Can I donate blood while breastfeeding?

Jun 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, whether a woman can donate blood during lactation mainly depends on the specific stage of breastfeeding. If it is the early stage of lactation, blood donation is usually not recommended. However, if the woman has been breastfeeding for some time, she may donate blood under a doctor's guidance. During lactation, women should focus on adequate nutrition and rest to ensure the health of both themselves and their newborns.
Whether a woman can donate blood during lactation mainly depends on the specific stage of breastfeeding. Blood donation is generally not recommended during the early stage of lactation. However, if a woman has been breastfeeding for some time, she may donate blood under a doctor's guidance. The detailed explanation is as follows:

During the initial phase of breastfeeding, infants rely entirely on breast milk. Blood donation may temporarily reduce the blood volume in lactating women, potentially affecting milk secretion, leading to decreased milk supply, and impacting the baby's feeding. Additionally, donating blood at this time may cause symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness, nausea, and fatigue, which are not conducive to postpartum recovery. However, as breastfeeding continues and the infant gradually starts consuming complementary foods, breast milk is no longer the sole source of nutrition. At this point, the mother's body may have already adapted to the demands of lactation, and moderate blood donation may have minimal impact on the health of both mother and child. If the lactating woman is in good health and meets the criteria for blood donation, she may consider donating blood under the guidance of a physician. During the breastfeeding period, women should focus on adequate nutrition and sufficient rest to ensure the health of both themselves and their newborns.

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