If the cord blood donation program is available at your birthplace, you are not aware of carrying any infectious viruses (such as HIV / AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, or syphilis) you are well and your baby is not born premature, then you should be able to donate your baby's cord blood. The next step is to be made aware of what is involved, completing a questionnaire and signing a consent form.
The following a guide as to what is involved:
Expressing interest
Signing a consent form
Donating the cord blood
Blood tests for the woman
Questionnaire
Expressing interest
The first step to take is to express your interest in donating cord blood during the pregnancy or before the birth in labour. Your caregiver should have a leaflet, supplied by the Cord Blood Bank in your area, to enable you to supply your name, address, contact number, birthplace details, your baby's due date and your signature. This leaflet itself is not a consent form, but merely a way of notifying the cord blood bank in advance of your possible intention to donate.
At the same time your caregiver may give you a consent form with an information sheet and a questionnaire to take home with you to be completed. Alternatively the Cord Blood Bank may send you the consent form after you express interest through filling out the leaflet. Most cord blood banks are available weekdays, by phone, to answer any questions you may have about the donation process or program (numbers are printed on the leaflet and consent form).
Many caregivers will ask women if they are interested in donating their cord blood at one of the pregnancy visits. Occasionally the caregiver will ask the woman during the labour. Being asked for consent during labour may not be ideal, as you are probably not in a state to give it much thought. You should not feel pressured to consent if you are unsure about donating.
Signing a consent form