#485: Understanding Blood Transfusion

Blood transfusions can save lives, but when are they actually necessary, and what should you know before you&#39;re ever faced with that decision?This week, Blyss and Dr. Stu unpack blood transfusions in birth: postpartum hemorrhage, hemoglobin levels, blood types and compatibility, potential reactions, and why the number on a lab report doesn&#39;t always tell the whole story.They also dive into some of the harder questions: Can you choose where your blood comes from? What about directed donation? And what options exist for families who have concerns about receiving blood from vaccinated donors?From the surprising obstetric origins of modern transfusion medicine to the questions worth asking during pregnancy, this is one of those conversations you may never need, but you&#39;ll be glad you heard if you do.References:Vaccine Choice Canadavaccinechoicecanada.comReclaiming Birth Gatheringreclaimingbirthconference.comFriYAY! Instagram.com/birthinginstinctsUp to Me. Up to You. Up to Everyone.uptoeveryone.comSafe Blood - The Global Leader In SafeBlood Matchingsafeblood.comBlessed By His Bloodblessedbyhisblood.comHistory of Blood Transfusionshttps://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/what-happens-to-donated-blood/blood-transfusions/history-blood-transfusion.htmlAllowed to Birth Ashland Screeninghttps://rova.live/event/allowed-to-birth-film-screening-presented-by-woven-moon-2026-10-27-1800Discussed in This EpisodeThe history of blood transfusion, and its roots in obstetricsWhen postpartum blood loss may warrant transfusionWhy hemoglobin is only one piece of the clinical pictureHow red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the bodyABO/Rh blood types and transfusion compatibilityCommon and rare transfusion reactionsWhy modern blood banking has made transfusion significantly saferDirected donor blood and the challenges of arranging it during pregnancyQuestions surrounding vaccinated vs. unvaccinated donor bloodWays to optimize maternal health and reduce the likelihood of needing transfusionQuestions to discuss with your birth team before an emergency occursPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byLMNT | Got to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% offConnect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@wovenmoon_Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.comPodcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comSubscribe to podcast newsletter: <a href="https://birthinginstinctsp.wixforms.com/f/7498520437421245447" rel="nofollow"