How to Use a Haakaa to Increase Milk Supply

Posted on February 09, 2026

Introduction
How a Silicone Collector Works
The Step-by-Step Guide to the "Flange Flip" Method
Using the Haakaa While Nursing
Strategic Timing to Boost Supply
The Warm Water and Epsom Salt Trick
Action Plan for Increasing Supply
Supporting Your Body's Milk Production
Understanding the "Passive" vs. "Active" Collection
Cleaning and Maintenance
When to Seek Professional Help
Conclusion
FAQ

Introduction

If you have spent any time in breastfeeding circles or scrolled through parenting social media, you have likely seen a small, pear-shaped silicone device that everyone seems to swear by. This simple tool, often referred to by the brand name Haakaa, has changed the way many of us approach milk collection. While it is technically a manual silicone breast pump, it functions differently than a traditional pump because it uses continuous suction to collect milk while you nurse your baby on the opposite side.

Many parents wonder if this handy tool can do more than just save a few ounces from soaking into a nursing pad. At Milky Mama's breastfeeding help page, we know that every drop counts, and we want to help you maximize your breastfeeding journey with the right tools and techniques. This post will cover exactly how the device works, how to use it to signal your body to produce more milk, and how to integrate it into your daily routine. By understanding the mechanics of suction and the "supply and demand" nature of lactation, you can use your silicone collector to gently and effectively boost your output.

How a Silicone Collector Works

To understand how to use a Haakaa to increase milk supply, it is helpful to first understand what it is actually doing to your breast. Unlike a traditional manual pump where you must squeeze a handle repeatedly, or an electric pump that uses a rhythmic tug-and-release cycle, a silicone pump provides constant, gentle suction.

When you squeeze the base of the device and center it over your nipple, it creates a vacuum. This vacuum helps to draw out the milk. When you are nursing your baby on one side, your body releases a hormone called oxytocin. This hormone triggers the "let-down reflex," which is the process of the tiny muscles in your breasts contracting to push milk out of the milk ducts.

For many parents, the let-down reflex happens in both breasts simultaneously. This is why you might notice leaking on the side you aren't currently using to feed your baby. By attaching a silicone collector to the non-nursing side, you aren't just catching leaks; you are using that vacuum to help the breast empty more thoroughly. Because milk production is a "supply and demand" system, the more milk you remove, the more milk your body is signaled to create.

The Step-by-Step Guide to the "Flange Flip" Method

Getting a good seal is the most important part of using a silicone pump effectively. If the suction is too weak, the device will fall off. If it is too strong, it can cause discomfort. The "flange flip" method is widely considered the best way to get a secure, deep suction.

Prepare the Device

Before you sit down to nurse, ensure your silicone pump is clean and dry. Many parents find it helpful to have a small amount of water or a drop of breast milk on the rim of the flange to help create a better seal against the skin.

Fold Back the Flange

Hold the device in your hands and fold the wide circular top (the flange) backward. It should look a bit like a mushroom cap. This exposes the neck of the pump and allows you to see exactly where your nipple will go.

Squeeze the Base

Squeeze the bottom bulb of the pump firmly. The more you squeeze, the stronger the suction will be. If you are new to this, start with a medium squeeze and adjust as you get more comfortable.

Center and Release

Center the opening of the pump directly over your nipple. While holding the squeeze and keeping the nipple centered, flip the folded-back flange forward so it rests against your breast. Once the flange is flat against your skin, slowly release your grip on the base. You should feel a gentle pull as your nipple is drawn into the neck of the pump.

Key Takeaway: The goal is a comfortable but firm "tug." If the suction feels painful, break the seal by inserting a finger between the flange and your skin and try again with a lighter squeeze.

Using the Haakaa While Nursing

The most common and effective way to use this tool is while your baby is actively breastfeeding. This takes advantage of your natural let-down reflex.

When your baby latches and begins to suckle, they trigger the release of oxytocin. Because the silicone pump is already attached to the other side, it "rides the wave" of that let-down. You may see milk start to drip or even spray into the collector immediately.

