Can a Breastfeeding Mother Donate Blood?

Whether a breastfeeding mother should donate blood or not is subject to debate. Because donating blood removes fluid from the body and fluid levels can affect milk supply, a breastfeeding mother should carefully consider whether she should give blood and consult her doctor before doing so. In general though, a healthy mother with a well-established milk supply can donate blood.

In the American Red Cross guidelines, pregnant women are asked not to donate and nursing mothers are asked to wait six weeks after giving birth. The Canadian Blood Services temporarily defers women from giving blood if they’ve had a pregnancy within the last six months. The Australian Red Cross requires women to wait at least nine months after giving birth for the iron stores to replenish. It also requires that the mother wait even longer until the baby receives most of his or her nutrition from solid foods.

La Leche League experts are divided on the issue:

Dr. Gregory White, long-time senior medical advisor to LLLI, has always recommended caution in regard to breastfeeding mothers donating blood. On the other hand, Dr. Jack Newman, another member of the LLLI Health Advisory Council, says that any otherwise eligible mother can donate blood whether or not she is breastfeeding.

During blood donation about one pint (two cups, 450 ml or 16 fluid ounces) of blood is collected. According to the Canadian Blood Services, the plasma loss is replaced within hours. Because breast milk is 87% water, theoretically that temporary loss of fluid could affect milk supply and nursing mothers with supply issues might wish to refrain from donating blood. Others should consider drinking extra water before and after the donation as it’s important for a nursing mother to stay properly hydrated.