Giving blood and breast feeding

[FessaEst]

Has anyone done this?

DD is now 9 months so have had my automatic recall to start donating blood again. Am happy to do it, would like to give before we ttc no2 but am wondering how it works with bfeeding. Am going to drink loads of fluids and of course eat well, any other tips? Presumably it is a safe thing to do?

I am usually a very regular blood donor but decided not to give blood while I was still breastfeeding and knackered with a small baby as I just thought it would be too much. Started donating again as soon as I stopped BF though.

Just found some policy here saying you shouldn't give blood if you are pregnant or if you have had a baby in the 9 months. But no mention of BF.

I rang up the blood helpline about what their official policy was, and I think they were a bit vague on BF. Might be worth ringing up to check the most up to date policy? It would be a pain if you got there and found you aren't allowed to give.

I BF for 12 months btw.

Hope this helps!

I went to give blood when dd was 9 months old and the Nurse suggested I didn't she said it can lower your supply for a couple of days.

I gave blood for the first time when DD was 10 months old and I was / am BF.

It made me feel a bit wiped out for a couple of days (is this normal? I assumed it was) but it didn't seem to do anything to my supply...

Thanks for replies. Maybe I shouldn't then? I only saw the not giving within 9 months of having a baby and nothing on bfing. Don't want to risk my supply or feel crap, maybe I'll leave it for a few more months.

I think it depends on how you are feeling generally - my DD only first slept through at 8 months, at by 9 months was still only sleeping through sometimes, so I was rather exhausted and just knew it wouldn't be a good idea to voluntarily loose a pint of my blood! But you might feel differently.

Back to donating now though!