Haakaa for Engorgement: 5 Best Breastfeeding Tricks 

Last Updated on July 31, 2023 by Avi Steen

We all know that being a mom comes with its joys and challenges, and one of the common struggles many of us face is dealing with engorgement. But today, I hope to help you relieve some of that pain by using a haakaa for engorgement.

Engorgement is no joke, right? Those moments when your breasts feel like they’ve turned into two milk-filled watermelons can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. We’re going to dive into some fantastic haakaa pump tips to help you conquer engorgement like the superhero mom you are!

One of the best allies in your breastfeeding arsenal is the Haakaa breast pump – have you heard of it? If not, get ready to meet your new best friend. This little gem is a game-changer for breastfeeding moms, and in this post, we’ll explore how it can save the day during those engorged moments.

So, let’s get started on our journey to happy and pain-free breastfeeding!

This post may include affiliate links in which I receive a small commission at no cost to you. Please see our full disclosure here.

Understanding Engorgement

Before we delve into the marvel of the Haakaa silicone breast pump, let’s quickly chat about engorgement. Picture this: your milk supply kicks in, and suddenly your breasts feel like they’ve transformed into milk fountains, producing more liquid gold than Fort Knox holds in gold bars. 

That’s engorgement – when your breasts become hard, swollen, and sometimes painful. Your body is just holding too much milk, even for a breast pad. And you most likely feel like you need relief ASAP!

Common causes can be your body adjusting to milk production, clogged milk ducts, or even an oversupply of milk. But don’t worry, mama, because the Haakaa is a great way to help you get relief in comparison to an electric pump.

• The Postpartum Essentials Every New Mom Needs
• 59 Unique and Rare Baby Names in 2024
• 21 Engaging Activities: Teaching Toddlers Through Play 
• 21 Breastfeeding Tips for Beginners in the First 21 Days
• Unlocking the Best Stay at Home Mom Jobs in 2024: Earn Up to $25/Hour!

Introducing the Haakaa Manual Pump

Now, let’s meet the star of the show: the Haakaa breast pump! This nifty little milk saver is made of soft, food-grade silicone and works through gentle suction. The best part? No cords, no fuss, and no noise – it’s a total game-changer from the traditional electric breast pump.

The Haakaa is like a milk catcher, carefully collecting every drop of precious milk from the opposite breast while you’re nursing your baby. It’s as easy as attaching it to your breast, and voilà – it does its job silently, effortlessly, and discreetly, allowing you to build up a milk stash with ease!

Before we dive into some tips on how to use the haakaa for engorgement, please also know that you can always seek support from a lactation consultant; these experts have all of the breast milk hacks!

5 Best Breastfeeding Tricks for Engorgement Relief

Okay, it’s time for the good stuff – the best Haakaa hacks for beating engorgement and enjoying your breastfeeding journey to the fullest! As a current breastfeeding mom of an energetic 14-month-old, I know this struggle oh too well. 

But praise God; I have enough milk to feed my baby and express milk for storage! 

Having this mindset has made all the difference when I get a clogged duct or feel like I have oversupply issues. It helps me stay positive and confident in my breastfeeding journey. Okay, let’s get into the different ways to relieve engorgement!

1. Haakaa and Hand Massage

When it comes to dealing with engorgement, combining the Haakaa with some gentle hand massage can work wonders. Start by attaching the Haakaa to the breast you’re not nursing from. 

As your baby nurses, gently massage the engorged breast with your hand. The Haakaa’s gentle suction will help catch any leaking milk while your massage eases the tension, promoting milk flow and relieving discomfort.

Trust me; it’s a lifesaver when those early days of breastfeeding are throwing you for a loop!

2. Shower with Haakaa

Who doesn’t love a warm and soothing shower, especially when your breasts are feeling like they need to go down a size or two? Turn your shower time into an engorgement-relief session by bringing your Haakaa along!

Simply attach the Haakaa to your breast and let the warm water do it’s thing! The combination of the warm water and gentle suction from the Haakaa helps encourage milk let-down and provides some much-needed relief.

This way you get the best results of saving milk and a little me time as well!

3. Warm Towel

When you’re ready to take the relaxation up a notch, give the warm towel trick a try! Warmth is like a soothing balm for engorged breasts, and when you combine it with the Haakaa, it’s pure bliss.

Place a warm towel on your engorged breast before attaching the Haakaa. The warmth will help ease the tension and promote milk flow while the Haakaa does its job of catching any precious milk that might otherwise go to waste.

Do this for 5-10 minutes a couple of times a day to help with engorgement. 

