Many new moms wonder if it’s possible to use two Haakaas at the same time while breastfeeding. A Haakaa is a popular breastfeeding accessory that uses suction to collect letdown and leakage from the non-nursing breast. Using two Haakaas simultaneously can help maximize milk collection. However, there are some important factors to consider before attempting to double Haakaa.
What is a Haakaa?
A Haakaa is a simple, yet ingenious breastfeeding tool. It is a soft, round silicone device that uses suction to collect leaking milk from the non-nursing breast during feedings. The suction is created by the shape of the Haakaa as it adheres to the breast. As milk lets down, it flows into the collection container. The Haakaa is easy to use, portable, and enables moms to collect milk that would otherwise be lost in nursing pads.
Haakaa Benefits
– Catches leaked milk that would be wasted
– Allows you to build a stash of breastmilk
– Soft, flexible silicone is comfortable on skin
– Easy to use with one hand
– Portable and compact
– Affordable price point
– BPA and phthalate free
Is it Possible to Use Two Haakaas Simultaneously?
Yes, it is possible to use two Haakaas at the same time while breastfeeding. Each Haakaa can be applied to each breast to collect milk simultaneously as your baby nurses on one side. However, success will depend on several factors:
Considerations for Double Haakaa Use
– Breast storage capacity – You need to produce enough milk for baby while also leaking significantly on the non-nursing side. Not every mom will leak enough to make double Haakaa productive.
– Nursing position – Some positions make it difficult to position two Haakaas comfortably without disrupting baby’s latch. The football and side-lying positions usually work best.
– Strength of let-down – A strong let-down is required to get a good milk flow into both Haakaas. Some moms only leak gently, which won’t create enough suction.
– Manual expression – You may need to use one hand to gently compress or massage your breast while Haakaa is attached to increase milk ejection.
– Baby’s nursing pattern – If your baby tends to nurse from both sides each session, you may only get short periods of use for each Haakaa before needing to remove them.
– Postpartum stage – Double Haakaa use is most feasible when milk supply is well-established, often 4-6 weeks postpartum or later.
How to Use Two Haakaas Simultaneously
Using two Haakaas at once takes some coordination, but can be done with practice. Follow these tips for success:
1. Get set up comfortably in a chair or bed. The football hold or side-lying position work best so you can easily reach both breasts. Have your baby latch first before applying the Haakaas.
2. Lean slightly forward and use gravity to help fill the Haakaa. Keep the neck of the Haakaa upright to prevent spills.
3. Gently squeeze the base of the Haakaa to break the seal and create the suction against your breast. Don’t squeeze too vigorously or it can hurt.
4. Adjust the pressure as needed by releasing suction and re-sealing. Aim for gentle, comfortable suction.
5. Use a receiving cloth under each Haakaa to catch drips. Wearing a hands-free pumping bra can help secure them.
6. Express your breasts gently to enhance let-down. Massage inwards using a fingertip circular motion.
7. Empty each Haakaa when flow slows down, reseal, and reposition as needed. Take care not to disrupt baby’s nursing.
8. Once finished, detach each Haakaa by squeezing the base. Transfer milk to storage bags or containers.
Tips for Success With Dual Haakaa Use
– Start with just one Haakaa until you get the hang of it. Add the second one after you have confidence using one while nursing.
– Try different breastfeeding positions to find the most comfortable and productive hold for you.
– Ensure Haakaas are sized correctly for a snug, gentle seal on your breasts. Consider the larger size if standard is too small.
– Keep Haakaas stable by resting them on a table surface or nursing pillow beside you.
– Optimize production by using Haakaas when milk supply is highest like morning, after pumping, during cluster feeds, etc.
– Be patient – there is a learning curve to positioning two devices while also taking care of baby’s needs.
– Add a few drops of breastmilk to the rim of each Haakaa to create a better seal against your skin.
– Stay hydrated and maintain a nutritious breastfeeding diet to support abundant milk production.
Potential Challenges of Using Two Haakaas
Despite the benefits, using two Haakaas simultaneously also comes with some challenges:
– Need to constantly monitor suction and reseal the devices which can be distracting during nursing sessions. Take special care to avoid disrupting baby’s latch.
– Risk of engorgement or clogged ducts if suction is too strong or Haakaas are overused.
