REASONS TO BUY
Easy to use
Passive collection
Silent
Comfortable
Portable
REASONS TO AVOID
Less efficient
One-sided
Potential milk loss
Haakaa Review
A passive system that is affordable, easy to use, and doesn't require hand pumping, but isn't very efficient
Haaka
Credit: Haaka
RELATED: Best Breast Pumps
The Skinny
The Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump & Silicone Cap is a manual passive letdown hand pump. By passive letdown collection, we mean there is no pumping either by hand or electric. The initial suction created when applying the Haakaa is the only pull for milk expression. This "pump" is a one-piece silicone pump that is easy to apply and comfortable to wear. You need to be sitting for proper use, and it can be used while breastfeeding a little one on the other side or when you need discreet milk expression at any time. Testers like how easy it is to use, and you don't need hand strength to get good results. The Haakaa is somewhat on the small side, and while it shows a 4-ounce cup, it holds less as you need to squeeze the unit to put it in place. However, this aside, we think this is a viable option for occasional pumping or to relieve engorged breasts when an electric pump isn't feasible or would be overkill.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Haakaa | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  | |  | |
| Price | $31 List $12.94 at Amazon | $216 List $216.00 at Amazon | $250 List $189.99 at Amazon | $173 List $93.54 at Amazon | $42 List $28.72 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Easy to use, passive collection, silent, comfortable, portable | Efficient, comfortable, portable, easy to use, quiet, hygienic | Portability, use on the go, easy to use, closed system | Portability to get things done while pumping, comfortable | Small, lightweight, portable, comfortable, efficient, easy to use, quiet |
| Cons | Less efficient, one-sided, potential milk loss | Only one bottle holder, incompatible with a pumping bra | Price, hard suction can be painful, buzzing sound | Harder to close, must transfer milk after use | Single breast pump, hand-operated, not for frequent use |
| Bottom Line | A passive system that is affordable, easy to use, and doesn't require hand pumping, but isn't very efficient | We appreciate this compact pump for its quality, efficiency, hygiene, quiet sound, and comfort | Impressive portable pump that is easy to use but has a more aggressive suction and loud acoustics | Useful wearable collection cup you can pair with portable pump for on the go expression, but requires more setup | A great option for traveling moms or occasional pumpers, but not as efficient or easy to use |
| Rating Categories | Haakaa | Spectra S1 Plus | Baby Buddha | Freemie Next Genera... | Medela Harmony with... |
| Efficiency (35%) | |||||
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
| Portability (10%) | |||||
| Hygiene (10%) | |||||
| Acoustics (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Haakaa | Spectra S1 Plus | Baby Buddha | Freemie Next Genera... | Medela Harmony with... |
| Max Suction Strength | n/a | 270 mmHg | 320 mmHg | n/a | n/a |
| # of Suction Settings | 1 | 12 | 14 | n/a | 2 |
| Weight | 0.24 lbs | 3 lbs | 0.5 lbs | 0.5 lbs | 0.4 lbs |
| Available Flange Sizes | 30mm | 24mm 28mm |
24mm, 28mm | 25mm, 28mm 15mm-26mm with available inserts |
24mm |
| Open/Closed System | Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Open |
| Capability | Single | Double | Double | Double | Single |
| Power Source | Manual | Battery | Battery | n/a | Manual |
| Approximate Battery Life | n/a | 3 hours | 1 hour | n/a | n/a |
| App | No | No | No | No | No |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Eastrock LLC company represents the Haakkaa USA company. Eastlock was founded in 2007, focusing on bringing eco-friendly and natural products to the US and Canada. Haakaa is a family-owned business from New Zealand devoted to creating products safe for babies using environmentally safe materials to create functional, stylish, and safe products for babies and parents.
Performance Comparison
We like how easy the Haakaa is to use and how you don't need to fatigue your hand to collect the milk.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Likes
The Haakaa passive let down hand pump is unlike many other pumps we've tested. This soft silicone pump requires one squeeze to create suction around the nipple, and then you let it work its magic. This kind of pump is useful for relieving pressure on one side as your baby nurses on the other or for moments of engorgement where a traditional electric pump is not feasible to use, or you only pump on travel or occasionally. Think of this innovative solution as one long suction in a single part pump that works well for mothers with strong letdown and frequent "leaks" between feeding.
The Haakaa has an easy to clean one part collection system.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
This unit is easy to clean, silent, and highly portable, making it ideal for collecting extra milk instead of it being absorbed by a breast pad or bra. Testers like the pour spout that minimized spills and the soft silicone comfort with gentle suction and no nipple soreness. It works well for A to D cups.
The passive let down collection system of the Haakaa is good for moms who have trouble with leaking between feedings.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Dislikes
The Haakaa can lose suction if improperly applied or knocked by a kicking baby foot. If you aren't prepared or lack quick reflexes, this can result in spilled milk, which can be devastating to some moms who struggle with milk supply. Our tester didn't experience this much after following the directions in the Haakaa video. Some users report trouble coordinating the Haakaa with a nursing baby, but we think with practice and continued use or help, this gets better over time.
Depending on your milk supply and tendency to leak between feedings, the Haakaa could be a great asset in your pumping arsenal.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
This pump isn't as efficient as the competition, both manual and electric. Our tester pumped about 1 ounce on average over 10 minutes. While it can't replace an electric pump, we think there is a use for this unique passive system for some moms. Last, a word of warning, avoid filling the unit to the brim as it can make it difficult to manage, and you may lose milk.
The Haakaa may not be right for every mother, but the simple collection system and capable container make it a good choice for some mothers with adequate milk supply to use a passive letdown system.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
While the Haakaa may not be the solution for every pumping need, we think it fills a niche for moms who experience regular leaking between feedings or need a budget-friendly, silent, and portable pump for travel or work. This unit is hygienic, easy to use and clean, and works silently while you do other things. Though it may take a bit of troubleshooting, many moms feel that this simple solution is well worth the extra effort once they get the hang of things.
Manufacturer Video
—
Juliet Spurrier, MD
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