Establishing Breastfeeding and How the Haakaa Gen 2+ Can Help

This blog is written by Lauren Brenton from One Mama Midwife

In those early days after birth, breastfeeding can feel beautiful, overwhelming and completely consuming all at the same time. Breastfeeding is very different to anything most mums have done before, and so with that usually comes a lot of questions and worry. Often, you’re wondering if they’re getting enough milk, why your breasts suddenly feel like rocks, or how something “natural” can feel so hard.

The reality is that breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mum and baby. Research consistently shows that early milk removal, skin-to-skin contact and frequent feeding play a major role in establishing long-term milk supply.

One of the tools many breastfeeding mums find helpful during this stage is the Haakaa Gen 2+ Silicone Breast Pump. Unlike a traditional electric pump, the Haakaa works using gentle suction to collect milk from the opposite breast while your baby feeds.

For many mums, especially in those early cluster-feeding weeks, it can be a simple way to save milk that may otherwise leak into a breast pad. It can be used in two ways: without suction to simply catch extra let-down or as a gentle suction pump to draw milk out. We will talk about what situations you may need to be actively pumping in those early days.

The first few days matter more than you may think

Milk supply works on supply and demand. The more effectively milk is removed from the breast, the more signals your body receives to continue producing milk. It has been found that initiating milk removal early and frequently supports increased milk production in the weeks postpartum.

That does not mean you need to immediately start aggressively pumping around the clock. In fact, excessive pumping very early postpartum can sometimes contribute to oversupply or hyperlactation. Having an oversupply may not sound like a bad thing, but it can also come with its own set of challenges and increase the risk of mastitis.

This is where many families like the simplicity of the Haakaa. It allows passive collection during feeds rather than adding extra pumping sessions.

Why parents love the Haakaa Gen 2+

The Haakaa Gen 2+ combines the silicone pump with a suction base and SpillGUARD™ insert, making it practical for everyday postpartum life. Parents often use it to:

• collect let-down during feeds
• relieve breast fullness
• build a small freezer stash
• reduce milk wastage from leaking breasts
• support comfort during engorgement

One of the biggest benefits in those early weeks is convenience. When you’re feeding around the clock, washing multiple pump parts can feel impossible. The Haakaa’s simple one-piece silicone design is often a welcome relief.

A gentle way to start collecting milk

Many mums feel pressured to create a huge freezer stash immediately postpartum. But realistically, most newborns only take very small volumes in the beginning, and a large freezer stash often ends in lots of wasted milk.

Even collecting 10–30ml at a time can add up over the course of a day.

The key is remembering that breastfeeding establishment comes first. Your baby feeding effectively at the breast is always the priority.

Protecting your milk supply

There’s a lot of noise online about schedules, sleep stretches and “training” newborns. But biologically, frequent feeding is normal. Research shows breastfed (and formula-fed) babies commonly wake overnight and feed regularly, particularly in the first months of life.

Responsive feeding helps protect supply, supports infant growth and allows babies to regulate intake naturally. The Haakaa can support this process without replacing direct feeding.

Breastfeeding does not need to look perfect to be successful.

Some feeds will feel calm and connected. Others will happen while you’re reheating coffee for the fourth time and wondering what day it is.

The Haakaa Gen. 2 Silicone Breast Pump is a practical tool to help with gentle milk collection, not because you need to pump endlessly, but because supportive tools genuinely make postpartum life feel easier.

And often, that matters more than perfection.

Written by Lauren Brenton

Endorsed Midwife, mum of 5, Founder One Mama Midwife