This feature can be especially important for members of ethnic minority groups or people with rare blood types. These groups traditionally have had more difficulty finding acceptable donor matches. Before their baby's birth, parents may request that the baby's cord blood be collected and banked for future use. The blood can be used by the child from whom it was collected, his siblings and parents. You also may donate your baby's cord blood at no cost to you, similar to blood banking.
Blood is collected directly from the umbilical cord immediately after delivery.
There is no risk or pain to the mother or baby. The blood is transported to a banking facility where it is frozen and cryogenically stored. As more is learned about blood banking and its use becomes more common, the cost may go down. Some health-insurance companies pay the fees for families at high risk of cancer or genetically based diseases. Tip for Week 39 Don't take tags off shower gifts and other gifts until after your baby is born.