Haakaa, my first thought was, “Why would I need a Haakaa when I already have a Spectra?” I didn’t want to do any extra work, and honestly, I assumed a “manual pump” meant sitting there squeezing a handle forever.

But I added to the registry—and I’m glad I did. The first time I tried it, it either fell off or suctioned too hard and hurt (it shouldn’t). That’s when I realized: it’s not meant to feel like a full-on pump session. The Haakaa is more of a gentle milk catcher that works while you nurse your baby on the other side.

Once I figured that out, it made total sense. Why waste milk (liquid gold milk) into a nursing pad when you can collect it instead?

What Is a Haakaa?

The Haakaa is a simple, one-piece silicone breast pump that uses gentle suction to collect milk you’d otherwise lose. You attach it to one breast while nursing on the other, and it quietly fills up while your baby eats.

Here’s what makes it so popular:

  • Affordable – much cheaper than other silicone pumps
  • Catches milk that would’ve soaked into your shirt, bra, or nursing pad (any nursing mom understands the pain of wasted milk.)
  • Easy to travel with – lightweight and portable
  • Easy to clean and sterilize – just one piece, no tubing
  • No electricity required – works without cords, batteries, or outlets
  • Gentle suction helps encourage letdown and milk collection
  • Helps clear clogged milk ducts with light suction
  • Relieves engorgement without fully stimulating supply

Why You Need One (Even If You Already Have a Pump)

Your main pump, like the Spectra, is for full pumping sessions when you’re away from your baby or building supply. The Haakaa is the sidekick you didn’t know you needed:

  • Night feeds: Catch milk from the other side while nursing.
  • Stash building: Even a few ounces here and there add up quickly.
  • On-the-go: Toss it in your bag—no noise, no cords, no setup.
  • Engorgement relief: Perfect for weaning or when you just need to take the edge off.
  • Missed feeds: Helps if your baby skips a feeding or you’re away for a bit.

Step-by-Step: How to Actually Get It On

  1. Sterilize before first use. Boil or run it through your sterilizer.
  2. Fold the flange back. This trick makes it easier to center.
  3. Center it on your nipple. Line it up before squeezing.
  4. Squeeze the base. With your nipple inside, squeeze, then release to create suction.
  5. Flip the flange back out. It should seal against your breast comfortably.
  6. Make sure nipple does not touch sides of silicone
  7. Check the fit. It shouldn’t pinch or hurt—if it does, reposition.
  8. Set and forget. Let it collect while your baby nurses on the other side.

Tip: If it keeps slipping, try adjusting the angle or pressing the base lightly to help it re-latch.

Final Thoughts

The Haakaa isn’t a replacement for your Spectra—it’s a helper that makes breastfeeding easier. From catching extra milk at night to easing engorgement and even helping clear clogged ducts, it’s one of those cheap, simple tools you’ll be glad you have in your diaper bag.

For me, what started as “why would I need this?” turned into one of my most-used baby items.

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