Your baby just entered the world and can already make a donation that could save someone's life.  Cord blood donation is a great way to preserve the life saving stem cells found in your baby's cord blood so they are available for someone who really needs them.  Many people are opting to donate their baby's cord blood, however, more is needed.  I think a lot of people don't even think about it and unless your doctor or hospital happen to bring it up then the opportunity is lost.  I'm sure if more people knew about it, talked to their doctor's about it, and remembered to say something at the hospital more cord blood would be donated.

We donated our daughter's cord blood when she was born.  It was so easy.  Our nurse asked us if we wanted to do it.  I had always been planning on donating the cord blood but had forgotten to talk to my doctor about it at my prenatal visits so I thought it was too late.  Luckily it wasn't, and like I said, it was so easy.  My husband filled out some paperwork while I was in labor and when our daughter was delivered they bagged up the cord blood and off it went for storage.  If you remember to talk to your doctor about it ahead of time you can avoid filling out the paperwork while in labor as you can do that ahead of time in his office.  A couple of weeks after our daughter was born we got a really nice thank you note and magnet for our fridge from the cord blood donation center and a nice phone call as well.  I was very happy we decided to donate the cord blood.

For more information on cord blood donation and a list of participating hospitals in the United States visit the National Marrow Donor Program website.  Also talk to your doctor and the hospital you will be delivering at to find out more information on how the program works in your area.