While I do currently serve on a board and also participate in other “one-off” volunteer activities, there is something that I do every few months that takes up relatively little time and energy. And, although I didn’t do it during pregnancy and breastfeeding, I am glad that I have started giving blood again.
I started donating blood 3 or 4 years ago, and it was a major step for me. I used to be incredibly afraid of needles, and donating blood probably requires one of the biggest ones you will encounter. But, I knew that if I was eligible I should do it. I knew my donation could literally save a life.
I do a regular donation of blood every 8 weeks (you can’t do it more frequently than that). Some people will do a “double donation”, so they can only donate every 16 weeks. There are certain rules and restrictions to donate, and there have been times I was not able to (pregnancy, hemoglobin too low). And, while breastfeeding did not prevent me from donating, after talking with my doctor I decided it might create issues with supply, so I did not chance it. Overall, there may reasons that you may not be able to donate, and that is ok – I think it is at least worth checking into if you can.
For me, donating takes maybe an hour. The discomfort is also fairly minimal, and the staff has always been great at giving me ice packs or reclining me to help me feel ok during the donation. Then, at the end of your donation, there are free snacks and beverages! Of course, you need to take good care of yourself before and after you donate, and drinking lots of water before and after is one of those items. I try to drink a lot of water before I go in, and that seems to help a lot.
Whether you have donated before or not, I encourage you to check into it and/or continue to donate if and when you can. Donating blood is a great way to give, and I love being able to help others in this way.