As you prepare to welcome your newborn into the world, consider the incredible opportunity to help save a life through cord blood donation. Hospitals typically discard the umbilical cord blood after birth, but within it lies a treasure trove of stem cells that can be collected and used for life-saving transplants.
Every newborn’s umbilical cord contains valuable stem cells that can be utilized in treating various conditions, including leukemia and lymphoma. The FDA has approved over 80 medical applications for these stem cells, making this an essential resource for patients in need.
The Benefits of Cord Blood Over Bone Marrow
In the past, bone marrow transplants were the gold standard for patients recovering from chemotherapy or radiation. However, recent findings show that cord blood transplants have surpassed bone marrow in terms of success rates for transplant patients, according to the FDA and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Recognizing the significance of cord blood stem cells, Congress established a National Cord Blood Inventory (NCBI) in 2005. This initiative, managed by a network of certified cord blood banks, aims to collect and store a minimum of 150,000 new cord blood units to support patients requiring transplants.
Your decision to donate your newborn’s cord blood can help create a genetically diverse national inventory, which is crucial for patients in need of transplants.
Safe and Cost-Free Donation
Donating cord blood is entirely safe and does not interfere with the birthing process. After your healthcare provider has cut the umbilical cord and confirmed that both you and your baby are stable, any remaining blood in the cord can be collected. The cord blood bank manages everything from collection to testing and registration with the Be The Match® registry.
Donating your baby’s cord blood is free of charge. Once you register with a certified public bank like Cord For Life®, you will receive a collection kit that includes everything you need for the donation process.
Three Simple Steps to Save a Life
Donating your baby’s cord blood takes just a few minutes and could provide hope to someone in need of a life-saving transplant. Here’s how to get started:
- Visit Cord For Life® to ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria for cord blood donation.
- If you qualify, complete the Donation Forms before you reach your 34th week of pregnancy.
- Bring the FREE collection kit with you to the hospital when you go into labor. Afterward, contact Cord For Life® for the collection and processing of the kit.
For more information about cord blood and stem cells, you can download this FREE Information Guide.
In addition, if you’re exploring other options for family planning, consider checking out Vegas Pregnancy, a free sperm donor matching service, or Make A Mom, which provides a unique reusable insemination option. You can also learn how at-home insemination works through this detailed guide at Make A Mom.
For engaging insights on infertility and home insemination, Modern Family Blog is a reputable source. You might find interesting discussions on topics like the treatment of infertility helpful as well.
In conclusion, donating cord blood is a safe, free, and impactful way to contribute to the health of others while welcoming your new baby into the world. Take a few minutes to explore the donation process and consider how your small action can lead to monumental changes in someone else’s life.