How do I arrange cord blood banking at my hospital? How does the process work, and is it complicated? If you are expecting a baby, you may have questions like these. This guide explains what to expect and how to plan ahead.
Private VS Public cord blood banking
The first thing to establish is the difference between private and public banking.
Private cord blood banking is a service you have to request and set up with a stem cell banking company. It is a paid service, but your child will then have exclusive access to a 100% match to their stem cells should they need them for treatment.
Public cord blood banking involves donating your baby’s cord blood for medical use through approved public donation programmes, where available. Like donating blood or plasma, this stem cell source may be used for patients in need of a transplant or for approved medical applications.
One of the key differences is how the services are accessed. Private cord blood banking is widely available in many maternity hospitals through coordination with approved providers, while public donation programmes are only available in selected hospitals depending on regional collection initiatives.
Finding Your Hospital
Finding out whether cord blood banking can be arranged at your chosen hospital is straightforward. In most cases, private cord blood banking is coordinated in advance between your chosen provider and your maternity hospital.
If you are considering this as part of your birth plan, it is best to discuss it early with your midwife or healthcare team so it can be properly arranged ahead of delivery.
You can also contact Cells4Life, who will be able to confirm the process for your hospital and guide you through next steps of storing with us. Most providers also make hospital coverage information available to help with planning.
The Process
It is as easy as a few phone calls and communicating with your doctors and midwife.
Get in contact with your cord blood bank and pick out the services you want. If you want additional storage options for cord tissue, amnion or placental cells make sure you pick the best package for you. Cells4Life has packages to accommodate everyone and is willing to discuss payment and customisation options with you.
After that, ensure your maternity team is aware and include your decision in your birth plan so arrangements can be coordinated in advance.
So that’s it!
Banking your baby’s stem cells is an option available in many maternity settings, but it is important to plan ahead and confirm arrangements early. If you want more information about the whole process from start to finish, send the Cells4Life team an email, give us a call or request your FREE info pack.
Request an Info Pack
Find out more about cord blood banking by downloading an Info Pack now.
