Do you know that you can generate funds for yourself by being a plasma donor? Imagine saving lives and getting paid just for that.
These and many more are what will stand to benefit as a plasma donor. one of the importance of plasma donation.
But can you donate plasma when you’re breastfeeding?
Here’s what you need to know about plasma donation during breastfeeding,
What is Plasma
Blood’s liquid component is called plasma. Approximately 55 percent of human blood is plasma, and the remaining 45 percent is made up of suspended red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
About 92 percent of plasma is water.
In addition, it has a 7 percent content of essential proteins like albumin, gamma globulin, and anti-hemophilic factor, as well as a 1% content of mineral salts, carbohydrates, lipids, hormones, and vitamins.
Plasma is frequently administered to patients with trauma, burns, and shock as well as those with severe liver disease or multiple clotting factor shortages.
It facilitates blood clotting and increases the patient’s blood volume, which can assist prevent shock.
Pharmaceutical companies use plasma to create medicines for ailments like immunological deficiencies and bleeding disorders.
What is plasma donation
The liquid component of the donor’s blood is separated from the cells when only plasma is donated.
Plasma is collected by sending blood through a sophisticated machine after it is extracted from one arm.
The donor is then given back some saline along with the donor’s red blood cells and platelets.
It is a quick and safe procedure that only adds a few minutes to blood donation.
Within 24 hours following donation, plasma is frozen to protect its important clotting components.
When a patient needs a transfusion, it can be frozen and kept in storage for up to a year.
Some of the reasons you should donate plasma include to earn more money as donors are sometimes paid for the procedure, to create an impact on someone’s life, to reduce your stress level, and to be healthier so if you are still wondering why you need to not plasma, this has answered the question.
Read also: Calculator of child gender by the method of “Blood Updates”
Requirements for plasma donor eligibility
Donor security and safety during donation are crucial, so a donor must fulfill the necessary criteria before being invited to donate plasma.
Since there is a greater need for plasma in healthcare facilities, there are several requirements that must be met before one is permitted to donate it.
The requirements that your facilities may require before you are permitted to donate plasma are listed below but it depends on your facility:
- be older than 18 years old.
- weigh at least 110 pounds.
- able to give the address and photo identification as confirmation of identity.
- Adhere to a diet that is advised.
- pass a basic physical examination.
- pass a primary health screening, blood test, and virus tests, such as those for hepatitis and HIV.
Can you donate plasma while breastfeeding?
Yes, you can donate plasma while breastfeeding.
However, since it is not everyone is encouraged to donate plasma including breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women. As a breastfeeding mother, you will be allowed to donate plasma if you meet the following criteria as a breastfeeding mother.
- You are healthy and free from any illness and diseases after thorough physical examinations and diagnostic procedures
- You don’t have any problem breastfeeding or producing breast milk for feeding.
Preparation for Plasma Donation
Preparing for plasma donation is one of the important steps to be ticked before you are allowed to proceed with the procedure, Here are some of the preparatory steps to be taken if you wish to donate plasma as a breastfeeding mother :
- Water consumption should be high 48 hours before the surgery. A person’s body can lose a lot of water thanks to plasma. The best way to prevent any bad effects and maintain the flow of breast milk is to stay hydrated.
- Consume a balanced meal before giving plasma. A satisfying supper afterward is also essential
- Eat foods high in iron. There may be a drop in the body’s iron level after plasma donation. For some women, this may result in anemia, wooziness, and sickness.
- Before donating plasma, stay away from caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. Not only are these substances bad for a breastfeeding mother and the health of her child, but they can also weaken a woman before she donates plasma.
- Before donating, stay away from greasy and high-cholesterol foods. Consuming fatty foods can skew blood tests and disqualify you from blood donation.
- Also resting and having enough sleep before the procedure helps give one enough energy before the procedure, so it is advised that breastfeeding mothers have enough sleep and rest before and after the procedure, and should in case you wish to donate again, that should be after 3months.
Read also: Starting a dairy-free breastfeeding diet: 4 amazing guidelines to follow
Take away
Plasma donation is a charitable act that anyone or everyone can perform to support the sustenance of life in our society.
Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged not to donate plasma right away because they must have lost some during childbirth, but rather to wait until they have fully recovered, which may take up to six months, depending on whether they intend to donate again while still nursing their babies.
To safeguard the lives of the donor and the recipient, careful planning and checking of requirements must be made before permitting the mother to donate plasma.
Last but not least, since this is a charitable act, everyone should be free to donate as they like and no one should feel under any obligation to do so.