This is particularly helpful for parents who are trying to build a "stash" of milk without spending hours hooked up to an electric pump. By using the collector during 3 or 4 feeding sessions a day, you can often collect several ounces of milk that would otherwise have been lost to a breast pad.

Tips for Positioning

Football Hold: If you are using a breastfeeding pillow, the football hold (where baby’s legs go under your arm) often leaves more room for the silicone pump to hang freely.
Cradle Hold: If you prefer the cradle hold, be careful that your baby’s kicking legs don't knock the pump off. Some parents use a "hair tie" trick or a specialized lanyard to keep the pump secured to their nursing bra.
The "Kick" Factor: As babies get older and more active, they may accidentally kick the pump. Always keep a hand nearby or use a cover if your baby is in a particularly wiggly phase.

Strategic Timing to Boost Supply

If your goal is specifically to increase the amount of milk your body makes, you need to be strategic about when you use your silicone collector.

The Morning Power Session

Most parents have their highest milk volume in the early morning hours, typically between 3:00 AM and 9:00 AM. This is due to the natural surge of prolactin (the milk-making hormone) that happens overnight. Using your collector during the first two or three feedings of the day can help you remove the most milk, which signals your body to keep that production level high.

Use Between Feeds

While the Haakaa is most efficient during a let-down, you can also use it between feedings to stimulate the breast. If your baby takes a long nap and you feel slightly full, attaching the pump for 10-15 minutes can provide a "mini-demand" signal. This won't remove as much milk as a high-powered electric pump, but for many moms, it is a low-stress way to encourage more production.

Emptying the Breast

After your baby finishes nursing on one side, they may not have fully "emptied" the breast. If you feel like your baby didn't eat much or the breast still feels heavy, you can attach the silicone pump to that same side for a few minutes to finish the job. A "drained" breast is the strongest signal to the body to make more milk quickly.

The Warm Water and Epsom Salt Trick

One of the most popular "hacks" for using a silicone collector is the warm water soak. This is often used to help clear a clogged milk duct or a nipple bleb (a tiny white spot on the nipple that blocks milk flow), but it can also be used to stimulate a stubborn let-down.

Fill your silicone pump with warm (not hot!) water.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to the water and stir until dissolved.
Attach the pump to your breast using the flange-flip method so that your nipple is submerged in the warm salt water.
Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.

The combination of heat, the drawing power of the salt, and the suction of the pump can help open up the milk ducts. Many parents find that after doing this, their milk flows much more easily during the next nursing session.

Action Plan for Increasing Supply

If you want to see a noticeable change in your supply, consistency is key. Try this routine for 3 to 5 days:

Use the collector on the opposite side during every morning feeding.
Drink a large glass of water or a hydrating drink like our Pumpin Punch™ drink mix every time you use the device.
Ensure the breast feels soft and "empty" after each session.
Eat nourishing, lactation-supportive snacks like Emergency Lactation Brownies to give your body the calories it needs to produce more.

Supporting Your Body's Milk Production

While tools like the Haakaa are excellent for removing milk, your body also needs the internal resources to create it. Milk production is a demanding physical process. If you are dehydrated or under-nourished, your body may struggle to keep up with the "demand" you are creating with your pump.

At Milky Mama, we believe in a holistic approach to lactation. This means combining physical milk removal with proper hydration and nutrition. Ingredients like oats, flaxseed, and brewer's yeast have been used for generations to support healthy lactation. We incorporate these into our treats to make it easier for busy parents to get the support they need.

Additionally, herbal supplements can play a role for many families. Our Pumping Queen supplement and Milk Goddess supplement are designed to support milk flow and volume using carefully selected herbs. When you combine these with the extra stimulation from your silicone collector, you are tackling supply from both the inside and the outside.

Important Note: These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice before starting any new supplement regimen.

