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.
[log in to unmask]
St.Peter Hospital Family Practice Residency
Olympia, WA