https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 15 May 2026 18:30:35 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-940141 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 21:06:16 +0000 Grace 940141@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used to all the time, but when I found out I was anemic, I stopped. I work too hard to get my iron levels up to lose it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-940126 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 20:52:19 +0000 Ree723 940126@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: I know you've done a lot of humanitarian work over there in some less developed countries, so I can definitely see how you would be excluded, unfortunate though it may be. I was more thinking of those who may have studied abroad/visited for a shorter period of time and are possibly being given inaccurate information, as has happened to me at times when I've gone to donate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-940014 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 20:04:14 +0000 avivoca 940014@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I never have. Before, I was under the weight limit, and then there were no blood drives near me. I also was terrified of needles, but I am okay with that now and I think I will start when I can after giving birth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-940005 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 20:01:03 +0000 Arden 940005@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ree723: Yep, I checked. I've lived a lot more than five years there so I'm out for sure. Oh well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939979 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 19:49:43 +0000 Ree723 939979@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok, I just took a quick look at the AmericanRed Cross site and with relation to CJD (mad cow disease), you are only excluded if you lived in the UK for three months or more between 1980 and 1996. Alternatively, if you have lived for five years cumulatively in a European country between 1980 and now (excluding the UK), you are banned. </p> <p><a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements/eligibility-criteria-alphabetical-listing#arc5" rel="nofollow">http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements/eligibility-criteria-alphabetical-listing#arc5</a></p> <p>I wonder if blood bank screeners are sometimes giving out inaccurate info. I know I have had to argue my way into giving blood in the States at times, but when they consult their superior, I always meet the criteria (I lived in the UK from 2005-2007). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939956 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 19:41:22 +0000 anbanan15 939956@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: The Costa Rican rainforest.</p> <p>ETA: I was taking anti-malaria drugs, which were suggested for travel, and one if the (rare) side effects is a depleted immune system. It is likely other members of my group got bitten too, but because they didn't have the same reaction to the medication like I did they never got the disease. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939944 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 19:36:22 +0000 Ree723 939944@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes! I'm an avid donor who usually goes every 8 weeks or so to donate....until I got pregnant that is. And Australia doesn't let you donate whilst BF'ing, so it's been a while, and now that I'm pregnant again, whilst still BF'ing, and have plans to BF the next one for a year, it's going to be a long while until I can go back.</p> <p>I love donating blood - it's such a great way to help others out and it's easy peasy for me. No fear of needles, I have great veins, and it takes me five to six minutes to pump out all the blood they need. I honestly miss it.</p> <p>ETA: those of you who have trouble because of mad cow - have they changed the regulations? I lived in the UK for three years and have never been turned down from donating because of mad cow. Now my DH who was born there between 1980 and 1996 is banned for life because of it, but anything after that time period they haven't been fussed about. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939936 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 19:32:07 +0000 Boheme 939936@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I tend to have episodes of vasovagal syncope so I have to make sure to eat and drink plenty first, but I'm O- so I feel like its important to do! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939905 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 19:17:25 +0000 autumnlove 939905@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would but I've been anemic for a long time. I donated once in college! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939879 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 19:01:31 +0000 jhd 939879@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can't because of time spent in Europe. And I have tiny veins so it would be tricky. I always cross my fingers for a nurse who is good with tiny veins when I have to get blood drawn! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939783 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 18:10:40 +0000 wheres_c 939783@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another potential mad cow donor here!<br /> I can give blood in the UK though so plan to do that next time I'm there.. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939598 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 16:44:16 +0000 Foodnerd81 939598@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used to frequently when it was really convenient from work with blood drives or in college, though my blood type is rarely in demand (A+). Then it just got inconvenient and I haven't in a long time. I was actually going to back in Nov and made plans with a coworker to go one day, but we were TTC and I got nervous that it would affect my chances of getting pregnant. Turns out, I literally ovulated the exact day I was going to go and got pregnant! </p> <p>Being realistic, I know even once I'm not pregnant I probably won't do it that often unless there is a drive near me and it's convenient. </p> <p>@kjpugs: I always remember my blood type by thinking 'I got an A plus in blood donation". