Donating Plasma question

kimmykaye

I did a google search on if you're allowed to donate plasma if you're a nursing mom, and I found differing opinions.  Most sites I looked at said it was ok, but I thought I'd ask for opinions from moms on here who have nursed or if anyone just has information on it.  I will ask my doctor about it as well, but I just wanted to see what all of your opinions are on the subject (for or against, pros and cons, ect.).  I'm just trying to think of ways to earn some extra money (and I know you can't donate while pregnant) after the baby gets here that wouldn't take me away from home for very long.  We received a flier today from our local plasma donation center, so that's why I thought it could be a good way to earn some extra money.  DH could do it as well.  It says on the flier that you could earn up to $240 a month (I think that's doing it 2x/week).  I don't know.  Just an idea for now.  All opinions welcome, so please share.

foxyroxy

I would just call. DH donates his a couple times a year for the Red Cross. Bear in mind it takes up a whole afternoon and leaves you pretty exhausted for the rest of the day, so it might be hard if you are taking care of baby.

EMLYNNLERETTE

I really think this is not a very good idea. Your body works hard to make breastfeeding possible. When I was bfing, any bit of dramatic change would lesson my supply. I didn't have a hard time bfing either. So that considered, I would not even contemplate doing this. If anything, talk to a lactation consultant and see what they say. Could you do something like nanny part time? Many families are willing to have a baby come along with you.

VitaLuna

I have no scientific/medical evidence to back it up, but I wouldn't do it. It just seems like one of those things that's not a good idea while BFing, especially since I know a lot of people report feeling exhausted after donating.

How desperate are you for the money? There are other options out there.. craft bazaars around the holidays, childcare, etc. It's a little sketchy, but I also know someone that picks up nice and/or name brand baby/kid stuff for cheap at garage sales, then consigns them for a profit.

Dee2588

I've heard they only pay you like 30.00 I'm not sure. I don't think it would be worth it especially if you're gonna breast feed. Asking your doctor it's probably a better route.

HBirdie

I worked as a medical historian/phlebotomist at BioLife Plasma Services for almost four years. You're allowed to donate at 4 months PP (I believe it's 4), even in you're breastfeeding. Which means that according to them, it won't affect you or the plasma if you're BFing. That being said, I'm probably going to wait until I'm done BFing and then I might start donating, because while donating plasma isn't quite as draining as a blood donation (because you get your RBCs back), it is taking a lot of protein and other good stuff from your body that I for one would like to keep until I'm not my baby's main source of nutrition. But honestly, it's a good way to make money and it definitely, definitely won't harm you or your baby. I think the worst that could happen is that it may make it harder for you to produce breastmilk, and it also could make you tired.

MallardDucky

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you are not eligible to donate. You may be eligible to donate six months after delivery (this includes a C-section), a miscarriage or terminating a pregnancy. You are not eligible to donate while you are nursing (breast-feeding) the baby.

Back to Eligibility Guidelines

I took that off of Biotect plasma centers website

kimmykaye

Thank you everyone for the great info and opinions. It makes sense that they would have you wait a certain amount of time after giving birth.  We're more trying to think of ways to earn some extra money to get some bills paid down a little faster.  As for being a nanny, I also have 2 toddlers, so I don't think that would work out so well.  I think DH is going to do it, and it is $30 per donation and you can donate twice a week.  So, that'll be at least an extra $240/month to go towards paying down our debt a little faster.  I do love being "arts and craftsy," and I've put a couple things on Etsy, but haven't had any luck selling anything.  I'm not sure what kind of craft fair type events are in my area.  My SIL gave me a great idea on nursing covers to make, so I was going to see what I came up with for that.   I'm just a worrier about money and finances, and I'd really like to get us out of debt.  (I've been re-reading Dave Ramsey's book the total money makeover)  Anyways, thank you all for your input.  I really appreciate it.

ravenclaw1

I did it a few times in college, and it made me feel like crap every time. Just be careful

VitaLuna

If you sew, you might consider making car seat canopies (you don't have to be super skilled, just need to finish them nice for selling). They're easy to make, you can make them pretty cheap (with Joanns coupons), and if you sell them at a decent price, I'm sure people would buy them.