Can You Donate Plasma While Breastfeeding? – Read This First

If you’re a new mom wondering whether you can donate plasma while breastfeeding, you’re not alone. Between sleepless nights, feeding schedules, and figuring out your new normal, you’re also trying to do something generous—and possibly earn a little extra cash. But is it safe? And what does donating plasma actually mean for your milk supply, your energy, and your baby?

Let’s walk through it together.

What Is Plasma Donation?

Plasma is the yellowish part of your blood that helps with clotting and fighting disease. When you donate plasma, a machine takes blood from your arm, separates out the plasma, and returns the rest to your body. It usually takes about 90 minutes.

Unlike whole blood donations, which you can do once every 56 days, you can donate plasma more often—sometimes up to twice a week. That makes it a more frequent commitment, and that matters when you’re postpartum and breastfeeding.

Can You Donate Plasma While Breastfeeding?

What the Guidelines Say

Most breastfeeding mothers are advised to wait at least six months after giving birth before donating plasma. This waiting period allows your body to heal and restore iron, plasma, hemoglobin, and protein levels. Some organizations, like the Australian Red Cross, recommend waiting nine months or until you’ve fully weaned your baby.

Some moms worry that the anticoagulant used during donation could contaminate their breast milk. The good news: these molecules don’t pass into breast milk. So that’s one less thing to stress about.

Still, every donation center has its own policies, so it’s best to check ahead.

Will It Affect My Milk Supply?

Breastmilk is made from your blood, so yes—any major change to your blood volume or hydration can affect your supply, even temporarily.

The biggest issue? Dehydration. Nursing already demands more fluids than usual, and plasma donation increases that need. Losing just 500 ml (about 16 oz) of blood-related fluid can lead to headaches, dizziness, or even affect how much milk you’re able to produce.

Things to Consider

• Are you hydrated? Drink extra water a few hours before and after donating.
• Is your milk supply stable? If you’re struggling to keep up or just getting into a rhythm, it might be better to wait.
• Do you have backup milk stored? A dip in supply might mean your baby needs a bottle or expressed milk.

What About Iron And Nutrition?

Iron matters—a lot. Blood loss during childbirth is common, and iron deficiency (or anemia) is more common in new moms than many realize. In fact, about 22% of first-time breastfeeding mothers are anemic.

If your iron is low, you might not be allowed to donate at all. Even if you’re borderline, donating could leave you feeling lightheaded or exhausted.

What To Eat Before Plasma Donation

In the days leading up to your donation, eat well. That means:

• High-iron foods like leafy greens, lentils, and lean meat
• Protein-rich meals to keep your energy up
• Low sugar and low saturated fat
• No alcohol or caffeine right before donating

What Are The Side Effects?

Plasma donation is generally safe, but it’s not without side effects:

• Mild bruising or pain where the needle goes in
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Headaches or nausea
• Soreness in the donor arm

These symptoms usually pass quickly, but listen to your body. Avoid lifting heavy objects with your donor arm—it might affect your usual nursing positions.

If you feel faint, short of breath, or unusually weak, reach out to your healthcare provider right away.

Can I Breastfeed Right After I Donate Plasma?

Yes, you can. In fact, breastfeeding may help your body recover and start replenishing fluids more quickly.

You might feel a little off for a day or two, but as long as you’re hydrated and comfortable, nursing is safe. Again—tune into how you’re feeling.

“I tried donating at 8 months postpartum while still breastfeeding and had a noticeable supply dip the next day. It came back, but I had to pump like crazy and drink so much water.”

The Bottom Line: Breastfeeding And Plasma Donation – Is It Safe?

Yes—it can be safe under the right conditions.

If you’re at least six months postpartum, feeling healthy, and your milk supply is solid, you may be cleared to donate plasma. But make sure to:

• Talk to your doctor or lactation consultant first
• Check your local donation center’s policy
• Stay hydrated and nourished

Giving plasma can be a powerful way to help others—and for some moms, a small income boost. But your own recovery and your baby’s needs come first.

References

• Héma-Québec Guideline for Breastfeeding and Plasma Donation – policies
• Expectful Expert Commentary on Breastfeeding and Plasma. Offers insight from a lactation consultant and combines medical perspective with a mom-friendly tone. Supports your discussion on hydration, milk supply, and readiness.