4. Warm Compress

Another alternative way to soothe those engorged breasts is using a warm compress, mama. (I really love this one on Amazon!) I received these from a fellow mom, and it’s been a game changer on my journey! 

Once the warm compress is in place, attach the Haakaa and let it do the hard work. The combination of warmth and gentle suction will help relieve the discomfort and clear any clogged ducts, making it a great option for tackling engorgement.

5. Nurse Your Baby

Of course, let’s not forget the most natural way to tackle engorgement – nursing your baby! Frequent nursing sessions are your secret weapon against engorgement. As your baby nurses from one breast, the Haakaa collects the milk from the opposite side, ensuring not a drop goes to waste.

It’s a win-win situation, mama. Your baby nurses to their heart’s content, and you build up a milk stash for those times when you can’t be right there with them.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and rewarding journey, but it can also come with its challenges, like engorgement. The Haakaa breast pump is an incredible tool to help you navigate through these ups and downs with ease. 

By combining the Haakaa with these fantastic breastfeeding tricks, you’ll be well on your way to conquering engorgement like a pro!

​Frequently Asked Questions About Engorgement

1. Will the Haakaa help with engorgement?

   Yes, the Haakaa can be a game-changer for engorgement relief. Its gentle suction is perfect compared to the more powerful suction of an electric pump. And the milk collection feature help ease discomfort by catching milk from the opposite breast during nursing sessions.

2. How do you deflate an engorged breast?

   To deflate an engorged breast, you can nurse your baby frequently, use warm compresses, hand express a little bit of milk, or use a Haakaa to catch milk during nursing sessions.

3. Can I use a Haakaa instead of a pump?

   While a Haakaa is not a replacement for an electric pump when it comes to extensive milk collection, it can be an excellent option for later use during nursing sessions to catch milk from the opposite side.

4. Does using a Haakaa increase milk production?

   While the Haakaa doesn’t directly increase milk production, it can help improve milk collection and prevent wastage, which may indirectly contribute to maintaining milk supply and prevent oversupply issues.

5. Should I pump to relieve engorgement?

   Yes, pumping can be helpful to relieve engorgement, especially if your baby is not nursing frequently enough. Using a Haakaa or a regular pump can be beneficial to ease the discomfort.

6. What’s the difference between engorgement and clogged duct?

   Engorgement refers to the swelling of the breasts due to increased blood flow and milk production, while a clogged duct is caused by a blockage within the milk ducts, leading to localized pain and tenderness.

7. How long does engorgement take to go away?

   Engorgement typically lasts for a couple of hours or even days, but the duration may vary among first-time mothers or depending on the frequency of nursing sessions and milk removal.

8. Can I pump to relieve engorgement?

   Yes, pumping can help relieve engorgement by removing excess milk and pressure from the breasts. A first generation Haakaa can be a great option during nursing sessions to catch milk while your baby nurses.

9. What makes engorgement worse?

   Engorgement can worsen if the breasts are not emptied regularly if there are milk collection issues, or if there is an oversupply of mature milk.

10. What helps breast engorgement pain?

    Warm compresses, warm showers, hand expression, or using a Haakaa for natural suction during nursing sessions can help alleviate the pain associated with breast engorgement.

11. Does engorgement lead to mastitis?

    Engorgement itself may not directly lead to mastitis, but if left untreated, it can increase the risk of developing mastitis, especially if milk removal is inadequate.

12. How often should I pump to relieve engorgement?

    The frequency of pumping to relieve engorgement depends on your baby’s nursing schedule and your comfort level. Pumping a few times a day or using a Haakaa during several nursing sessions can help.

13. Can you pump too much when engorged?

    Pumping excessively when engorged can signal the body to produce even more milk, leading to an oversupply of milk and potential discomfort.

14. Should I pump until empty when engorged?

    It’s not necessary to pump until empty when engorged. Removing a little bit of milk to relieve pressure and discomfort is usually sufficient.

15. Should I keep feeding on an engorged breast?

    Yes, nursing your baby on an engorged breast is essential for milk removal and relief. Using the Haakaa on the opposite side can help catch any milk leakage during the nursing session.

Remember, mama, every breastfeeding journey is unique, so don’t hesitate to experiment with these tips to find what works best for you. You’ve got this! 

And hey, before you go, make sure to check out our next post on using the Haakaa for a clogged milk duct. If you feel any pain with engorgement or not getting any relief from the haakaa silicone pump, then you may need to try out some tips for unclogging a clogged milk duct. Don’t worry; it’s simple for new moms and will help you get relief!