The First-Time Mum's Guide to Silicone Breast Pumps

If you're expecting your first baby, chances are you've already come across the Haakaa name somewhere; that might be through a friend's recommendation, a mum group, or a baby registry list(link). And if this is the first time you've started looking into silicone breast pumps, you probably have a lot of questions. How do they work? Are they the same as electric pumps? Which one should I get?

With so many questions, it can be hard to know where to even begin. That’s why we've gathered some of the questions we hear most often and answered them all in one place. Whether you're still pregnant or you've just brought your baby home, this guide will help you understand your options and find the right pump for your journey.

The Basics

Q. What is a silicone breast pump, and how does it work?

A silicone manual breast pump works through suction rather than a motorised pumping action. You squeeze the body of the pump, place it over your breast, and release. This creates a gentle vacuum that draws out milk, and it really is that simple. Once the suction is applied and milk starts to flow, the pump largely does the work for you. There are no cords, no batteries, and no moving parts to fiddle with. And on top of all that, they’re very simple in their construction, which makes them much easier to clean and sterilise than you’d expect!

Q. How is a silicone pump different from an electric pump?

Electric pumps use a motor to create rhythmic suction, actively drawing milk from the breast on a set cycle. A silicone pump vs electric pump comparison comes down to simplicity versus power: silicone pumps are quieter, more portable, easier to clean, and far more affordable. They're particularly effective at catching let-down milk from the opposite breast while you nurse or feed. While electric pumps are generally better suited for exclusive pumping or high-volume expressing, silicone pumps shine for more than just occasional expressing: they can be your main pump, catch let-down, manage engorgement, or build a freezer stash alongside your daily breastfeeding.

Q. Is a Haakaa pump a breast pump or a milk collector?

It's both, depending on how you use it! The suction action actively applies pressure and stimulates milk expression, making it a genuine pump. However, many mums also use it to catch the let-down from the breast their baby isn't feeding from, rather than wasting that let-down (or letting it stain their clothes!). Both uses are completely valid, and chances are you’ll find yourself switching between the two as your breastfeeding journey evolves.

Choosing the Right Pump

Q. What's the difference between the Haakaa Gen. 1, Gen. 2, Gen. 2+, Gen. 3 and Shell pumps?

Haakaa has a range of pumps to suit different needs and preferences. Here's a quick overview:

• The Gen. 1 Silicone Breast Pump is the original one-piece silicone pump – the one that started it all. Simple, compact, lightweight, and incredibly easy to clean. Available in a 100ml capacity, it’s ideal if you want a no-fuss option.
• The Gen. 2 Silicone Breast Pump builds on the Gen. 1 design with the addition of a suction base, which keeps the pump stable on flat surfaces and helps prevent spills while you're pumping. It also comes with an additional capacity size, letting you choose between 100ml & 150ml!
• The Gen. 2+ Silicone Breast Pump is the latest evolution of the Gen. 2, featuring ComfortCare flange technology with four interior moulded rings to reduce friction and tugging for mums with sensitivity. It also comes complete with a SpillGUARD insert, a stopper that stays in place while pumping. It allows milk to flow in but not out, giving you extra peace of mind during those inevitable little bumps.
• The Gen. 3 Silicone Breast Pump is the most versatile option. Express milk directly into a detachable silicone bottle, which is compatible with a range of interchangeable attachments, including baby bottle teats, a sippy cup top, a feeding spoon, and sealing disks. It's a pump that keeps growing with your baby.
• The Shell Wearable Silicone Pump sits inside your bra and lets you pump or passively collect let-down hands-free. Adjust the valve during active pumping to find just the right level for you, or leave the plug out to collect milk without any suction at all. This pump is perfect for on-the-go days when you need both hands free.

You can browse our full manual breast pump range here.

Q. Which Haakaa pump is best for a first-time mum?

If you're looking for something straightforward to start with, the Gen. 1 is the OG, is easy to use, and is a great entry level choice. The Gen. 2 Silicone Breast Pump is a popular alternative: it has the stable suction base, it's simple to use, and it's one of the most affordable options in the range. The Gen. 2+ is a great pick if sensitivity is an issue for you. If you'd like a pump that transitions from breast pump to bottle, storage container, and sippy cup as your baby grows, the Gen. 3 is a brilliant investment.

Still unsure? We’ve got a range of amazing bundles that can take the guesswork out. The New Mum Bundle includes a Gen. 2 Pump, Ladybug Milk Collectors, Colostrum Collectors, and Milk Storage Bags: everything you need to get started in one go.

Using Your Pump

Q. How do I attach the pump correctly?

For each of our generation series of pumps, the routine is the same. Simply squeeze the base of the pump body, centre the flange opening over your nipple, then release. For the strongest suction, fold the flange back to expose the neck of the pump, then centre it over your nipple and squeeze the base firmly before releasing. Once attached, unfold the flange back into position. The more you squeeze initially, the stronger the suction will be, whether you fold the flange back or not.

For the Shell, things work a little differently. Press the back, centre your nipple, then attach. For those who find it difficult to get it attached that way, try rolling your hand up over the Shell from bottom to top as you attach it.

NOTE: For all our pumps, your nipple should be away from the sides of the flange. If it is bumping up against your skin, reposition the pump.

Q. When should I start using a breast pump?

If you're planning to breastfeed, you can actually start preparing even before your baby arrives, provided you’ve discussed this with your midwife/LMC. The Haakaa Silicone Colostrum Collector is designed for antenatal colostrum harvesting from around 36-37 weeks of pregnancy (always check with your midwife or LMC first – early expressing isn't recommended for everyone due to the risk of it triggering labour). The tiny collectors let you gather and store colostrum in the same container you collected it in, with no need to transfer to a syringe.

