Donating Cord Blood?

[WildBlueberry]

We've decided not to bank our own cord blood. We aren't in any high risk categories (http://www.cryo-intl.com/enroll/quiz/), so the chances we'll actually use it are so small, and the cost is significant.

We would like to donate the cord blood so that it might help somebody else, but there are no participating hospitals or agencies in our area (http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Donate_Co...d_hospitals.pl)

I see that Cyrobanks is collecting blood nationally. Has anyone ever dealt with them? (http://www.cryo-intl.com/enroll/donating/)

Thanks!
WBB

[happymama]

We used them for #1 and #2...a very easy experience.

[WildBlueberry]

Thank you, happymama. I just called and spoke with them, and it seems simple enough. They said the forms need to be completed by the end of the 34th week of pregnancy, and that the cord blood goes to the national registry (not to research) as managed by the National Marrow Donor Program. Sounds like a good option to me!


Edited to add:
Talked to my doctor's office, and found out that the New England Cord Blood Bank is collecting cord blood for research studies. Another option...