# #485: Understanding Blood Transfusion

An episode of [Birthing Instincts](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1552816683), 30 Sep 2026, 1 h 28 min.

Audio: https://audio4.redcircle.com/episodes/bb9082b2-f438-4c6f-8deb-31617e443513/stream.mp3

Blood transfusions can save lives, but when are they actually necessary, and what should you know before you'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'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'll be glad you heard if you do. References: Vaccine Choice Canada vaccinechoicecanada.com Reclaiming Birth Gathering reclaimingbirthconference.com FriYAY! Instagram.com/birthinginstincts Up to Me. Up to You. Up to Everyone. uptoeveryone.com Safe Blood - The Global Leader In SafeBlood Matching safeblood.com Blessed By His Blood blessedbyhisblood.com History of Blood Transfusions https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/what-happens-to-donated-blood/blood-transfusions/history-blood-transfusion.html Allowed to Birth Ashland Screening https://rova.live/event/allowed-to-birth-film-screening-presented-by-woven-moon-2026-10-27-1800 Discussed in This Episode The history of blood transfusion, and its roots in obstetrics When postpartum blood loss may warrant transfusion Why hemoglobin is only one piece of the clinical picture How red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body ABO/Rh blood types and transfusion compatibility Common and rare transfusion reactions Why modern blood banking has made transfusion significantly safer Directed donor blood and the challenges of arranging it during pregnancy Questions surrounding vaccinated vs. unvaccinated donor blood Ways to optimize maternal health and reduce the likelihood of needing transfusion Questions to discuss with your birth team before an emergency occurs Podcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported by • LMNT | Got to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any order • Christian 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 off • Girls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use code INSTINCTS for 15% off Connect with Dr. Stu and Blyss • Join our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcast • Instagram: @birthinginstincts/@wovenmoon_ • Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.com • Email: birthinginstinctspodcast@gmail.com • Podcast webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.com • Subscribe to podcast newsletter: birthinginstinctsp.wixforms.com/f/7498520437421245447 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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