Cord blood donation lets new parents give a valuable source of blood-forming stem cells to the public. Learn how public banking works, how it differs from private storage, and practical steps to donate.
Donating your baby's cord blood (and sometimes placental tissue) can help treat blood and immune disorders. This guide explains what cord blood contains, how public donation works, the difference between public and private banks, timing and practical steps, and safety considerations.
Cord blood banking collects umbilical cord blood after birth to preserve blood-forming stem cells. The process is quick and low risk; stored units can be used for certain transplants or donated for public use. Choose a bank with transparent policies and recognized accreditations.
Cord blood contains blood-forming stem cells used in transplants for blood cancers, marrow failure, and certain inherited disorders. Parents can donate to public banks, where units help unrelated patients, or pay to store privately for family use. The collection is safe and regulated; emerging therapies remain experimental.