Giving blood & breastfeeding.

[SmilingandWaving]

Not at the same time obviously

Is it okay to do though? I gave blood regularly before I was pregnant, I'm blood group O which I understand can be given to almost anyone, so I think it's really important. I've also just seen Ivys thread in chat (sending good thoughts her way) & it's put it to the front of my mind again.

DS is nearly 11 months & still feeds about 7 times in 24 hours, I'm not sure how long I'm going to continue to BF but I was going to go past 1 year.

Milk is made from blood isn't is? Does that mean donating would cause a drop in supply? Would it make me ill at all?

Generally the blood service doesn't accept blood while you are breastfeeding, and yes it could potentially dip your supply for a day or so until your blood levels were re-made by your body. Whether this is a problem for you depends on how much milk you are giving your baby at the moment. It will recover though. Shouldn't make you ill, or any different to pre-preg donation.

Thank you. I tried to find some info on the blood service website but all I could see was that you shouldn't donate if you gave birth less than 6 months ago.

I may have to leave it for now then as DS still feeds quite regularly. I'm hoping to cut down a couple of day feeds once he's a year though so will look at it again then.

Also just to clarify, by ill I just meant tired/faint, not actually sick. Sorry, I worded that badly.

Shouldn't be any different to how you normally react :)

If you have any more babies, you might like to consider milk donation while you can't donate blood :)

I did this time but I seem to be one of those women how just can't express. 3 different breast pumps & hand expressing & it still took me a month to get enough milk for 1 day out. Maybe next time will be different in which case I'll definately find out how.

I have donated while BFing but they wouldn't take my blood till DS was 9months old - a week after delivery for each week you were pregnant apparently when I rang to make my appt and they asked how old baby was - (I didn't query if that meant preemie mums could donate sooner after delivery?) but DS was feedling less often than your LO, its your choice but I don't know of a specific reason why not

Thanks Yorky, I'll definatly start donating again once we've dropped a couple of feeds then. I take it you didn't notice any drop in supply after?

Ooh, thanks for the thread - I was getting organised to go to give blood, but my 22 m.o. feeds at least 8 times a day (sometimes more) and I suspect he'd get cross if my supply dropped noticeably.

I donated while BF, and I was a bit dizzy afterwards

I gave blood when DS2 was 10 months following the National Blood Service '9 months after giving birth' advice and was fine.
He was still bf at least 4 x day and all night.

In fact a pint of blood was a small price to pay for 20 minutes with my feet up and no baby or toddler demanding my attention

I think as long as you have at least a couple of pints of water / juice before and after donation you'll be fine.

I have to say, I didn't notice any supply issues - DD was 12ish months old though and down to two feeds a day

Thanks everyone, it's good to hear that noones had any issues. I think I'll get myself organised & do it soon. DS might be grumpy for a day or 2 if supply does drop but I'm sure we'll manage.

LakeFlyPie, you make a good point. I could do with 20mins with my feet up & a nice biscuit after.