Cord blood contains stem cells which, when transplanted into persons with certain diseases, can treat, cure or reduce the symptoms of that disease. If you live in an area with a hospital or banking center that facilitates cord blood donations, you can donate these valuable, life saving cells that would have otherwise been discarded. The process is free and has zero risks since the cells come from temporary organs that are no longer attached to the body. If you'd like to keep your baby's stem cells for your own potential use instead of donating them, you can store the cells in a private bank for a fee.
Step 1
Determine if there's a cord blood banking facility in your area. The American Academy of Pediatrics points out that cord blood banking facilities aren't numerous and aren't located in all areas. Ask your hospital if they facilitate cord blood donations. It's possible your hospital has a system in place for families who wish to donate their baby's cord blood.
Step 2
Submit to a physical examination, blood work, a full medical history or any other screening requirements your hospital or cord blood banking agency sets forth. Disclose if you have a placental infection, herpes or genital warts. These tests should be performed on the woman carrying the child from whom the donation will be taken at delivery. Tests should be performed at least six weeks prior to her due date.
Step 3
Sign all the paperwork and consent forms required to donate your cord blood well in advance of your delivery. Premature birth can cause you to go into labor sooner than expected and derail your plans to donate cord blood. Work with the hospital or cord blood donation center as soon as you decide you'd like to donate.
Step 4
Deliver collection materials to your hospital if you're providing them from the private cord blood banking agency. Deliver them at least six weeks before you expect to deliver, recommends the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Step 5
Deliver your baby. Make sure the doctor and nursing staff are aware of your desire to donate the cord blood. After you birth the placenta, make sure the doctor draws the cord blood into the materials you or your cord blood bank provided. The hospital or banking agency will facilitate delivery of cord blood donation through a lab or tissue transfer service at no cost to you.
