Donating cord blood
Public cord blood banking versus private banking
There’s so much to do and so many decisions to make when expecting a baby. Deciding whether to store cord blood and whether to do so in a public or private cord blood bank can feel like a challenge. We often recommend families start by discussing it with their health care provider.
Learn more about public cord blood banking versus private banking
Recorded information session:
“Public cord blood donation: debunking the myths”
The collection process starts with registration and a signed Permission to Collect consent form. Donated cord blood is collected immediately after the safe delivery of the baby and placenta/umbilical cord. We do not interfere with the process of labour and delivery.
We encourage you to speak with your physician, midwife or nurse about donating your baby’s cord blood. Ask if they can provide you with information on public cord blood donation during your prenatal visits. Their guidance is important to help you make this important decision. Let them know you are considering donating your baby’s cord blood.
Cord blood donation eligibility and registration information
We recruit healthy volunteer expectant mothers to donate cord blood at four designated hospitals in Canada. Donors from all ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to donate cord blood. A diverse public cord blood bank means we have better chances of finding a matching donor for a patient in need.
