First time giving blood. Can you offer me any pointers?

Well for starters, make sure you eat a hearty breakfast about 1 hour before going, that will lesson any nausea it may cause from having an empty stomach. I used to donate plasma, and it's similiar, but you get your blood back, but before it goes through that process, it's the same feeling as giving blood. For your fear of needles or the whole act in general, I suggest, focusing on something, like look at your sister and before you go, let her know your going to do this, and the two of you talk, dont watch the nurse who is sticking you with the needle, tell the nurse not to tell you when she is going to do this, they have a habit of saying, "Ok, your going to feel a little pinch". As long as you dont look at the needles, or anyone else in the room, and focus on your sister and talking to her, you should be allright. Also your doing a wonderful thing to help alot of others out, and maybe that will ease your fear. YOU CAN DO IT!!

It's easy if you don't think about it. Tell the technician that it's your first time. Lean back and relax while it's happening, or even distract yourself by talking to your sister so you don't think about it. Before you know it, it will be over. It really doesn't hurt at all, I have done it quite a few times.

I don't have any special advice. I have never given blood. I just want to say good luck and its a nice thing to do.

Hopefully by now you've already done it. But, I want to respond anyways. When I first did it, I just relaxed and picture myself in a happy place, that went really well for me. I hope you did something similar that helped you with that.

How generous of you, considering your fear of needles and all. :O) You'll be fine...I would suggest picking a focal point in the area and staring at it and concentrating on it while they insert the needle. I would also suggest taking iron pills or two multi vitamins daily leading up to that date as well as making sure you keep up on your water intake and eat a healthy and hearty breakfast that morning. A breakfast rich in proteins and natural fats like eggs or toast with peanutbutter. Make sure you have a good snack for just after as well, something protein rich with some natural sugars as your blood sugar might get low. Cheese and fruit juice or milk is a good choice, or celery with peanut butter and raisins and some juice. Sit still afterwards, have someone drive you if possible just in case. Some people get a little weak and woozie after giving blood so take it easy! I hope this helps!! Good luck! :O)

I am terrified of needles, however, when I was pregnant they insisted on taking my blood several times since it was a difficult pregnancy. I got in the habit of telling them of my fear, so they knew. Then finding something interesting to stare at while they took the blood. This will keep you distracted. Remember, if you do start to feel light headed/ dizzy, let them know right away. They don't want you passing out any more then you want to.

I would say eat a little bread and drink some juice before you do it.

Well, how did it turn out for you? Were you tired afterward? You do have to rest afterwards.

Like others have said, make sure you eat well that day and don't watch them when they're... you know... sticking the needle in. I personally like to watch, but I'm a freak like that. I think the suggestion of letting them know to not let you know when they're gonna stick you is a good idea. Look away and have them just do it.

Sorry you did not get to go through it yet, but if your community is like mine, they will be back in a couple of months for another blood drive. The advice you have been given is good. Other things you should know: if you drink lots of tea, or eat lots of beans, you may be borderline anemic when they do your pretest.There are things in them that bind with the iron and remove it from your system. Note the advice to take iron and vitamins for a week or so before, even if you do not usually. This is the time of year they need lots of donations--and you will feel so good for giving someone life.

Well I have read you post a bit late, and your blood donation is probably over. Was it as bad as you expected? You are doing good work. Keep it up.