The Haakaa is one of those breastfeeding products that seems to be on every new mom’s list.
Some moms swear by it. Others buy one, try it a few times, and wonder what all the fuss was about.
So, is it actually worth buying?
I think it can be. But I also don’t think every breastfeeding mom needs one, and I wish someone had explained what it actually does before I started looking at breastfeeding essentials.
I breastfed my daughter for two years, and one thing I’ve learned is that a product can be genuinely useful without being an absolute must-have.
Here’s what the Haakaa does well, where it falls short, and who I’d recommend it for.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely think are worth considering.
What Is a Haakaa, Exactly?
The Haakaa is a small, manual silicone breast pump. There’s no motor, no cord, no battery and no collection of parts to put together.
You squeeze the silicone body, position the flange over your breast, and release it to create suction. That suction helps collect or express breast milk into the attached container.
The original-style Haakaa is particularly popular for catching milk from the breast you’re not feeding on. If your other breast tends to leak while your baby nurses, you can collect some of that milk instead of soaking through a nursing pad.
What I Actually Like About the Haakaa
1. It can catch milk you’d otherwise lose
This is probably the biggest reason to consider one.
When your baby nurses on one side, milk may leak from the other. Some moms leak a lot; others barely leak at all. If you’re in the first group, collecting that milk can be handy.
You can attach the Haakaa to the opposite breast during a feed and collect what comes out.
Just remember that the Haakaa isn’t only catching milk passively. Because it uses suction, it can also actively remove milk. How much you collect will vary from one mom to another.
2. It’s simple to use
There are days when the last thing you want is another gadget to assemble.
The Haakaa is pretty straightforward. No charging it before a feed, no finding an outlet, and no trying to remember which part goes where.
It’s also small enough to keep in your breastfeeding basket or toss in your bag.
Of course, you still need to wash it after use and handle the collected milk safely. But compared with setting up an electric pump, it’s a much simpler piece of equipment.
3. It can be useful when your breasts feel uncomfortably full
The early days of breastfeeding can be rough. When your milk volume increases, your breasts can become swollen, tight and uncomfortable.
Sometimes a small amount of milk removal helps relieve that pressure. A Haakaa may be one option, depending on your situation.
But I want to be careful with this one because breastfeeding advice around engorgement can get confusing.
You don’t need to keep using a Haakaa to empty your breasts every time they feel full. ACOG recommends limiting additional milk expression to what’s needed for symptom relief, because excessive removal can encourage oversupply and increase the risk of related problems. ACOG’s guidance on breastfeeding challenges →
Where the Haakaa Falls Short
I can see why people love it, but there are a few things worth knowing before you buy one.
It’s not a replacement for an electric pump
If you’re returning to work, exclusively pumping, or regularly expressing milk when you’re away from your baby, the Haakaa probably isn’t going to be enough on its own.
It doesn’t have adjustable electric suction, and you can’t rely on it to remove a consistent amount of milk every time.
If regular pumping is part of your plan, I’d look at an electric or wearable pump as well.
I compared several options here: Best Wearable Breast Pumps in 2026 →
It can spill. Easily.
This sounds like a small complaint until you’ve finally collected some milk and then accidentally knock the thing over.
The original-style Haakaa has an open top while you’re using it. If your baby kicks, you shift position, or you need to lean forward, it can tip.
I wouldn’t treat it like a bottle you can attach and forget about. Keep an eye on it, and remove it carefully when you’re finished.
Getting the suction right takes practice
The first time you use one, it may feel a little awkward.
You need to get a comfortable fit, create the suction, and make sure the flange sits properly. Too much suction isn’t the goal, and it shouldn’t hurt.
It still needs cleaning
One of the selling points is that there’s no complicated pump setup. That’s true, but it isn’t a reason to skip proper cleaning.
Haakaa recommends cleaning its silicone pump after each use and sterilizing it.
Who Should Buy a Haakaa?
I’d consider it if:
- You’re breastfeeding and your other breast leaks during feeds.
- You want a simple way to collect some milk without setting up an electric pump.
- You’d like a small, portable option for occasional milk collection.
- You understand that the amount collected can vary and that it isn’t designed to replace regular pumping when you need to express milk consistently.
It can be a useful little addition to your breastfeeding setup, especially if you find yourself throwing away milk that would otherwise leak into a nursing pad.
Who Can Probably Skip It?
You can probably skip the Haakaa if:
- You don’t leak much milk. If there’s little milk to collect, you may not get much use out of it.
- You plan to exclusively pump. You’ll likely need a proper electric pump and a routine that works for your feeding goals.
- You’re trying to manage oversupply. Extra milk removal may make oversupply worse, so it’s worth getting individualized advice before adding more suction.
- You simply don’t want another breastfeeding product. You don’t need to buy every item that appears on a must-have list.
And if you’ve already bought one but barely use it? That’s okay, too. It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
One Thing I’d Keep in Mind
The Haakaa is a milk collector, but it’s also a pump. That distinction matters.
If you’re dealing with low-supply worries, oversupply, recurring breast pain or a baby who isn’t feeding effectively, don’t rely only on the amount you collect in a Haakaa to tell you whether your baby is getting enough milk.
A lactation consultant, particularly an IBCLC, can help you work out what’s happening and whether a particular pumping routine makes sense for you.
And if your breasts are painful, increasingly red or swollen, or you’re feeling feverish or flu-like, contact your healthcare provider.
The goal isn’t to collect as much milk as possible. It’s to find a feeding routine that works for you and your baby.
So, Is the Haakaa Worth It?
My answer: yes, for the right mom. Not for everyone.
If you leak milk while nursing and want a simple way to collect some of it, the Haakaa can be a useful, low-effort addition to your breastfeeding supplies.
If you’re expecting it to replace an electric pump, dramatically increase your milk supply, or solve every problem that comes with engorgement, you’ll probably be disappointed.
Planning your breastfeeding setup? You might also find these helpful:
- Breastfeeding & Pumping on the Go: What I Actually Pack
- Breastfeeding in the First Week: What Nobody Warns You About
- Everyone Told Me My Baby Was Hungry
- The Postpartum feeding station I am glad I set up before baby
You’ve got this, mama.
— Love, Mama Rooted
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