Plasma donation, or plasmapheresis, is a medical procedure where blood is drawn, the plasma component is separated, and the remaining blood cells are returned to the donor. This protein-rich liquid is used to create pharmaceuticals that treat immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, and other chronic conditions. New mothers often wonder if they can donate plasma while breastfeeding, as the process places a temporary physical demand on the donor’s body.
Understanding Donor Eligibility and Deferral Periods
A breastfeeding mother’s eligibility to donate plasma is determined by guidelines focused on ensuring adequate recovery from childbirth. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and most donation centers require a mandatory waiting period following delivery. This deferral typically lasts six months after delivery, miscarriage, or termination of a pregnancy. This time allows the body to replenish iron and blood volume levels affected by gestation and birth.
The six-month deferral ensures the mother’s health and stability before donation. Some centers also consider the infant’s feeding status, sometimes preferring the baby to have started solid foods. The final decision rests with the specific plasma center, which must adhere to federal regulations concerning postpartum recovery. While some organizations permit donation after the initial recovery period, others maintain a deferral for the entire duration of nursing.
Physiological Impact on the Breastfeeding Mother
Plasma is approximately 92% water, meaning its removal during donation causes an immediate shift in the body’s fluid balance. The procedure typically removes a volume of plasma equivalent to a pint or more, which can temporarily reduce the mother’s overall blood volume. This fluid loss can lead to side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially in individuals who are already slightly dehydrated.
Breastfeeding mothers require increased fluid intake to produce milk, making fluid depletion a significant factor. Since breast milk is about 90% water, insufficient fluid intake can temporarily affect the volume of milk produced immediately following a donation. To mitigate this effect, extreme hydration is necessary. Mothers must consume significantly more water the day before and the day of the donation.
The donation process removes plasma proteins, which the body must replace, taxing the mother’s energy reserves. Consuming a protein-rich and iron-rich meal approximately three hours before the appointment supports the body’s recovery. Prioritizing rest, nutrition, and aggressive hydration minimizes physical stress. This also helps reduce any temporary impact on overall well-being and milk output.
Safety Considerations for the Infant
A key concern for nursing mothers is whether substances used during plasmapheresis can transfer into breast milk and harm the baby. The most common anticoagulant used is sodium citrate, which prevents blood from clotting in the machine circuit. Citrate works by binding to calcium in the blood, stopping the clotting cascade before the blood cells are returned to the donor.
This anticoagulant is rapidly metabolized by the mother’s body, primarily in the liver, and is safely cleared from the system. Because citrate is a naturally occurring metabolite in the body, it does not transfer into breast milk in clinically significant amounts that would pose a risk to the nursing infant. Therefore, the consumption of breast milk following a plasma donation is considered safe for the baby.
While the milk’s nutritional composition remains stable, the mother should monitor her milk supply volume in the 24 to 48 hours after the donation. Any temporary decrease in volume is attributed to the mother’s fluid shift, not a change in the milk’s quality or safety. Increasing fluid intake and the frequency of nursing or pumping can help quickly restore the supply. The primary safety concern is the mother’s health and ability to care for her child after the procedure, not the transfer of components to the infant.