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939596 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 16:44:03 +0000 sorrycharlie 939596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sera_87: I'm not sure what you're referring to, but I see it as donating to people, not an organization. For instance, my Dad is having surgery Friday so I think of it as someone that donated is helping him directly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939593 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 16:42:52 +0000 LindsayInNY 939593@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I go to local drives when I can/know about them!</p> <p>@kjpugs: I'm B+ too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939590 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 16:42:09 +0000 Happygal 939590@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am the only one in my family who does not donate on a regular basis. They see it as a civic duty.</p> <p>I think I've tried a total of two times. The last time I remember donating, at least two people sat down after me and left before I was finished. It takes a lonnnnng time, and then I feel crummy afterwards. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939479 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 15:42:44 +0000 PointeShoesTutus 939479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@boiledpnut: yep. Some sort of cruel trick of nature. We are each the only siblings that have it in our families. Some serious bad luck there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939473 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 15:40:34 +0000 sera_87 939473@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No, I refuse to donate to an organization that discriminates against a whole section of the population. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939395 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 15:17:07 +0000 PurplePeony 939395@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: Exactly the same situation here. I'd love to donate and wish they would reevuate the rules. Especially since I'm AB-, which is pretty rare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939318 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:55:56 +0000 kjpugs 939318@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used to all the time, my old work would have blood drives and we could go on work time. It was great! I miss it now that I'm pregnant, though I admit I didn't for the 8 or so months I lived here in FL since moving- the convenience factor of having it at work before was great. I have to find the closest place to do so post-baby. I'm B+ which I think is hilarious, since I'm more of a "be negative" type person, har har. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939311 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:54:26 +0000 IRunForFun 939311@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't meet the weight requirement but they probably wouldn't want my blood anyway since I have a clotting disorder.</p> <p>SO has donated a number of times and has also donated plasma. He's O - and the Red Cross calls him allllllllllll the time asking him to donate! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939297 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:50:20 +0000 marionberry 939297@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I do it every 8 weeks when I'm not pregnant. It's super easy but I do always schedule an afternoon appointment so that I can get enough food and water in so that I don't get lightheaded. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939287 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:47:15 +0000 yin 939287@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I usually don't qualify due to the weight requirement. Once I tried to donate (I was a tad heavier back then), and my heart rate was too low at 43 bpm. Turns out I have PVC, and my heart skips a beat frequently. I don't think I'll ever be able to donate blood. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939266 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:40:41 +0000 boiledpnut 939266@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PointeShoesTutus: whoa, your husband has it too? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939259 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:38:21 +0000 PointeShoesTutus 939259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@boiledpnut: seriously. I'd never met anyone, other than my mom, that had it before...until I met my husband. It'll make TTC a stressful experience. Boo, indeed! :sad: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939249 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:35:16 +0000 T.H.O.U. 939249@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@anbanan15: Where did you catch that? Two people at work got it last year in Florida. </p> <p>I can't because of cancer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939232 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:27:01 +0000 boiledpnut 939232@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PointeShoesTutus: boo thalassemia! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939209 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:21:11 +0000 PointeShoesTutus 939209@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can't since I have beta thalessmia minor. The blood banks don't want my blood. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939190 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:17:48 +0000 loveisstrange 939190@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a couple of times, but Im not supposed to. My blood pressure crashes every single time I do and I pass out and get sick for quite a while. Even getting the vials of blood drawn when I first got pregnant did it to me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood/page/2#post-939181 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:16:11 +0000 MsMini 939181@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I have (as often as possible so every 2 months) for years. I had a gap of 16 months for pregnancy and the requisite 6 months post pregnancy, but now I am back to it again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-donate-blood#post-939161 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 14:11:47 +0000 deactivated_account 939161@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DH and I donate blood about twice a year. DH also does the ALYX donation. Its generally a longer process because it takes about twice as much blood (I think), but he still always finishes before me. I'm a big baby about it and refuse to squeeze the ball they put into my hand. And FYI: the Red Cross calls me so much asking for more blood donations that I feel like taking out a temporary restraining order against them. </p>