[Mommy3X]

Okay well I signed up myself and Aaron (Hubby) for Aug 21st at 4:30. I figure it is important since they always need blood. I had to have a transfusion when I gave birth to our first child and needed 3 pints! (Delivery gone wrong)!! I figure it is my turn to give back! have any of you donated? What is it like?? I had a bad experience giving Plasma before but have heard blood is easy??

[CandiceN]

before I got pregnant I was giving blood every 2 months. It's not bad at all. It hurts a tiny bit when they poke ya but other than that I never even feel anything. It usually takes me about 10-15 mins to fill the bag, sometimes faster depending on how good the tech was at getting the needle in place.

Good for you for donating! I don't plan to go back until I stop BFing, and by then I hope to be PG again so it will be a while for me!

[Kath M.]

Yes! I am on my fourth gallon. Started as soon as I could when I turned 17. It is really not bad at all and I am a "slow" doner ...usually takes me 20 mintues to fill the bag. The worst part is sitting through all the questions about what countries you have traveled to and "If you have ever had sex with a man who has had sex with another man since 1970". Lovely! But good for you! I have never donated plasma but I have donated platlets (for lukemia patients) and that took two hours and you had a needle in both arms so regular blood donation is much better. If you have any other questions let me know.

[justjaQ]

you should let us know how it goes. i've never done it... first, i'm anemic, so i don't know if i can?? but i was getting piercings every few months, from ages 16-17, and then i've been pregnant for a large part of the time since i've been 18, so i haven't really been able to. but i'd sure like to, every so often.

[SavannahGAMama]

if you have given birth, you can give blood. five times a day. it is not bad at all, plus you know you are doing a REALLY good thing.

[kallie74]

... The worst part is sitting through all the questions about what countries you have traveled to and "If you have ever had sex with a man who has had sex with another man since 1970". Lovely![/b]

I'm in the "gallon" club, too! I used to donate blood every six weeks before I got pregnant. I haven't donated again since Baby, but I plan to get started again...

I agree with the others above--it doesn't hurt much. Just a little bit initially when the needle goes in. Then it probably takes about 15 minutes or so (MUCH faster than donating plasma). Like Kath said, you WILL have to answer a zillion questions before they'll let you donate, but it's all worth it. Donating blood is SUCH a good thing to do! Good luck!

[Saigon]

I was able to give a few times. (if I gave after my vitamins) But I fell under the weight requirement, and now I GET transfusions every few months so Thanks to all of you that donate! You are really saving lives! Mine included

[Llamamama]

I used to give alot but they stopped letting me once I staerted getting tattooed. I think they are starting to relax that prohibition now since they are missing out on alot of good healthy blood by keeping us out.

I would give often if they would let me.

[Mommy3X]

Okay so I have a few more stupid questions...

I was wondering where they take it from??
It is not like an IV in the had right it is like when I gave Plasma right??
It is in the soft fleshy part on the under side of your elbow right??

Also I heard something about being able to donate in someones name?? How does that work??

[Brittany_Daile]

I did it a couple of times before I got pregnant. Yeah, the needle goes in the underside of your elbow. It's really not bad, though it takes forever for me to give...my blood just won't flow...LOL, until they pull the needle out

I have a tattoo and was allowed to donate, after a certain time period...

Just make sure you eat a healthy breakfast--if you don't pass the fingerstick test you can't donate!

[Mommy3X]

Thanks for the info. I also went to the web sit and watched a video hehe