Understanding the "Passive" vs. "Active" Collection

It is important to manage expectations when using a silicone collector. Some people find they can easily get 2 or 3 ounces per session, while others may only get half an ounce. Both are completely normal!

If you are only catching "leaks," you are doing passive collection. This is great for saving milk, but it doesn't do much to increase supply. To increase supply, you need "active" collection. This means ensuring you have a strong enough suction to actually pull milk from the ducts, rather than just waiting for it to fall out.

If you find that you aren't getting much milk with the Haakaa, try these tips:

Massage: Gently massage your breast from the armpit toward the nipple while the pump is attached.
Warmth: Apply a warm compress to the breast for 5 minutes before nursing.
Hand Expression: Start the flow with a minute of hand expression before attaching the device.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To keep your supply journey safe, you must keep your tools clean. Because silicone is porous, it can trap milk fat and bacteria if not cleaned properly.

Wash after every use: Use warm, soapy water. Avoid soaps with strong fragrances or dyes that might leave a residue.
Sterilize once a day: You can boil the device in water for 5 minutes or use a steam sterilization bag.
Check for damage: Over time, silicone can develop tiny tears or lose its "springiness." If you notice the suction isn't as strong as it used to be, it might be time for a replacement.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use bleach or abrasive scrubbing pads, as these can damage the surface of the silicone.

When to Seek Professional Help

While the Haakaa is a wonderful tool, it is not a replacement for a hospital-grade electric pump if you have a significant medical undersupply or if you are exclusively pumping for a baby who cannot latch.

If you are concerned about your baby’s weight gain, or if you are experiencing pain that doesn't go away when you adjust the suction, reach out to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). They can help you evaluate your baby’s latch and ensure that your milk removal strategies are working effectively. We offer virtual lactation consultations to help you navigate these challenges from the comfort of your home.

Remember, breastfeeding is a skill that both you and your baby are learning. It is normal for there to be a learning curve. Using a silicone collector is just one way to make the process a little easier and more productive.

Conclusion

The Haakaa is a simple yet powerful tool that can help you build a milk stash and signal your body to produce more. By using the "flange flip" method, timing your sessions for the morning, and staying consistent, you can effectively use suction to support your breastfeeding goals. Remember that milk production is a combination of effective removal and physical wellness. Stay hydrated, eat well, and trust your body.

Use the "flange flip" for the best suction.
Attach the device while nursing to use your natural let-down.
Consistency is more important than the amount collected in a single session.
Combine pumping with nutrition and hydration for the best results.

You are doing an amazing job providing for your baby. Every ounce you collect is a testament to your hard work and dedication. If you feel you need an extra boost, our team at Milky Mama is here to support you with products and education designed by lactation experts.

FAQ

Can using a Haakaa cause an oversupply?

Yes, for some people, using a silicone collector at every single feeding can signal the body to make more milk than the baby actually needs. While this can be helpful if you have a low supply, it can lead to issues like engorgement or mastitis if you aren't careful. If you start to feel uncomfortably full or notice your baby struggling with a very fast flow, you may want to reduce how often you use the device.

Do I have to use the Haakaa on the other side every time I nurse?

No, you do not have to use it at every feeding. Most parents find a good balance by using it 2 to 4 times a day, especially during the morning hours when milk volume is highest. Using it too frequently can be exhausting and may lead to an unwanted oversupply. Listen to your body and use it when it feels most beneficial for your goals.

Why am I only getting a tiny amount of milk in my silicone pump?

It is very common to only get a small amount, especially in the beginning. Some people’s bodies do not respond as strongly to the constant suction of a silicone pump compared to the rhythmic suction of a baby or an electric pump. Ensure you are getting a deep seal with the flange-flip method and try using a warm compress before you start to help the milk flow.

Can I use the Haakaa to replace my electric pump?

Subscribe & Save: 10% off

SHOP NOW

Your cart is empty

Your cart

Estimated total

About Milky Mama

Support

Stay Connected

How to Use a Haakaa to Increase Milk Supply

Table of Contents

Introduction

How a Silicone Collector Works