You can definately use the Haakaa as your primary pump. Some women use our pumps simply to catch excess milk that would otherwise be lost in a nursing pad. However, you can use it to express as you would with any manual pump. It is as simple as suctioning on the pump and allowing the suction to gradually and naturally draw the milk from your breast. All that would be required is a let-down. This is where we recommend feeding baby on the other side as it naturally triggers your letdown. Alternatively, if you are away from your baby, you can gently massage your breast with your hand or place a warm washcloth on your breast to help your milk begin to flow.