Plasma donation, a process called plasmapheresis, separates the liquid component of blood for use in manufacturing life-saving medicines and therapies. Plasma is rich in proteins and antibodies, making it a valuable resource for treating various conditions, including immune deficiencies and bleeding disorders. For a mother who is breastfeeding, determining eligibility involves balancing the physiological demands of lactation with the guidelines set by regulatory bodies.
Current Eligibility Guidelines
The most important factor determining eligibility for plasma donation while nursing is the deferral period established by the collection center, which adheres to federal and industry standards. Many donation centers require a significant waiting period after childbirth before a mother can donate. This waiting period is typically a minimum of six months post-delivery, even if the mother has stopped nursing.
This cautious approach is designed to protect the mother’s health and ensure her body has fully recovered from the physiological stresses of pregnancy and birth. Certain organizations may have stricter rules, deferring donation until the baby is completely weaned or a much longer period has passed since the last pregnancy. Specific requirements can vary significantly between different plasma collection facilities, so a nursing mother must check with the individual center she intends to visit. Some centers may even have a policy that excludes breastfeeding mothers entirely, regardless of the baby’s age.
Maternal Physiological Concerns
The primary reason for deferral is the combined physiological stress of lactation and plasmapheresis on the mother’s body. Lactation requires a substantial amount of fluid, as breast milk is approximately 90% water, demanding higher-than-average hydration from the mother. Plasma donation, which removes up to 800 milliliters of plasma, results in a temporary but significant reduction in overall blood volume.
This volume depletion from donation, when combined with the body’s increased fluid demand for milk production, can lead to exacerbated dehydration. Furthermore, plasma contains vital proteins like albumin, which plays a major role in maintaining the fluid balance within the blood vessels. The loss of these proteins during donation can compound the stress on the mother’s circulatory system, potentially leading to increased fatigue, dizziness, or lightheadedness. The strain of plasma donation and the resulting fluid imbalance may temporarily impact the mother’s milk supply due to the body prioritizing its own systemic function over milk production.
Ensuring Infant Health and Safety
Concerns regarding the direct safety of the infant revolve around whether the donation process introduces harmful substances into the breast milk. The plasmapheresis procedure itself does not typically introduce toxins or foreign substances into the mother’s bloodstream that would subsequently appear in breast milk.
The more relevant safety consideration for the infant is an indirect one, linked to the mother’s well-being. If the mother experiences significant volume depletion, fatigue, or dizziness post-donation, her ability to safely and effectively care for her baby may be compromised. Therefore, the focus on infant safety is less about the quality of the milk and more about ensuring the mother remains physically capable and healthy enough to perform her caregiving duties. Medical professionals often advise waiting until the breastfeeding relationship is well established and the infant is older to minimize any potential disruption to the mother-infant dyad.
Post-Donation Care for Nursing Mothers
For mothers who have passed the deferral period but are still nursing, post-donation care requires extra attention. Aggressive hydration is paramount, as the body needs to replace the fluid lost during the procedure and meet the demands of ongoing milk production. It is recommended to consume at least 16 ounces of water or non-caffeinated beverages immediately after donation and maintain high fluid intake for the next 24 to 48 hours.
Replenishing nutrients is also important, especially iron and other minerals that may be depleted by both the donation and lactation process. Eating a well-balanced meal rich in protein and iron before and after the donation helps stabilize energy levels and supports the body’s recovery. Timing the donation immediately after a nursing or pumping session can also be a helpful strategy, as this allows the mother’s body the longest possible window to start rehydrating and recovering before the next feeding is needed.