I just gave blood for the first time! have you ever?

[essbee]

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Mirage

I've had 4 lots of Anti-D - never been refused a blood donation.

Otherwise it would rule out almost every mother who is Rhesus Neg - most Rhesus Neg mums have had at least one dose of Anti-D at some point.

They won't take my blood because it's a bit rubbish - I tried at Uni and was turned away. I get dh to go in my place - he never did before as he hates needles, but he actually said it was fine, not a bad needle experience at all, and now he's proud he does it.

I started giving blood when i was 18 and have just "returned" after having DD. It is not the nicest experience, but really doesn't hurt. I have just read in their magazine that blood stocks are becoming increasingly low, and that they need more, especially in the run up to christmas so i urge anyone who can to do it.
My DH has something in his blood (not just Carling!!) that is extra special, so he donates to help premature babies.
If you can, please go.

I can't believe i killed such an important thread. Ignore my ramblings and out your twopenneth in!

I'm not allowed to donate any more as I had to be given 4 units when I had ds2 (placenta previa bleed, emergency caesarian). I started when I was 19 and working for the council because we got a free skive off work for an hour or so. I have given around 17 donations but the announcement that they would not take blood from anyone who'd had a transfusion since 1980 but the kybosh on all that.

I have given blood for years, hate the needle going in but apart from that it's as easy as pie! I had to call them the other day as they keep sending me letters to go donate but as i'm 32 weeks pg i can't go for a while now!
I feel fab after i have been and i always think about what if someone i loved needed blood and there was trouble getting it, that's all it takes and i am more than happy to give as often as i can!