I've been using manual silicone breast pumps like the Haakaa since my first baby, and here I am still using one with baby #4. If something makes it through four postpartum seasons in my house, it has earned its place.
There are a lot of similar silicone manual pumps on the market now. Some are lower priced, some are marketed as premium, and honestly, I have not noticed a dramatic difference in basic suction performance between budget versions and higher-end ones. Most of them function similarly.
But there are a few reasons I continue to appreciate the Haakaa Gen. 2 Plus.
You can find the exact pump I use here:
You can browse more of my nursing and pumping favorites here:
Why the 5 oz Capacity Actually Matters
One of the biggest advantages for me is the 5 oz (150 ml) capacity. 
That extra ounce might not seem like much, but it makes a real difference, especially once baby starts sleeping longer stretches overnight.
For me, the first morning feed often produces more milk due to overnight fullness. With smaller manual pumps, I have occasionally come close to overflow. That extra space in the 5 oz Haakaa helps prevent leaks and messy spills.
And truly, who wants to clean up spilled milk at 6:00 a.m.?
When you're half awake and just trying to nurse and move on with your morning, preventing one extra mess feels like a big win.
The New Stopper: Surprisingly Useful
The Gen. 2 Plus version includes an upgraded stopper attachment, and this is actually the feature that surprised me the most.
I was skeptical at first, but it genuinely works.
To test it, I filled the pump with four ounces of water (I would never risk testing that with my actual milk) and held it upside down. No leaking. No drips.
That stopper gives you a little breathing room if you need to set the pump down or adjust baby. It reduces the stress of accidental spills, which every breastfeeding mom has experienced at least once.
Even better, the suction strength remains strong with the stopper attached. I did not notice any loss in performance compared to earlier versions.
Suction and Everyday Use
The suction is still simple and effective. If you have used a silicone manual pump before, the process will feel familiar:
- Squeeze the base
- Position on the breast
- Release to create suction
It's quiet, portable, easy to clean, and requires no cords or charging.
I've personally used manual pumps like this for:
- Catching letdown on the opposite side
- Relieving engorgement
- Building a small freezer stash
- Morning feeds when supply is higher
It's one of those low-effort tools that consistently proves useful.
One Downside: No Lid Included
The only downside to the Gen. 2 Plus is that it does not include a lid.
This would be especially helpful if you wanted to place it directly in the refrigerator after use without transferring milk immediately. While the stopper prevents spills, a full protective lid would add even more convenience.
For moms who like to minimize extra dishes and steps, that would be a welcomed addition.
Final Thoughts
Is the Haakaa dramatically different from every other silicone manual pump on the market? No.
But here is what I have consistently appreciated over four babies:
- Reliable suction
- Larger 5 oz capacity
- Effective spill-preventing stopper
- Simple, portable design
- Easy cleaning
For me, the slightly larger capacity and the functional stopper are the real advantages. Those small details matter in everyday postpartum life.
If you're breastfeeding and want a simple, no-fuss manual option to catch letdown or relieve fullness, this pump is a solid choice.
You can find the Haakaa Gen. 2 Plus here:
And you can browse my full Nursing and Pumping storefront here:
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only share products that I have personally used in my own home.