Umbilical Cord Blood Donation

When I went to the doctor for my first prenatal visit for this pregnancy, I was handed a packet of information that included information on donating the umbilical cord blood during my child's birth. At first, I thought the brochure was for collecting and donating the baby's umbilical cord blood, but I decided to look over it anyway and was surprised to learn that it is possible to donate a baby's umbilical cord blood in Michigan without any cost through the Michigan Blood's Cord Blood Bank.

After talking it over with my husband, we decided that if we are a good fit, we will donate the baby's umbilical cord blood in the hope that it saves someone's life. The Michigan Blood website states that the umbilical cord blood from one baby is usually sufficient for a child recipient, while the umbilical cord blood from two babies is usually sufficient for an adult recipient.

I called the toll free number on the brochure and had to answer a series of questions to determine if the umbilical cord blood meets the requirements for donation. After I answered the questions, it was determined that we can donate the umbilical cord blood.

At some point in the next few weeks, I will get a donation kit in the mail. When it comes in, I have to fill out a donation form and mail it back in. Then, I take the kit with me to the hospital when I go into labor. As long as I have an uncomplicated delivery-even if the delivery is via a C-section, the doctor on staff will collect the umbilical cord blood after I have delivered the baby but before I deliver the placenta. It will then be sent to the storage facility until it is needed.

We won't know until I actually deliver the baby whether or not we will actually be allowed to donate the umbilical cord blood. Should I develop eclampsia, have a premature baby, suffer from a placental rupture or tear, or develop HELLP syndrome, the umbilical cord blood can't be donated. Umbilical cord donation isn't possible for multiple births. Additionally, if the baby is stillborn or has congenital defects, umbilical cord blood donation isn't possible.

Conclusion

I am not sure if every state offers a program like the one here in Michigan, but for people who want to make a difference and possibly save a life, checking into donating cord blood is an option.