Cord blood collection is simple. Here are basic instructions on how to collect your baby’s cord blood. (Each cord blood bank differs slightly, so use these steps as a guide, but verify the specific steps your cord blood bank follows.):
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Enroll by phone or online with a company such as Cord Blood Registry.
Before you do so, check out the discount programs and payment plans–they make the cost manageable. (Note that the pricing structure and payment plans for countries outside of the US differ. To inquire, contact CBR directly.) Also, use a cord blood coupon when you enroll.
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Inform your doctor that you will collect your baby’s cord blood.
It will only take your doctor a few minutes to do so after cutting the cord, but this step will not be done unless you request that your doctor does it!
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Take your cord blood kit to the hospital when you go to delivery your baby.
You will receive this kit by mail from the company you enroll with (such as Cord Blood Registry above). Your doctor will use this kit to collect your baby’s cord blood after clipping the umbilical cord.
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Have the cord blood picked up by courier immediately following delivery.
If you use Cord Blood Registry, you simply need to call them, and they send the courier to send the sample your doctor collected.
Cord Blood Registry is very experienced in helping thousands of famillies collect their babies’ cord blood, so they know it is important to make the process as simple as possible.