I read that it is okay to donate blood while breastfeeding, but I am just curious if it affects milk supply or anything. Is it recommended or not?
2007-03-20 06:28:51 · 10 answers · asked by Trini_^ 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
That is really a question for your OB or the pediatrician.
2007-03-20 06:32:32 · answer #1 · answered by punkin_eater26 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Kellymom (my favorite resource for breastfeeding questions) says this about blood donation (see link below for more):
"There are conflicting opinions about donating blood while breastfeeding. The US Red Cross okays blood donation for nursing moms after 6 weeks postpartum. Donating blood causes a small loss of blood volume (and therefore a loss of fluid), so there is a theoretical possibility for a short-term temporary reduction in milk supply. Moms with vulnerable supplies may want to avoid donation. In general, women who are not pregnant, have good iron levels (that will be tested before donation), are not taking antibiotics, and are at least 100 pounds are good candidates for blood donation. "
LLL also has some suggestions about donating blood while breastfeeding. I put a link at the bottom.
From what I've read, it sounds like there is a chance your supply might dip a little bit, so if you have supply issues you might not want to donate blood. But if you have a healthy supply and your child nurses often (a factor that could help you replenish your supply if it does suffer), you should be okay.
Good luck!
2007-03-20 08:05:05 · answer #2 · answered by calliope_13731 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I read that as well, so I donated and I was fine. I was super tired, so I've stopped donating until my husband is back from Iraq. All I had the energy to do was nurse baby and drink water. My husband had to prepare supper and get the kids into bed. My baby was about 9-10 months old. It was actually really nice to spend the evening laying down, and it was great to go to the clinic by myself and let someone bring ME snacks and drinks!
2007-03-20 07:04:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are conflicting opinions about donating blood while breastfeeding. The US Red Cross okays blood donation for nursing moms after 6 weeks postpartum. Donating blood causes a small loss of blood volume (and therefore a loss of fluid), so there is a theoretical possibility for a short-term temporary reduction in milk supply. Moms with vulnerable supplies may want to avoid donation. In general, women who are not pregnant, have good iron levels (that will be tested before donation), are not taking antibiotics, and are at least 100 pounds are good candidates for blood donation.
http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/blood.html
Whether to donate blood is a decision that is best left up to the individual. Opinions vary as to whether it is a good idea. The American Red Cross says this about potential donors, on their web page at http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/blood/learn/eligibl.html:
defer while pregnant
defer 6 weeks after uncomplicated third trimester or term delivery or cesarean section
defer 12 months if delivery required a blood transfusion
accept nursing mothers
La Leche League's sources differ in their opinions on blood donation for breastfeeding mothers. Dr. Gregory White does not recommend it. Dr. Jack Newman says any otherwise eligible mother who is not anemic can donate blood. The Canadian Blood Service (a division of the Red Cross) asks breastfeeding mothers to wait six months before donating blood. LLL recommends that mothers consult their own physicians and make an informed choice.
If a breastfeeding mother chooses to donate blood, she needs to be very careful to stay hydrated. Human milk is 87% water, and a blood donation takes 16 ounces of blood from the body. This is a lot of liquid to replace. All blood donors are cautioned to eat a substantial meal before donating blood and drink large quantities of water afterward. After a donation, donors are advised to avoid heavy lifting with the arm used to donate (to prevent excessive bruising). This may be a consideration for mothers who may not be able to avoid lifting and carrying their babies or older children.
2007-03-20 07:02:14 · answer #4 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It shouldnt affect your milk supply, but you could get really woozy. You might want to be sure your eat a good meal beforehand and drink alot of water. and probably bring a snack for afterward...
The other thing i would be concerned about is catching something from the needle they use. Make sure they use a brand new one..
2007-03-20 06:32:41 · answer #5 · answered by Mommy to David 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
definite, I deliver an annual funds donation of $50 around Christmas time. i've got additionally donated a collar and the e book "Cesars way" to my shelter's library. Plus i've got made a donation each and every time I observed an animal from them.
2016-10-02 11:05:45 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thought you couldn't donate blood for a year after you give birth? If you can, I doubt it will affect your supply. Just eat a lot afterward, and drink plenty, and you should be fine.
2007-03-20 06:32:55 · answer #7 · answered by Stephene 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you can but be aware that you cannot give blood if the baby is younger than about 10 months, you have to be not pregnant longer than you were pregnant.
2007-03-20 06:34:41 · answer #8 · answered by Angie B 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Check with a doc., but I don't think it's a good idea. Wait awhile
2007-03-20 06:33:00 · answer #9 · answered by biscuitperifrank 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
well, i dont think you should.
2007-03-20 06:36:26 · answer #10 · answered by Imani 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