Cord blood is a unique type of blood that is present in the umbilical cord and placenta following the birth of a baby. This blood is rich in young stem cells, which can be used to treat a variety of potentially life-threatening diseases. More and more parents are realizing the benefits of storing or donating their baby’s cord blood, which is normally discarded with the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of the child.

There are two options available if you decide to make use of the valuable stem cells in your baby’s cord blood. The first is to contact a cord blood bank with a view to storing the cord blood as a type of insurance for your baby’s and family’s future health, as this can be used to treat a variety of diseases should the need arise. The second option is to donate the cord blood to a cord blood bank or collecting hospital to help others that may in need.

The first step to take if you decide that you wish to donate your baby’s cord blood after the birth is to contact a cord blood bank. They will send you the necessary information and collection kit to ensure the smooth running of the whole process. You may find that there is no local cord blood bank in which case you can contact a medical center or university hospital local to you.

You do not have to pay anything to donate your baby’s cord blood unless you are storing it for use exclusive by your own family. In the case of donations, all costs of processing and storage are covered by the cord blood bank that is accepting your donation.

If you are unsure about whether to store or donate your baby’s cord blood, it is worth discussing the options with your family doctor. You decision may be based upon your family’s medical history and any known risk of potentially life-threatening diseases that may affect a family member in later life. However, bear in mind that the cord blood will need to be tested after the baby’s birth to ensure that it is suitable for storage or donation.