Donating your baby's cord blood to a public cord blood bank can save the life of a child in need. The stem cells in the cord blood can treat a large number of life-threatening illnesses. Occasionally, small or young adults can use these stem cells as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages public cord bank donation. To donate, you need to decide prior to childbirth and contact the public bank. Your obstetrician can give you instructions on doing this. You will take a collection kit with you when you go to the hospital to give birth. There is usually no charge for this procedure, and there is minimal risk involved.
Your Family Could Need the Stem Cells
There is a small chance that a child in your family could someday need the stem cells in the cord blood, but the blood bank may have already given it to someone else. It would be an even more rare circumstance if your own child needed the blood in the future, as many of the diseases that stem cells can treat are diseases that would preclude the child from using her own stem cells. You do have the option to have the cord blood stored at a private bank for the use of only your family; this route costs around $2,000 plus a yearly maintenance fee around $150. This is considered "storage" instead of donation.
The Collection Could Divert Attention
There is a small chance that the collection of the cord blood could briefly divert attention away from you or the baby. To minimize this risk, you can make clear ahead of time that the blood should only be collected if the birthing process is free of complications.
Improper Collection Procedure Could Cause Newborn Anemia
To understand this risk, you must be knowledgeable regarding the proper collection procedure. After a vaginal birth, both ends of the umbilical cord are clamped and the cord is cut. One side is then unclamped, and a tube is placed where it can collect the blood from the umbilical vein. A needle is then used to collect more blood from the area of the placenta where the baby was connected. After a cesarean birth, a similar procedure is performed. This takes place only after the mother and baby are cared for. The Nemours Foundation explains that a small risk to the baby occurs during collection if the umbilical cord is clamped too soon. This can cause the baby to become slightly anemic due to not receiving enough blood.
