How to Donate Cord Blood to a Public Blood Bank

While some parents pay to bank their baby's umbilical cord blood in case their baby or a relative needs it in the future, other parents donate cord blood for free to public cord blood banks, to help others in need now. Umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells, used both in research and in transplants for patients suffering from some cancers and leukemia. Donating is free, since public cord banks pay for collection, testing and storing. Umbilical cord blood left after the umbilical cord is cut would otherwise be discarded, but if you're expecting a baby soon, you can donate it to a public cord blood bank to help others.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. At least five or six weeks before your due date, tell your doctor or midwife that you'd like to donate your baby's umbilical cord blood. He or she can tell you if your hospital collects cord blood, or you can consult the list at the link in the resources section below. While donating the blood is free, check to see if your doctor or midwife will charge for collecting it.

2. If your hospital accepts cord blood donations, contact the hospital or their cord blood bank to make sure you're eligible and to sign a consent form. If your hospital doesn't receive cord blood donations, you may still be able to donate through Cryobanks International. For more information, contact them at 1-800-869-8608 or at their website linked in the resources section below.

3. Bring your cord blood collection kit to the hospital when you go to give birth, if you've been given a cord blood kit by the bank. Once your baby is born and the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, the blood will be drained and sent to be tested and kept in frozen storage at the public cord blood bank until someone needs it.

Resources

• Hospitals and Public Cord Blood Banks by State
• Donating to Cryobanks International
• More Information on Cord Blood Donation