The benefits of cord blood are a fairly recent scientific discovery. Cord blood banking is becoming more common as researchers discover more uses for cord blood. However, the decision to save your baby's cord blood is a personal decision, and the topic can sometimes be controversial. It is important for parents to discuss their feelings about this topic openly and early in a pregnancy, as the process should be initiated as soon as possible.
Step 1
Decide whether you want to store your baby's cord blood in a private facility or donate it and have it stored in a public facility. Donating is free, and your baby's cord blood is available to be used by anyone who needs it. Storage in a private facility can be costly--upfront fees run from $1,500 to $3,000 in 2010--but it also means that the cord blood is available to your family only.
Step 2
Choose a cord blood bank. There are several to choose from, and this decision should be made as soon as possible.
Step 3
Fill out all necessary paperwork before your 34th week of pregnancy. This ensures that everything will be in place when it is time for you to give birth.
Step 4
Bring the cord blood collection kit provided by the facility you chose to the hospital with you when you go into labor.
Step 5
Inform the doctors and nurses that you want your baby's cord blood saved, and be sure that one of them will collect it once your baby is born. Collection needs to happen as soon as possible after birth, so it is best to have this conversation beforehand.
Step 6
Follow your storage facility's policy on how to get the cord blood to them.
Things You'll Need
- Cord blood collection kit
