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Can you donate plasma when breastfeeding?

Can You Donate Plasma While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether breastfeeding mothers can donate plasma is a nuanced one, with various health considerations at play. While many women do choose to donate plasma during their breastfeeding journey, there are important guidelines and potential risks to consider.
Timing is Key
Healthcare experts generally recommend that breastfeeding mothers wait at least six months after childbirth before donating plasma. This waiting period is crucial as it allows the body to recover from the physical demands of childbirth and ensures that the mother’s milk supply is well established and stable. The plasma donation process can be rigorous, and it may further tax a mother’s body, which is already working hard to produce milk.
Impact on Milk Supply
One of the primary concerns regarding plasma donation while breastfeeding is its potential impact on milk supply. Some mothers have reported that donating plasma can negatively affect their ability to produce milk. This is particularly important for mothers who may already be experiencing challenges with milk supply. Therefore, if a mother is considering plasma donation, she should closely monitor her milk production and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that her breastfeeding journey remains on track.
Facility Discretion
It’s also worth noting that eligibility for plasma donation can vary by facility. Some plasma collection centers may have specific policies regarding breastfeeding mothers, and it is advisable for potential donors to check with their local donation center for their guidelines. While breastfeeding and pregnancy are not always explicitly mentioned in eligibility criteria, the discretion of the facility plays a significant role in determining whether a mother can donate.
Health Considerations
The physical demands of plasma donation can lead to dehydration and fatigue, which may further complicate the breastfeeding process. Experts caution that the combination of nursing and donating plasma could be taxing on a mother’s body, potentially leading to adverse effects on both her health and her milk supply.
In conclusion, while it is possible for breastfeeding mothers to donate plasma, it is generally advised to wait at least six months postpartum and to carefully consider the implications for milk supply and overall health. Consulting with healthcare professionals and the plasma donation facility can provide additional guidance tailored to individual circumstances.

Will donating plasma affect my baby?

Risks of Donating Plasma While Pregnant
Pregnant women have HLA in their blood that, if donated, may pose a serious risk to their growing fetus and the recipient. Donating plasma or platelets can reduce blood volume and HLA levels, potentially leading to negative immune responses or even miscarriage.

Can you use plasma pen while breastfeeding?

The Plasma Pen treatment cannot be performed on breastfeeding mothers.

Can you donate plasma while breastfeeding?

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises against donation while you’re still nursing. This is because donating plasma may affect breastfeeding. It can cause certain side effects, like lowering the levels of electrolytes in your body and dehydration. These issues may impact your milk supply.

Why can’t you donate blood while breastfeeding?

Blood is thicker than water: potential side effects to donating blood while breastfeeding. One pint of blood is removed during a donation and about half of this pint is water. Since 87% of breast milk is water, nursing woman can easily decrease their output of breastmilk with blood donation related dehydration.

Is it safe to give breastmilk with blood?

In most cases, it’s safe or even helpful to continue breastfeeding if you see blood in your breast milk. This can sometimes be a sign of health problems for the mother, but it’s not dangerous for babies. Some mothers find that blood in the breast milk causes babies to spit up more, but this is rarely cause for concern.

What disqualifies you from donating breast milk?

You may be disqualified from donating breast milk if you: Have or are being treated for HIV, HTLV (human T-cell leukemia virus), hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. Have a sexual partner who is at risk for HIV, HTLV, hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. Have used recreational drugs within the last year.

What will disqualify you from donating plasma?

Health is a priority when it comes to donating plasma. If you’ve been diagnosed with AIDS or have had a positive HIV test, or tested positive for Hepatitis B or C, we can’t accept your donation. It is possible that you may test positive for other viruses that could cause you to be ineligible to donate.

Why can’t females donate plasma?

HLA antibodies can develop after being pregnant; they aren’t normally harmful to the person who acquires them, but they can be harmful for a patient who receives a plasma or platelet transfusion. Female donors found to be negative for HLA will be eligible to donate plasma.

How soon after having a baby can I donate plasma?

After you give birth, you’ll need to wait another nine months from delivery date to allow your body enough time to replenish its iron. There are also donation restrictions related to breastfeeding.

Can I donate plasma on my period?

Yes. Menstruating doesn’t affect your ability to donate. Enjoy your relaxing time on the donation couch and a tasty snack afterwards.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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