Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump Review
We've all heard the phrase "breast is best!" But, we rarely hear about the struggles that come along with breastfeeding; especially for the working mother. Pumping enough milk for your little one can be extremely stressful. With my first daughter, I began substituting her milk with formula because I was making myself miserable trying to pump enough milk for her.
Now, with my second daughter, I work from home, but I still like to keep a stockpile of milk for special occasions and/or weekends when I drink.
While I was pregnant, I just happened across an advertisement for the Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump and I was extremely skeptical, but decided to try it out.
The first thing that I noticed about the product is that it is lightweight, discrete, and portable! Secondly, it is extremely simple to use!
The Haakaa works by catching milk from the letdown while your baby is nursing on the other breast. You wouldn't believe how much milk you can catch! The first time that I used mine was the day I got home from the hospital; I got about 3 ounces which is great for a newborn. Now, my daughter is 2 and a half months old and I get between 4 and 6 ounces every morning. Because I don't need much extra milk, I only use mine once a day, but, if you use it more often, your supply will go up and you could get much more!
The best part is, you can pump, hands-free, in 4 simple steps!
1. Flip the Lip Back
2. Squeeze the Bulb
3. Place the Pump
4. Release the Bulb & Flip the Lip
The only issue I have with the product is that you can't use it to pump unless you are nursing or have engorged breasts. With the latter, it is more beneficial to use two pumps. You can, however, gently pump the bulb to get milk to begin flowing. It can be tiresome, but, luckily, once one gets going, the let down will be collected from the opposite breast!
I have seen others complain about there pump falling off when it gets too full. I have personally never experienced this, but I do have larger breasts so perhaps that plays a role in it. As the bulb fills with milk, it will also expand. So just be sure to squeeze and readjust the pump and you should be fine!
If the price tag is turning you away from trying the Haakaa, there are cheaper, comparable options.
If you're are seeking an easier way to pump, give the Haakaa a try! Let me know what you think!
