You may have heard two different concepts about the Haakaa Pump and its main function:
1. Haakaa isnโt a pump โ itโs for catching let-down.
2. Haakaa is a pump + may cause an oversupply.
๐ฆ๐ผ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐'๐ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐?
Both - but itโs down to how you use it! We designed the Haakaa both as a pump AND a tool to save your let-down and our feedback from mums worldwide tells us itโs effective for both functions.
๐๐ฎ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐น๐ฒ๐-๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ฎ
Simply use with little to no suction (use a pumping bra to keep it in place) for couple of mins to catch let-down, then remove.
๐ฃ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ฎ
Use the flip technique and squeeze out air from the centre of the pump before applying โ a harder squeeze = stronger suction. Squeeze + release a few times at the start if you need. You can also re-attach if suction eases.
๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ฎ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐
Breast milk works on supply and demand so like any pumping method, the Haakaaโs suction does extract milk which may increase your supply. Itโs not the Haakaa โ or any other pump โ that directly causes an over supply, itโs how you use it. Always chat with an LC for any supply issues.
To increase supply, you need to extract more milk โ feed or pump more often. You can pop your Haakaa on each breast after a feed to signal to your body to make more milk. It will take time to build up your supply, Mama!
To decrease your supply, pump less, with less suction. Itโs important to slowly decrease the length of time pumping by a few mins every few days, or try block feeding. Decreasing too fast can lead to engorgement, clogged ducts and potential mastitis. BUT if you are feeling full, you can apply the Haakaa to relieve some pressure.
We hope this post will help with some of the misinformation out there. Thanks for your support โค๏ธ
This blog was written and reviewed by Aliza Carr (Midwife & Perinatal Mental Health Specialist) from @bumpnbub and Courtney Garland (RN & IBCLC) from @mamalinc. Follow them for more educational content on birth, bubs, breastfeeding and more!
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Originally posted 26 June 2023 on Instagram.