Which Milk Collector is Right for Me? Explaining the Haakaa Halo, Petal, Ladybug & Shell

If you've been browsing the Haakaa range lately, you may have noticed our milk collector lineup has really expanded! We now have four silicone milk collectors and wearable pumps to choose from: the much-loved Ladybug, the Petal and the Halo (our two newest arrivals), and the versatile Shell Wearable Pump. Each one has its own strengths and is designed with a different kind of breastfeeding journey in mind. So how do you know which one is the right fit for you? Let’s go over them and see if we can help make the decision a tiny bit easier. And just in case it all seems a bit much, we’ve even included a handy little table below to let you compare and contrast between them!

The Ladybug Milk Collector

The Ladybug is the original Haakaa milk collector. It’s one of our best-loved products, and for good reason. If you're prone to leaking breastmilk or experience strong let-down on the side you're not feeding from, the Ladybug is the perfect way to save every precious drop rather than letting it soak into a disposable nursing pad. It's a passive collector, which means it doesn't actively draw milk from your breast. It simply catches what's already there.

The Ladybug sits comfortably and discreetly inside your bra, using only the gentlest of suction to stay in place while you get yourself organised. It comes in three sizes (40ml, 75ml, and 150ml), making it one of the most flexible options out there, and is capable of collecting as much as a full-size pump if you’re someone who leaks a lot – or, if you only need a small amount collected, there’s one to suit you, too! Once you've collected your milk, simply pour it through the outlet plug into a storage container or bottle. It's easy to clean, dishwasher-safe (though handwashing is recommended), and it can be sterilised by boiling or by popping into a steam steriliser. How good is that?

The Ladybug won't increase your milk supply the way a pump might, and that's actually a benefit for many mums. If you're happy with your supply and just want to make the most of what your body is already producing, the Ladybug does exactly what you need without any added stimulation.

The Petal Soft Silicone Milk Collector

Say hello to one of our most in-demand new arrivals: the Petal Soft Silicone Milk Collector! If the Ladybug is the practical, trusted workhorse of the milk collector world, the Petal is its ultra-soft, ultra-gentle little sibling. Made from premium medical-grade silicone that's even softer to the touch, the Petal is designed for mums who want the most comfortable, unobtrusive collection experience possible.

Like the Ladybug, the Petal is a passive collector. It gathers leakage and let-down without generating any suction at all. And we mean it about the no suction! This is ideal if you find even light suction uncomfortable, or if you simply want something to sit gently inside your bra and do its thing throughout the day. Its scalloped shape and contoured silicone design accommodate a wide range of breast shapes and sizes, and it won't collapse or deform as you move about, thanks to internal supports that help it hold its shape. The curved opening makes pouring your milk clean and easy, and it comes with its own dedicated cleaning brush so you can be sure every corner is thoroughly cleaned.

The Petal comes in a 30ml size, making it a beautifully discreet option for mums whose leakage or let-down is on the lighter side. It won't stimulate additional milk production, so it's a great choice for those who are conscious of managing their supply. For those who have more leakage, you may need to empty it more often, but it’s so comfortable to wear that it’s a small price to pay.

The Halo Silicone Breastmilk Collector

Also brand-new to the Haakaa family, the Halo Silicone Breastmilk Collector is our most exciting all-rounder yet. The Halo bridges the gap between a passive collector and an ultra-light-suction wearable pump, giving you the best of both worlds in one sleek, hands-free design.

Like the Petal and the Ladybug, the Halo can be worn passively inside your bra to collect leakage and let-down without any active suction. Simply pop it in and let it catch what's there. But what sets the Halo apart is its ability to double as a gentle wearable pump. By pressing the back of the collector as you attach it, you activate natural suction that lightly draws milk from your breast. This makes it a fantastic option if you mostly want passive collection but occasionally need a little extra expression – think building a small freezer stash or just needing some relief between feeds.

The Halo features a concave shape that fits snugly and securely to the breast to protect sensitive nipples, a spill-free curved opening for easy milk transfer, and a flat, stable base that stands upright without toppling over after removal. It holds 90ml and comes with a cleaning brush included. Keep in mind that, because the Halo does generate suction (albeit much lighter than a dedicated pump), it does have the potential to stimulate a small amount of additional milk production – something worth bearing in mind if supply management is important to you.

The Shell Wearable Silicone Pump

Last, but certainly not least, the Shell Wearable Silicone Pump is the powerhouse of the range, and for mums who need active, hands-free pumping on the go, it's hard to beat. The Shell works as both a wearable breast pump and a passive milk collector, sitting discreetly inside your bra while you get on with your day.

Unlike the other three products, the Shell is primarily an active pump. Pressing the back creates continuous natural suction that actively draws out milk from your breast. What makes the Shell particularly clever is its one-way valve, which lets you adjust the suction strength while you're wearing it without having to remove it and start again. If the suction feels too strong, gently press the valve to let in a little air; if you need it stronger, press on the back. This in-use adjustability sets it apart from all the others.

If you just want to collect leakage without pumping, pop out the plug, place the Shell in your bra with no suction active, and let it work passively. The Shell lies flat on its back after removal to prevent any spills, and the easy-pour outlet makes transferring milk a clean, simple process. It comes in 75ml and 120ml sizes, is cord-free and battery-free, and can be sterilised by boiling. It's multiple award-winning, too; check out the product link to see just how many awards this amazing little gadget has collected (pun entirely intended).

As with the Halo, because the Shell actively expresses milk, it does have the potential to stimulate additional supply. If you're aiming to maintain rather than increase production, this is worth keeping in mind.

Which One Should I Choose?

The answer really comes down to what you need from your milk collection experience. Here's a quick guide:

Choose the Ladybug if you're a leaking mum who wants a tried-and-trusted passive collector with the flexibility of multiple size options. It's the classic choice for a reason.

Choose the Petal if comfort and softness are your top priorities. If you want something that simply rests gently inside your bra without any suction whatsoever, the Petal is for you.

Choose the Halo if you mostly want passive collection but like the idea of having a light-suction pump option available when you need it. It's a gentle, flexible all-rounder.

Choose the Shell if active, hands-free pumping is your priority and you want the added bonus of being able to use it as a passive collector when you don't need to pump. It's the most versatile active pumping option of the four.

Of course, there's no reason you can't mix and match. Many mums find that having more than one type of collector or pump on hand gives them the flexibility to adapt to what their body and their day require. Whatever you choose, you can trust that every Haakaa pump and milk collector is made from 100% silicone that's free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates, meaning they’re safe for you and your baby, every time.

At a Glance: How Do They Compare?