Plasma donation, or plasmapheresis, involves drawing blood, separating the pale-yellow plasma component, and returning the red blood cells to the donor. Plasma is a valuable resource used to create life-saving therapies for people with immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, and chronic conditions. A breastfeeding mother considering donation must understand the eligibility requirements and the procedure’s physiological effects on her body. This ensures both her health and the safety and quality of her milk for the infant.
Official Guidelines and Eligibility for Nursing Mothers
Nursing mothers are often eligible to donate plasma, but centers establish criteria to protect both the mother and the recipient. The most common stipulation is a mandatory waiting period, typically six months postpartum. This deferral allows the mother’s body time to recover from childbirth, stabilize hormone levels, and replenish iron and hemoglobin stores depleted during pregnancy.
Eligibility also depends on general health requirements, including a minimum weight and acceptable iron or hemoglobin levels, which are checked before each donation. Some centers may require that the infant is no longer exclusively reliant on breast milk, particularly if the mother is a frequent donor. Additionally, pregnancy can lead to the development of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies. While harmless to the mother, these antibodies can complicate transfusions for certain recipients, leading some centers to defer all women who have been pregnant.
Physiological Impact on the Mother
Plasma donation removes a significant volume of plasma, which is 92% water and contains proteins like albumin and immunoglobulins. This results in an acute reduction in the mother’s circulating fluid volume, temporarily intensifying the physical demands of lactation. Immediate effects can include increased fatigue, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
Removing this fluid volume can also lead to transient hypotension, or low blood pressure, a common post-donation side effect. Since breast milk production requires substantial fluid, the donation exacerbates the body’s need for hydration, increasing susceptibility to mild dehydration. Furthermore, the loss of plasma proteins requires the mother’s body to regenerate these components, drawing on existing protein reserves.
Plasma Donation and Breast Milk Composition
A primary concern is whether the donation process compromises the safety or quality of breast milk. Plasma donation is sterile and does not introduce toxins, contaminants, or foreign substances into the mother’s bloodstream or milk supply. Since the red blood cells are returned, the milk’s cellular and nutritional integrity remains unaffected by the procedure.
Key components of breast milk, such as antibodies and complex nutrients, are synthesized in the mammary glands and are not directly depleted by plasma removal. Therefore, the milk produced remains safe for the infant to consume. The World Health Organization (WHO) has historically advised against donation during active breastfeeding, primarily due to the risk of maternal dehydration and electrolyte shifts. Severe dehydration and stress can temporarily reduce milk supply, but this is a consequence of volume loss, not a deficiency in the milk’s quality.
Preparing for and Recovering from Donation
A nursing mother who meets the eligibility criteria can take proactive steps to minimize the physiological impact of plasma donation.
Pre-Donation Preparation
Aggressive hydration is paramount, requiring the mother to consume extra fluids, especially water and electrolyte-containing beverages, in the 24 hours leading up to the appointment. This fluid loading helps mitigate volume loss and supports continued milk production. Eating a substantial, nutritious meal rich in protein and iron within a few hours of donation is also recommended. This stabilizes blood sugar and provides the building blocks for plasma protein regeneration.
Post-Donation Recovery
After the procedure, the mother should rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least 12 hours. Scheduling the donation immediately after a feeding or pumping session can help ensure the infant’s needs are met while the mother recovers her fluid balance.