To put on a Haakaa, you squeeze the base of the pump to push air out, center it over your nipple, and release your grip so the silicone creates a vacuum seal against your breast. The whole process takes about five seconds once you get the hang of it, but the first few attempts can be frustrating. Getting a secure, comfortable latch comes down to a few specific techniques.
Step-by-Step Application
Start by flipping the flange (the wide rim at the top) back on itself, folding it down toward the body of the pump. This gives you easier access to position your nipple and makes the seal tighter once you flip it back up. Hold the pump in one hand and squeeze the rounded base firmly enough to push out a good amount of air, but not so hard that the silicone collapses completely.
While still squeezing, center the opening directly over your nipple and press the flange flat against your breast. Then release your grip. The silicone will try to return to its original shape, and that expansion is what creates the suction pulling your breast tissue gently into the pump. Once it’s attached, flip the flange back up so it sits flush against your skin. You should feel steady, gentle pressure but not pain.
Most people attach the Haakaa to the opposite breast while nursing on the other side. The letdown triggered by your baby’s feeding helps milk flow into the pump without any extra effort.
Getting the Suction Right
The most common complaint is the pump popping off or flying across the room, and it almost always comes down to suction level. If you squeeze too hard before attaching, the vacuum is so strong that the seal eventually gives way all at once. If you don’t squeeze enough, the pump slides off with any bump.
A useful trick is to “burp” the pump after attaching it. Once it’s suctioned on, gently squeeze the base to release a small amount of the vacuum, then let go again. This lets you fine-tune the pressure to a level that holds securely without pulling uncomfortably. It takes a few sessions to find the sweet spot for your body.
Dry skin holds suction better than damp skin. If you’ve just applied nipple cream or your skin is sweaty, wipe the area first. Some parents also find that slightly wetting the rim of the flange with a drop of milk helps it grip, so experiment with what works for you. Holding the pump steady with one hand for the first minute or so, until the weight of collecting milk helps anchor it, can prevent early falls.
Suction vs. Passive Collection
The Haakaa looks passive, but it isn’t. That constant vacuum actively draws milk out of the breast, not just catching drips that would have leaked anyway. Unlike an electric pump with a rhythmic suck-and-release cycle, or a baby who pauses to swallow and breathe, the Haakaa pulls continuously for as long as it’s attached.
This matters because your body reads that extra milk removal as demand. Use it at every feeding for weeks and you may end up with oversupply, which can lead to engorgement, plugged ducts, and discomfort. Lactation consultants (IBCLCs) consistently flag this as a real risk, especially in the early weeks when your milk supply is still calibrating. If you only want to catch natural letdown without stimulating more production, Haakaa makes a passive collector (the Ladybug) that sits in your bra with no suction at all. You can also use the regular Haakaa without squeezing it first, so it simply catches drip milk.
Which Generation Are You Using?
The application technique is the same across all Haakaa models, but the designs differ in ways that affect daily use.
- Generation 1: The original, a single 100ml silicone piece. No suction base, so it tips easily if you set it down on a table. A separate stopper, cap, or strap can be purchased to secure collected milk.
- Generation 2: Available in 100ml or 150ml. The base suctions to any smooth, flat surface, which means far fewer spills when you set it down after removing it from your breast. Compatible with the same stoppers and caps as Gen 1.
- Generation 3: A modular design with a detachable silicone bottle (160ml or 250ml) or a glass bottle (90ml or 160ml). The pump flange separates from the bottle, and the bottle is compatible with interchangeable attachments like a baby bottle nipple, feeding spoon, and sippy top.
If you’re constantly knocking over your pump after removing it, the Gen 2’s suction base solves that specific problem. If you want to pump and feed from the same container, Gen 3 eliminates the transfer step.
When the Pump Won’t Stay On
If your Haakaa keeps falling off despite good technique, check a few things. Make sure your nipple is centered in the flange opening. An off-center position creates an uneven seal that breaks easily. Adjust the angle so the pump hangs slightly downward rather than sticking straight out, which reduces the leverage that bumps and movement create.
The silicone itself degrades over time. Frequent sterilization, especially boiling, gradually weakens the material and reduces its ability to hold suction. If your pump is several months old and none of the repositioning tricks work anymore, the silicone may simply be worn out and need replacing.
Cleaning and Care
After each use, wash the pump with warm soapy water. Sterilize by boiling in water for 2 to 3 minutes, using a steam sterilizer, or using Haakaa’s own microwave sterilizer bag. Avoid bleach-based cleaners and sterilizing tablets, which can damage silicone. UV sterilizers also shorten the pump’s lifespan.
The pump is technically dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is gentler on the material and helps it hold suction longer. Since every sterilization cycle slightly breaks down the silicone, sterilize as often as you need to for safety but don’t overdo it beyond that. A pump used and sterilized multiple times daily will lose its grip faster than one used occasionally.