Hi,

I don't know if anyone has noticed on the news last night that the Red Cross has a critical shortage of O Positive blood, less than 24 hours worth.

As this is my blood type, my DH and I decided to donate for the first time this morning. It wasn't anywhere near as daunting as I thought it was. In fact, apart from the needle going in, it didn't hurt a bit.

My DH, who is pretty uneasy around needles, donated as well but it made him feel faint. Apparantly this is very common with first time donors so nothing to worry about. The nurses there looked after him really well and he was able to leave about half an hour later.

Anyway, I thought I would mention here in case anyone out there has been thinking about donating but hasn't done so as yet. And for those who have donated in the past, a mention that donations are needed urgently might make you think to pop in to the donormobile soon. They are at Macarthur House right now - 9.00 til 1.30 on weekdays.

So after thinking about doing this for quite some time, I'm really happy to say that I'VE DONE IT!!!

Anyone else?

Cheers,
Helen.
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Ive been thinking about it.... but can i donate if i am pregnant?
Meg


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I've checked this with Red Cross in the past, and you can't donate until nine months after the baby is born, or until you stop breastfeeding - whichever is later.

Makes sense, as your body already has to produce an extra 25% in blood volume to feed the growing baby while you're pregnant. You don't want to make it any harder by taking out extra!

But once it is safe to donate, it's a good thing to do. I know a couple of women who had blood transfusions after trouble giving birth last year.

I have also had the 9m post pg or stopped BFing discussion with them as I saw the mobile unit in Tuggers earlier this year. DD is still BF 2x per day which isn't much, but I figured I will just give it a miss until my baby/BFing days are over altogether.

I have been a blood donor since before AIDS was discovered (yes I am THAT old). It's funny to look back to then. Instead of all the forms and questions you need to fill out now, there used to be just some questions on the wall in case you'd been sick recently or were taking medication and you had to tell the nurse.

I'd like to at some point ask if I can become a donor for making anti-D after I have finished having babies, however I don't know if they do that in Canberra. Most of the donors for anti-D are males with neg blood type who have been intentionally exposed to RH factor. They give plasma only donations (red cells are mixed with saline and put back in) every month.

Steph
DD Alex (March 04)

I have always wanted to be a donor but I have had low iron levels most of my life and my GP has advised against doing so. My DH has been a donor for many years. Sometimes if he forgets they give him a call as he has a rare blood type that apparently only 5% of the population has. If anyone out there is fit and well and able to do so, I say go for it. You might just save someones life


Jennifer
DS 15/12/01
DS 14/12/03