Donating Cord Blood to Public Bank...Now What?

You have made the decision to donate your baby's cord blood to a public bank, now what do you need to know and do?  First off', public cord blood banks are held to certain standards and therefore donations can be rejected.  Talk to your doctor to determine whether you are eligible to donate.  If you are leigible,  make sure thatyour doctor is willing and able to collect the cord blood.  You will also need to check with the facility where the birth is to take place as to whether they participate in the national cord blood collection program.  If your hospital doesn't participate, and many do not, there are still options available to you.  Find out what the options are in your area at parentsguidecordblood.org.  Lastly, remind the hospital staff during labor and delivery that you are donating the cord blood.  This may be a good job to delegate to your coach, as you may be preoccupied at that time.