When it comes to a standard breast pump (rather than a colostrum collector), when you start expressing really comes down to your circumstances. In general, it’s recommended to wait until you’ve got breastfeeding established, but discuss this with your LMC, as they will be able to tailor this advice to your specific needs.

As for why you would pump? Once bubs is born, many mums begin using a pump to build a breastmilk freezer stash, relieve engorgement, introduce a bottle, or simply capture let-down milk from the other breast during feeds.

Q. Can I use the Haakaa pump as my only pump?

Yes, and many mums do just that! A Haakaa silicone pump works well as a primary breast pump for mums who are also breastfeeding and want a gentler, more relaxed approach to expressing. That said, if you need to exclusively pump or maintain a high supply while separated from your baby regularly, you may find a dedicated electric pump more efficient for your needs. For most breastfeeding mums, a Haakaa pump is all they ever use.

Q. How do I get more milk from my pump?

The most effective trick is to pump on one breast while your baby nurses on the other; your baby's feeding naturally triggers let-down, and the pump captures what your body releases on the opposite side. A warm cloth applied to your breast beforehand can also help stimulate milk flow. If you're not nursing at the same time, try gentle breast massage before attaching the pump. And remember: the amount you express isn't a direct reflection of your supply. Many mums with excellent milk supplies express only small amounts with a manual pump.

Cleaning and Care

Q. How do I clean my Haakaa pump?

Clean your pump after every use. We recommend sterilising a silicone breast pump using a steam steriliser or by boiling in water for 2-3 minutes. Bleach-based cleaning agents or sterilising tablets are not suitable, and avoid UV sterilisers as both of these can affect the silicone lifespan over time. Use only soft brushes or sponges and no hard scourers, since these may scratch the surface of your pump. Note that it’s very common for exposure to dish detergent or hard water to cause the silicone to appear slightly cloudy; this is cosmetic only and doesn't affect safety.

Q. How long does a Haakaa pump last?

With proper care, a Haakaa pump will last an amazingly long time. Check the pump regularly for any signs of deterioration, such as stickiness, cracks, or tears – these may indicate it's time for a replacement. In general, though, with proper care, your pump should last as long as you need it to!

Storing Your Milk

Q. What's the best way to store expressed breastmilk?

Once you've expressed, transfer your milk to a clean, sterilised storage container as soon as possible. The Haakaa Silicone Milk Storage Bags are a popular choice: reusable, BPA-free, and the range of attachments you can use with them is also compatible with the Silicone Yummy Pouches! For fridge or freezer storage in smaller portions, the Easy-Freeze Tray lets you freeze individual portions and pop out exactly what you need.

If you're using the Gen. 3 pump, you can express directly into the bottle body and seal it, with no need to transfer (that means no more spilt milk!). Simply take off the flange, replace it with the handy sealing disk, and you’re away! Regardless of which container you use, though, always label your milk with the date expressed, and follow your country's guidelines on safe storage times. In New Zealand, the guidelines¹ are:

Q. Can I collect colostrum before my baby is born? And how do I store it?

Yes, with your midwife or LMC's approval. Antenatal colostrum harvesting is increasingly common and can be a wonderful way to have a supply ready for your newborn, particularly useful if there's any chance of early feeding challenges. The Haakaa Silicone Colostrum Collector is purpose-built for this: made from 100% medical-grade silicone, pre-sterilised, and designed to collect, store, and feed from the same container with no transfer needed. The tiny nib is perfectly sized for drop-feeding a newborn. Once expressed, fill out the included labels with your name & date of expressing, then pop in the freezer. You can take them with you to the hospital, where you can quickly and easily thaw, warm and feed the colostrum to your little one without ever having to transfer it. And if you’ve got some left over? Provided it’s been stored according to guidelines, you can use it as a pick-me-up for your baby if they get sick!

Troubleshooting

Q. My pump isn't suctioning on properly. What should I do?

Technique is commonly the reason, and it can take a bit of practice to get it right. Try taking it off, then repositioning. Another handy tip is for before you actually get started on your pumping journey. When you first get your pump, try practising on larger areas, such as your stomach, to get the positioning and technique down before you try attaching it to your breast. Also, check that your pump is clean and dry, since residue or moisture can affect suction. If lotions (including things like moisturisers) get on the pump flange, it’ll need a good clean before you next try using it, since they can make the silicone quite slippery.

Q. Is it normal for pumping to feel uncomfortable?

Pumping should not be painful. A little tingling as milk lets down is completely normal, which can feel unusual if you aren’t expecting it, but if you experience pain, burning, or soreness, stop and check your attachment. You may be applying too much suction by squeezing too firmly, or the pump may not be centred correctly over your nipple. If discomfort persists, speak with your midwife, lactation consultant, or LMC.

Q. I'm not getting much milk. Is something wrong?

Not necessarily. The amount you express is influenced by many factors: time of day, hydration, stress levels, and how recently your baby last fed. Many mums find they express very little in the early days, even when their supply is excellent. Using the pump during a feed rather than separately, and staying relaxed, both make a noticeable difference. Be patient with yourself; it takes most mums a few sessions to find their rhythm. As always, however, if you have concerns about your supply, have a chat with your maternity carer. They can see if anything is wrong and either give you the reassurance you need that things are ticking along as they should or offer advice to overcome any issues they find.

¹ Storing and using breast milk. (n.d.). Starship Child Health. https://www.starship.org.nz/storing-and-using-breast-milk/