I don't see any problem with donating blood while lactating if mom is
well nourished and has an adequate hematocrit. There may be a waiting
period after delivery, but I'm not sure if there are rules about this. I
don't think I'd recommend it for a mom of a very young baby, as I think it's
possible that there could be a temporary drop in supply with the volume
and red cell loss. I don't have any data to support these comments,
though, and would appreciate knowing if someone else does.
--
Anne Montgomery, M.D.
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St.Peter Hospital Family Practice Residency
Olympia, WA