AIBU to not give blood

[FleeBee]

I've had to cancel an appointment to donate blood as I can't find anyone to mind my 2 DC aged 2.6 and 13 months. (understandable!)

I used to be a regular blood donor and then had a break due to 2 pregnancies and have only given once since DC2 was born. I was so looking forward to the lie down and a biscuit too!

So AIBU to take a longer break from donating. My DH is at work FT, I'm a SAHM but have no family or friends nearby and neither DC go to nursery yet. I feel rather guilty about missing but can't see a way around as they don't have a creche, they rightly insist any children must be supervised and don't do weekend appointments. Incidently DH is going to his appointment straight from work, last appointment is 7.30 and there is no way I could get there for then after putting DC to bed.

I feel quite strongly about blood donation as my uncle had an illness that required lots of transfusions but what can I do?

BTW I think I'm the blood type that is quite common o+ so hopefully other 0+ can give instead of me?

Don't feel guilty! Please don't, it's great that you're so willing to go at all.

yanbu, it's brilliant that you have at all and that you will again when possible. Well done you and thank you for the people you've already helped.

You could phone the national helpline to find out a week end possibility. Might they have one within reach of you that you don't know about?

I try to give as many times a year as I can but all the school time bookings get booked months in advance so it's quite hard to do. You used to be able to just turn up and donate - not as easy to do so now.

Also they always want people to help promote donations, even if it's only using a bumper sticker.

YANBU, good on you for doing it when you can, i'm trying to work up the courage to go but hate blood,veins etc it makes me feel faint and queasy but I will do it soon

I used to be really nervous too but I always think that if I give as many times as possible then I will have contributed towards what's there if any of my loved ones or I ever need it.....
It's a kind of enlightened self interest powered by superstition.... but hell, it works!

I am also on a donating break for the same reason, so I feel your sense of frustration, but I know I will be back as soon as it is practical. And having had two c-sections, I have a very good motive for donating and maybe halping someone else to have their baby too!

Well done for going at all, and plase do go back when you get the chance. As an O donor, you're super valuable.

I've been donating for years, though on a break now post baba.

My DH on the other hand has a needle phobia. I made him a deal when I had my DD - if i needed a transfusion, he would go and donate until he'd matched the number of units.

Unfortunately I didn't quite bleed badly enough and he's wiggled out of it, blast him.

my dh would sooner have a sex change than give blood. He is a total wuss and too scared of de nasty needles diddums! Grow up you great wuss!

Lovely that you are so willing, FleeBee. YANBU at all.

I went on the blood donor register a while ago, and went for the first time last week.

I was petrified, but 'forced' myself to stay there in the waiting area. Then I saw one of the donors on the hospital trolley say she didn't feel well, rolled over and threw up.

Well that was it. I ran out and phoned dh in tears wailing 'I can't do it! I can't! But I feel so guilty!'

And just after I registered I did start an AIBU thread about how we should all donate if we can. And I fucking can't.

At least I am on the donor organ register (as is rest of my family)

Kick me now please...