I ended up getting Milkies Milk Savers instead of a Haakaa. I read about people having problems with suction or baby kicking it off. This is the same idea, about collecting let down, but sticks in your bra. It doesn't have the "suction" part of it, but seemed like less of a hassle to me.
Babe isn't here yet, so we will see how it works 🤞
You will probably leak less when you regulate around 14 weeks, so there is some hope. I am not sure if you tried them but there are these: https://www.amazon.com/Milkies-Milk-Saver-Breast-Collector-Storage/dp/B007HYL9TS/ref=sr\_1\_1\_sspa?crid=2R22A6M7OUI2E&keywords=milkies&qid=1650221265&sprefix=milkies%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A3KFUTM88PIIM7&s...
Another option is to get a set of collection cups like Freemies or Legendairy cups and just use them with just the breastshield/flange and the cup, without hooking up to a breastpump. Just let the milk collect in the cups and empty as needed (the Legendairy ones hold 8oz).
Yes, it's called a "milk catcher cup" or "Milk saver", they just sit in your bra and catch drip, no suction. If you produce a lot you want to get a bigger one otherwise they fill up really fast. Also, don't forget about it and then bend over to pick something up after it's filled up... 🤦♀️
This is similar to a bigger one I have, as an example.
https://www.amazon.com/Milkies-Milk-Saver-Breast-Collector-Storage/dp/B007HYL9TS
Some oversupply info!: I have two haakaas that I use if I wake up engorged and don’t want to wake the baby… I was using them “to catch letdown” but then I found out they can stimulate your supply because they do suction, so if you have an oversupply they might not be great for you. I would also catch SO much in the haakaa, easily 4 oz per breast in a breast feeding session, and the lady bug ones don’t hold that much, I think like 2.5 oz.
I ended up getting a passive milk saver like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Milkies-Milk-Saver-Breast-Collector-Storage/dp/B007HYL9TS
I use that to catch my opposite side letdown and it’s truly passive so I know it’s not continuing to stimulate my oversupply. I get plenty of milk using that, especially my morning feeds.
It’s basically a silicone cup that catches the letdown. You wear it only while nursing then pour the milk into a bottle when done to store. link on amazon
Also breast milk stays good for a while at room temperature so long as it hasn’t been contaminated
I've actually been able to collect a bottle's worth (4-5 ounces) over the course of the day using a Milk-Saver
I pump when my LO falls asleep after only one boob. He's currently going through a growth spurt so he's been eating every two hours so I don't have much time to get a good pump in, but when I get him back on the Baby Whisperer EASY schedule, it'll be easier to find time to pump during the day.
Are you going to be home with baby? If so, don’t worry about pumping daily because you might induce an over supply. As someone else said, the hakaa can catch let down from the opposite side (milk that might just leak anyway). I also like the Milkies Milk Saver to collect let down. I store the collected milk into 1 ounce sticks using the milk tray.
Water and oatmeal. And more water.
Have snacks handy wherever you plan to nurse overnight too!
Oh and a milk saver for the other boob is a helpful top. Milkies brand or haakaa
I use Milkies https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007HYL9TS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_HYWF9HDK8BQSW3CXR22Q?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I find they're easier to clean
I used this catcher while I’m nursing because the Hakkaa was too awkward for me. This fits in your bra so it can’t get knocked off. I wear reusable pads while I’m nursing and these do a great job at not leaking (although once they’re soaked they hold all that moisture so it’s nice to carry a dry spare if your out all day). If you think you’re licking a ton between nursing sessions it looks like these nursing shells could be a good option but I’ve never actually tried them.
This is it. It goes inside your bra and you don’t have to pump anything.
https://www.amazon.com/Milkies-Milk-Saver-Breast-Collector-Storage/dp/B007HYL9TS
Milk Saver! (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007HYL9TS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_EP1oBbT00XRNE) These are great for catching milk that leaks from the other side as your baby nurses. I was getting 1-3 oz per feeding at one point.
I waited until after I got home to get a nursing bra...I ended up a cup size larger once milk came in.
I used a Boppy for BF and still use it to bottle feed. Bring it to the hospital. I spent the first day with pillows all around me...the Boppy worked so much better once I remembered it was in the car.
I BF for 8 weeks until I went back to work. I now exclusively pump for the most part with a Spedtra S2. If you ever go that route, I would order an extra set of flanges. My insurance company supplied extra tubing for my S2, but not the flanges. This (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HG50S9E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_cW1oBbS05416G) is what I bought and they work just as well as the ones by Spectra.
Also try the Milk Saver, it is easier to tuck into your shirt than the let down catcher.
They make a bag that will somehow attatch to the nipple so you can save that milk. I found them in Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007HYL9TS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wa54BbZT0VAVF