Like many older women, Mom already has a hard time getting enough calcium. Just sticking with whole blood might well be the best choice for her.
At yesterday’s blood donation a sign had been posted asking donors with O+, O-, A-, or B- blood types to donate a Power Red if possible. I did the Power Red. Pretty quick and easy, but I’ve done them before and never had a problem. I do get a little tingling from the citrate reaction but knowing what to expect I’m not bothered by it.
Yes, you have “baby blood”. Very very important blood during disasters since while it is critical for newborns, it can be quickly used by a lot of people who normally have complications.
As I had said before, I’ve been told I can no longer donate blood due to a combination of persistent anemia and fatty liver disease. (In fact, three weeks ago I had to go in and get an infusion of red blood cells because my blood iron count was so low.) I’m assuming this also means that I can no longer donate platelets; I hadn’t thought to ask about that.