Cord Blood Donation
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Once cord blood has been processed, it can be used for the treatment of many life-threatening diseases. Some of these include, leukemia, metabolic disorders, sickle cell anemia, and genetic immune deficiencies. Previously, these disorders were treated with bone marrow transplants. But, bone marrow donors are sometimes hard to find. Cord blood is an excellent alternative transplant source. The cord blood is stored at banks around the world and can be immediately shipped and used when a patient is in need.

Cord blood donation is a safe and painless way for mother and baby to give a gift that may save another child's life.

During pregnancy, the placenta and blood within it serve as the lifeline of nourishment from mother to baby through the umbilical cord. Following birth, the umbilical cord is usually discarded. However, the blood within the umbilical cord is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, the same cells found in bone marrow. Hematopoietic stem cells are the parent cells that create all of a person’s blood cells: red cells that carry oxygen, white cells that fight disease and platelets that help blood to clot.                

Collection of the cord takes place after the baby is delivered. There is no danger to mother or baby. After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped, cut and separated from the baby. This is when the nurse or physician collects the umbilical cord blood. The procedure is non-invasive, painless and does not interfere with the birthing process.

After the blood reaches a Cord Blood Bank, it goes through initial screening to see if it meets criteria for storing. It is then typed, frozen and stored until it is needed by an unhealthy child. If it does not meet storage criteria, it can be used for research.

The decision to donate should be made prior to the 34^th week of pregnancy. The cord blood bank will ask you to complete a questionnaire regarding the pregnancy and medical history of your family. A consent form must all also be signed permitting the collection and potential use by another person. A small sample of blood is taken at the hospital when you have your baby that will be tested for certain infections. All information is kept confidential.   

There are no costs in donating cord blood.

Cord blood can only be donated in single birth pregnancies – no twins or multiples.

If you have a complicated pregnancy or have trouble during birth, the cord blood will not be collected.

If you child becomes seriously ill, develops a genetic disorder, illness affecting the immune system or blood related disease, it is very important you contact the cord blood bank as soon as possible. This could have a devastating impact on the patient receiving the cord blood for transplantation.

The donation of your baby’s cord blood may offer an answer to the prayers of parents whose child needs a stem cell transplant.

If you or someone you know is interested in donating, you may request more information from Rayni Day Miracles, Inc.