Donating blood while breastfeeding
When I was in college and for the years after before I was pregnant with K, I was a semi-regular blood donator (is that a word?). In fact, Jason’s cousin tried to convince Jason that one time when Jason and I went to donate blood together was actually our first date. It wasn’t by the way. I just didn’t want to go alone.
Anyway, after I had K, I was interested in donating blood again, but I had a hard time finding any information on the subject. Most of the information I found said that it was allowed but it was a mom’s choice whether or not it would work for her. Well, that didn’t help me much. I checked on the La Leche League website and the American Red Cross website although it seems they have changed their layout and that information is no longer available. I found a few specifics, but I didn’t find a hard yes or no answer.
When I had A, I had a fairly significant oversupply of milk after he was born and had to (and still have to) take steps to control my supply to allow him to be able to nurse without getting overwhelmed by the milk. Because of this, I felt more confident in choosing to donate. I thought I would wait until he was 6 months old and taking some solids just in case I did have a dip in supply. Well, he’s now almost 8 months and not taking solids. I just couldn’t wait any longer. In my absence from donating, Jason has caught up to my donations and surpassed me! I need to get donating again.
I made my appointment, and the day I was supposed to go was -38 degrees with a -54 degree windchill. Needless to say, I did not go that day. I just couldn’t justify taking my 2 boys out in that weather for anything other than an emergency. I rescheduled my appointment and went the next week. I really didn’t do much to prepare ahead of time. I made sure that I was drinking extra water and eating well the days before. My appointment went well. When the woman put the needle in to draw blood, she had a little trouble finding the vein. That resulted in me being a bit sore that night and the next day, but it wasn’t anything terrible.
I know that one person’s anecdotal experience doesn’t replace the advice of a doctor or lactation consultant, but I hope it helps at least a little bit if this is a decision you’ve been trying to make for yourself.
I had read the same info, that it’s at the mother’s discretion to donate or not donate. I’ve never been able to donate before because of medications I was taking, but I went off everything when we were trying to get pregnant (resulting in our Ladybug!). So I’m not sure about donating now. I’ve never been good with needles.
I think it’s awesome that you’re able to donate blood. I have been able to donate breast milk though, as I’ve had over supply issues as well.
Thanks for sharing this!
According to the Canadian Blood Service (the org that collects blood like the Red Cross does in the US), “donors are temporarily ineligible to donate blood while pregnant. There is also a six-month waiting period after giving birth before the donor may be eligible to donate blood.
Women who breastfeed are not eligible to donate blood during the first six months of breastfeeding.”
It sounds as if the issue is pregnancy rather than breastfeeding. Thanks for raising the issue, though.
Yes and no.
The Canadian Blood Service recommends that, and I was able to find that information. However, after talking to both a LLL leader and a LC, I was unable to find anyone who would tell me that either yes it was safe for my supply or no it was not. It seems that while there are people who breastfeed and people who donate blood there are not very many people who donate blood while breastfeeding and thus not much information on it.
I’m so glad you brought this up — I was a regular donor, as well, before The Peanut came along, and I’m hoping to pick up with donating again now that he’s 6 months. I’m trying it next week, and hopefully things will go well. If not, we have enough milk stored up in the freezer to supplement for a while, if need be.
Thanks!