Q&A: Can I Donate Plasma While Breastfeeding?
Donating plasma is a fantastic way to help others while making some extra money.
But can you do it while breastfeeding?
The answer is a little complicated. Let’s explore…
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Benefits of donating plasma
Impact someone’s life
Donating plasma has the potential to save someone’s life. Plasma is used to create medicines that help people with bleeding and immune disorders as well as chronic diseases.
Get paid
Donating plasma is a way to supplement your income while you’re at home with your baby.
Doesn’t require much effort
Donating plasma only takes 1-2 hours of your time.
There’s a high demand for it
About 6,500 units of plasma are needed for transfusions each day in the U.S.
What is plasma?
Plasma is the liquid part of blood that’s protein-rich and carries red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets throughout the body. Blood contains roughly 55% plasma.
How does plasma donation work?
Donating plasma is similar to giving blood. A trained person called a phlebotomist draws blood from your arm. The blood taken out is cycled through equipment to separate out the plasma. The rest of your blood (minus the plasma) is then safely returned back into your arm.
Can You Donate Plasma While Breastfeeding?
Maybe. The answer is complicated.
Some organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), advise against donating plasma at all while you’re still breastfeeding.
This is because donating plasma may affect hydration, electrolyte levels, and ultimately a nursing mom’s milk supply.
However, many women still donate plasma while they breastfeed.
If you have any milk supply issues, just be aware that it may negatively impact your milk supply.
ONE HARD RULE:
Everyone agrees that breastfeeding moms should wait at least 6 months after childbirth to donate plasma. This allows your body time to recover and ensures your hemoglobin and iron levels are back to normal again.
*Be sure to consult with your doctor about whether you should donate plasma while breastfeeding, and how often.
NOTE:
Not All Donation Sites Have The Same Acceptance Criteria
Each individual plasma collection site has different guidelines for who can and who cannot donate.
Speak with the staff beforehand and tell them you’re breastfeeding.
Before you donate, you’ll need to provide a small blood sample for testing to make sure your blood is at the right levels postpartum.
Everyone who donates plasma must:
Be more than 18 years old.
Weigh at least 110 lbs.
Provide proof of identity (Photo ID) and address
Follow a recommended diet.
Pass a basic physical exam.
Pass a primary health screen, blood test, and viral test
Pro-Tips On Donating Plasma While Breastfeeding
Hydrate!
A breastfeeding mom’s body already requires extra fluids because breast milk is made of 90% water. Combine that with the fact that donating plasma removes a lot of water from the body and you see the need to hydrate. Dehydration negatively impacts a woman’s milk supply so it’s important to consume extra fluids the day before and the day of donation.
Nourish your body.
Eating a well-balanced diet will ensure your body has enough energy to cope with donating plasma and help prevent dizziness or fainting. It’s best to eat foods that are high in protein and high in iron. It’s best to avoid fatty foods before donating.
Avoid donating if you feel sick.
It’s important to be healthy while you donate plasma.
Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine before plasma donation.
Can You Donate Plasma While Pregnant?
Pregnant mothers are advised NOT to donate plasma because it might place undue stress on their body and the baby. It’s best to wait until the baby is at least 6 months old to give the postpartum body time to replace blood cells lost during birth.
Other ways you can donate to help others postpartum
Cord blood donation
Breast milk donation
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Related article: 16 Ways To Increase Breast Milk Naturally At Home