Donating Cord Blood

mlwurster

MH and I can't pay the high cost of private banking our LO's cord blood, so we decided to donate it instead.  I am having an impossible time finding someone to take this stuff-none of the local banks take cord blood donations and our hospital doesn't have a program or an affiliate for cord blood donations.  The only option I could find was Cryobanks International-I am going to sort through the mound of paperwork tonight and see if that is a possiblity for us.  I really thought that it would be easier than this!

angie05161

That's a great idea!  We won't be banking our either (cost) and I didn't even think of donating it.  If you find out how to do this, please share the info.

PenelopePond

I thought so, too!  You'd think they'd make it way easier and be doing a little jig to hear people are interested in donation.

cherrykat

We're in the same boat.  Our hospital doesn't do it either.  I've emailed some other local hospitals but haven't heard back.  Good luck!  Keep us posted. 

Ali22

Talk to your OB or call your hospital surely they will be able to tell you something. I am sure there is a local blood bank that would love to have it! It was really easy for me.

jrnewhook

We wanted to do this, too and were diappointed that they wouldn't accept ours. There's alot of paperwork to fill out and a questionnaire. Apparently they won't accept it if you've taken presciption medications during the pregnancy other than prenatal vitamins, iron supplements or diclectin So I got screened out before I even sent them anything :P

It might be different in the US though.

dewitthm

We can't afford to privately bank ours either, but we got lucky. The hospital we're delivering at actually has some kind of arrangement with a local cord blood bank and they do all the paperwork for you when you check in for delivery. I was excited that we'd be able to donate it and it wasn't even something that had crossed my mind until the nurse brought it up at our L&D class. I would say call your local blood bank and see if they have any suggestions. Maybe they can point you in the right direction. Good luck!

pdljump21

Here is some info I found for MN. 

https://www.minnpost.com/healthblog/2009/07/21/10372/donating_umbilical_cord_blood_is_easier_said_than_done_in_minnesota

bwm2bmw

Rhode Island actually just started a pilot program this spring, they're piggy backing off the NJ program as they get up and running. I didn't desire to pay the $$ for private but I'm all for donations. Had they not started this program though I don't think I would have been able to donate anywhere else here.