– Can slow milk removal for baby if too much milk is directed to the Haakaas instead of to baby.
– Requires optimal breast storage capacity, milk ejection reflex, and leakage to yield productive results.
– Managing two devices while breastfeeding an active baby can be quite tricky, especially as a solo parent.
– Milk flow between breasts may be asymmetrical, resulting in different outputs from each Haakaa.
– More parts to clean!
Alternatives to Double Haakaa Use
If using two Haakaas simultaneously doesn’t work out, consider these alternatives:
– **Use one Haakaa at each nursing session**, alternating sides. This is less complex and still allows you to collect milk from both breasts.
– **Pump one breast while nursing on the other.** This ensures your baby gets the milk they need while collecting from the non-nursing side.
– **Wear nursing pads and collect milk with the Haakaa later.** You can express milk between nursings to combine with nursing pad milk.
– **Use a Haakaa on just one side per session.** Focus your collection on the breast that leaks the most milk.
– **Try a wearable milk collector** like the Elvie or Willow on the non-nursing side. These collect passively like the Haakaa.
– **Rotate different milk collection options** based on your needs each day. You don’t have to use the double Haakaa method exclusively.
The Safety of Using Two Haakaas
When used correctly, dual Haakaa use is safe for most breastfeeding moms and babies. However, be mindful of these precautions:
– Make sure suction is comfortable, not painful to avoid nipple injury or vasospasm.
– Monitor for signs of insufficient milk transfer to baby such as excessive fussiness, more frequent feedings, and inadequate wet diapers.
– Oversensitive let-down may cause forceful milk ejection into Haakaas and choking. Keep baby upright and close.
– Using two Haakaas should not compress or constrict breast tissue. Use larger size or single Haakaa if concerned.
– Discontinue use if you experience recurrent plugged ducts or engorgement from over-collection of milk.
– Ensure proper cleaning and sterilization of Haakaas to prevent microbial contamination of milk.
– Consult your lactation consultant or doctor if you have any concerns about using two Haakaas.
Storing and Using Milk Collected from Dual Haakaas
Milk collected from simultaneous Haakaa use should be handled and stored safely:
– After each nursing session, consolidate milk from both Haakaas into one storage container.
– Date and label each storage container with the collection time and side of breast milked (left, right).
– Refrigerate milk immediately and freeze any excess within 48 hours. Freeze in small 2-4 oz portions to avoid waste.
– Use oldest frozen milk first. Follow safe thawing and handling guidelines.
– Fresh Haakaa milk can be given without freezing. Combine with pumped milk from the same day.
– Avoid mixing right and left breast milk from different days or cycles. Use oldest milk first.
– Use Haakaa milk just like regular pumped milk – give to baby in a bottle or mix with fresh milk for a bottle feed.
The Bottom Line on Double Haakaa Use
Simultaneously using two Haakaas to collect leaking milk from both breasts during nursing sessions *is* possible for some moms. But it has challenges and is not guaranteed to work for everyone. The suction and leakage must be strong enough to get a consistent flow into both devices at the same time. Positioning two Haakaas while actively breastfeeding is also tricky.
For moms with ample supply and leakage, dual Haakaas can be useful to build a freezer stash and reduce wasted milk. However, you need to monitor your breasts closely for comfort and full drainage. Alternating breasts between nursing sessions or using just one Haakaa per side may be the easier choice. Speak with a lactation consultant if you have any concerns.
FAQs
How long can I leave the Haakaa on each breast?
Aim to remove each Haakaa once milk flow starts slowing down, typically after 5-15 minutes per side. Leaving it on too long with reduced output can lead to excess suction and nipple injury.
Do I need to sterilize the Haakaas before each use?
Washing Haakaas in hot, soapy water or the dishwasher between uses is sufficient. Only sterilize occasionally (by boiling) or if you notice milk residues after washing.
Can I sleep with Haakaas attached at night?
No, wearing Haakaas while sleeping can compress breast tissue. Only use them when you’re able to monitor comfort and output.
Can using two Haakaas decrease my milk supply?
Overuse of the Haakaa can potentially reduce supply only if less milk is transferring to your baby. Monitor baby’s output and nursing frequency.
Is it better to use one Haakaa or alternate between sides?
Either method is fine! Use what is most comfortable and productive for you. Alternating may be simpler for many moms.
