Passive Breast Pumps | Haakaa, Boon Trove, Elvie Curve, Milk Catchers, and more!

If you’ve ever wondered about passive breast pumps—what they are, how they work, and whether you need one—you’re in the right place. There are so many options on the market, from the Haakaa to the Elvie Curve and a dozen other similar products. But are they actually useful? When should you use one? And when shouldn’t you?

Let’s break it all down so you can decide if a passive pump is the right tool for your breastfeeding journey.

(This post was originally a video. Check it out, here!)

What Is a Passive Breast Pump?

A passive pump is technically still a pump, but it’s not the same as an electric or manual pump. It removes milk using gentle suction, but it won’t fully empty the breast or provide the nipple stimulation needed to build and establish a milk supply.

Unlike a traditional pump that actively pulls milk from the breast, a passive pump collects milk that would otherwise leak out. Since it uses some suction, it can remove a bit more milk than a standard milk collector, but it’s not a replacement for an electric or manual pump.

If you’ve ever heard of a Haakaa, you’re already familiar with one of the most popular passive pumps. But let’s get one thing straight—Haakaa is a brand name, not the name of the product itself (kind of like how we call all facial tissues “Kleenex” even though that’s just one brand). Many companies make similar silicone passive pumps, but they all work the same way.

Milk Collectors vs. Passive Pumps

Before we go any further, let’s clear up a common confusion: a milk collector is not the same thing as a passive pump.

• A milk collector is a simple device that sits in your bra and collects milk that naturally drips out. It has no suction. Examples include the Elvie Catch and Haakaa Ladybug.

A passive pump uses gentle suction to remove milk, which means it actively pulls more milk than just a simple drip.

Both can be helpful in different situations, but it’s important to know the difference so you’re using the right tool for the job.

When to Use a Passive Pump

A passive pump can be a great tool in certain situations. Here are some of the best ways to use one:

Catching Milk While Breastfeeding on the Other Side

One of the most common uses for a passive pump is collecting milk from one breast while nursing on the other. Many moms naturally leak milk during a letdown, and a passive pump can catch that extra milk instead of letting it soak into a nursing pad.

Managing Engorgement

In the early postpartum days, when your milk is first coming in, engorgement can be rough. If you’re feeling overly full but don’t want to stimulate extra milk production, using a passive pump for a few minutes can help relieve some pressure without signaling your body to make even more milk.

Building a Small Freezer Stash

If you want to collect a little extra milk without committing to a full pumping session, a passive pump can help you gradually build a small stash. This can be especially helpful during maternity leave if you want a little backup milk on hand for occasional bottles.

Epsom Salt Soaks for Clogged Ducts

Some moms use passive pumps for warm Epsom salt soaks to help relieve clogged ducts. You can add warm water and a little Epsom salt, attach the pump to your breast, and let the gentle suction help pull out the clog. If you’re dealing with recurrent clogs, it’s always best to check in with a lactation consultant to make sure your pump fit and feeding routine are working for you.

Occasional Bottle Prep Without a Full Pumping Session

If you’re exclusively breastfeeding but want to have a little milk on hand for the occasional bottle, using a passive pump once or twice a day can be a simple way to collect a few ounces here and there without needing to add an electric pumping session to your routine.

When Not to Use a Passive Pump

While passive pumps can be great tools, there are a few times when they might not be the best option.

As a Replacement for an Electric or Manual Pump

A passive pump is not strong enough to fully remove milk from the breast, which means it won’t effectively maintain a milk supply on its own. If you need to pump regularly—whether for work, exclusive pumping, or building supply—you’ll need an actual breast pump.

Wearing One All the Time

Some moms feel like they need to collect every drop of milk their body makes, but that’s not necessary. If you leak a little throughout the day, you don’t need to constantly wear a milk collector or passive pump. In fact, using a passive pump too often can lead to discomfort, nipple sensitivity, or even an oversupply.

If You Have a Very Sensitive Letdown

Some moms are highly sensitive to milk removal—meaning any milk removal tells their body to make more. If you have a history of oversupply, clogged ducts, or mastitis, using a passive pump too frequently may overstimulate your supply and cause more issues.

Popular Passive Pump Options

There are quite a few passive pumps on the market now, and while they all function similarly, they each have small design differences. Here are some of the most well-known options:

• Haakaa (Multiple Generations) – The classic silicone pump, available in different designs, including a version with a detachable milk storage bottle.
  
• Elvie Curve – A more discreet option that sits inside your bra with a press-to-suction mechanism.
  
• Boon Trove – A uniquely shaped passive pump designed for easier milk collection and pouring.
  
• Haakaa Ladybug – A cross between a milk collector and a passive pump with gentle suction.
  
• Other Silicone Pumps – Many brands now offer Haakaa-style silicone pumps, often at a lower price.

Pros and Cons of Passive Pumps

Pros:

• Works for any breast shape—no flange sizing required
• Affordable and easy to use
• Great for collecting extra milk while nursing
• Can help with engorgement without overstimulating supply
• A good tool for occasional milk collection without adding extra pumping sessions

Cons:

• Cannot fully empty the breast like an electric pump
• Can lead to oversupply if overused
• May cause nipple sensitivity if worn too often
• Mostly collects foremilk rather than the richer hindmilk
• Can be messy if kicked off or spilled

Final Thoughts: Do You Need a Passive Pump?

A passive pump can be a great addition to your breastfeeding toolkit, but it’s not necessary for everyone. If you mostly nurse at the breast and don’t need extra milk, you can skip it. But if you’re looking for a simple way to collect some extra milk without extra effort, it might be worth trying.

The key is to use it intentionally—not out of fear that you need to save every drop of milk. Your body is designed to regulate your milk supply based on your baby’s needs, and while passive pumps can be helpful, they should complement—not control—your feeding experience.

If you’re still deciding what kind of breast pump you need, I highly recommend taking the breast pump quiz linked here. It will help you determine whether you need a passive pump, an electric pump, or a combination of both.