For most parents, like me and my fiancée, breast milk is the preferred choice of feeding for babies and infants. That means a breast pump is a crucial part of your feeding kit. Deciding on one solution from the battle between a manual Haakaa vs electric pump requires some careful consideration. Here’s my detailed guide to help you choose the right one.
Is Haakaa better than an electric pump?
In general, Haakaa breast pumps may be better because they are cheaper and quieter. They’re ideal for occasional milk expressing. On the other hand electric pumps are a lot easier and more convenient as the motor does the work for you. Your choice depends on your personal preference and comfort levels.
- Is Haakaa better than an electric pump?
- What is Haakaa used for?
- Why use an electric breast pump?
- Haakaa vs electric pump – main differences
- Can Haakaa replace an electric pump?
- What’s the difference between a Haakaa and a milk-saver?
- Further details on the Haakaa pump
- Further details on electric pumps
- Final thoughts
What is Haakaa used for?
A Haakaa is a completely hands-free silicone breast pump. The Haakaa has a gentle suction to draw the milk out.
When should you use a Haakaa?
The greatest benefit to using your Haakaa is that you can use it as often and as much as you need it. It can be used when you’re on the go, at home or instead of a feed.
- During feeding: While you’re feeding your little one on one breast, you can use the Haakaa to pump on the other breast.
- After feeding: Sometimes your little one doesn’t want to continue feeding but you still need to express milk. After a feed, use it to express the remaining milk.
- Instead of a feed: If your baby misses a feed, using the Haakaa is an ideal way to express the milk and store it for later.
Other uses of Haakaa
Haakaas also have a few other uses. Some of which include the following:
- Relieve sore or cracked nipples
- To collect leaking milk
- Stimulate the let-down reflex
Why use an electric breast pump?
An electric breast pump expresses milk quickly and requires considerably less effort than a manual breast pump. With an electric pump, the work is automatically done for you at your preset pace. It’s also the most effective option for parents nursing twins or multiples.
Some of the benefits of an electric breast pump include the following:
- Higher number of pumps per minute
- Indication levels that show you how much milk is expressed
- Double breast pumping, allowing you to collect milk from both sides simultaneously
- Tailored suction easily mimics your little one’s nursing patterns
Haakaa vs electric pump – main differences
When it comes to deciding whether a manual Haakaa or electric pump is better for your individual needs, it’s important to consider the main differences.
Size
Many people prefer manual pumps because they’re so portable. Haakaa pumps are easy to travel with and carry around because there are no cables and cords. Electric breast pumps are bigger and heavier.
Price
Electrical pumps are usually pricier than Haakaa pumps. If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider a Haakaa breast pump.
Suction
Electric breast pumps provide a stronger suction than a Haakaa and are ideal for twins or multiples. Unlike the Haakaa, electrical pumps can be used to double pump, producing twice as much milk.
Access to electrical outlet
A big advantage of the Haakaa is that it doesn’t need to be plugged in. Haakaa pumps don’t require plugs, cords or cables. There’s no need for a power outlet which means you can pump on the go!
Can Haakaa replace an electric pump?
According to moms who own both, Haakaa can’t replace an electric pump. It’s easy to use Haakaa at home to pump one breast while the little one is feeding on the other side. It’s very convenient to use the electric pump at the office or on the go.
To see just how easy it is to use a Haakaa breast pump, watch this short clip!
What’s the difference between a Haakaa and a milk-saver?
In the Milkies Milk-Saver vs Haakaa comparison, the former is sometimes a more popular option because it’s more discreet than the Haakaa. Unlike the Haakaa, the Milkies Milk-Saver doesn’t suction onto the breast. It’s held in place by a nursing bra.
The plus point is there’s no learning curve and no practice to try and get the procedure right. All the mom has to do is make sure the nipple is in the Milkies Milk-Saver opening. It’s that simple!
Further details on the Haakaa pump
Which generation Haakaa is best
Haakaa Gen 3 pump is a new and improved version of Gen 1 and Gen 2. It comes in two convenient sizes – 160ml and 250ml. With a quick twist of the top, it’s easy to swap out your breast pump flange for any optional interchangeable attachments.
What size Haakaa to get
The size of the Haakaa determines the strength of the suction. So, the bigger the Haakaa, the stronger the suction will be. Many moms are comfortable with using the 5oz Haakaa.
How to apply the Haakaa
All it takes is 5 easy steps to apply the Haakaa. Read on to see how easy it is!
- Step 1: Start by folding the Haakaa flange back. Hold it in place with one hand.
- Step 2: When the flange is back, move it and apply it to the center of your nipple.
- Step 3: Apply a little force to get the pump to lay flush with the skin.
- Step 4: BURP and remove the air from Haakaa’s collection chamber.
- Step 5: Keep the air out of the collection chamber and FLIP the flange toward your skin.
Further details on electric pumps
What are the different types of electric pumps?
- Wearable breast pumps: A popular type of pump is the wearable breast pump. It allows the user to pump milk anywhere, anytime. A popular brand is the Freemie Freedom Double Electric Hands-Free Breast Pump. It’s an electric pump that allows you to pump with your clothes on! The collection cups fit comfortably in a regular or nursing bra.
- Hospital-grade breast pumps: These types of pumps have powerful motors using a “closed system”. This means they have barriers in place to prevent milk from spilling into the motor, keeping the unit hygienic. The Medela Sonata has a hospital-strength vacuum suction and pumps more than 12% more milk. For a more detailed review of this type of pump, read my article on Sonata vs. Spectra S1 comparison.
Which brand is best for an electric breast pump?
If you’re looking for a breast pump that’s small, lightweight, and exceptionally quiet, then the Elvie Double Electric Wearable Breast Pump might be for you. With this type of breast pump system, it’s possible to pump anywhere, even while you’re attending a meeting!
The Elvie Pump is worn inside a standard nursing bra, making it completely hands-free. It’s so quiet, no one will even know you’re wearing one. I recently posted an article on the differences between Elvie vs Willow pumps and it’s a good read if you’re considering either one of these two.
Final thoughts
With the information provided in this article, it’ll be much easier to decide between a Haakaa vs electric pump as your preferred choice. There isn’t a right or wrong answer here. It comes down to personal comfort levels. With the various models I’ve listed, you should be able to find the right one for your lifestyle and pumping needs!
There are also other manual pumps on the market and you might want to compare the Haakaa vs Naturebond manual pumps?
Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
