More than 30,000 people every year are diagnosed with cancer and diseases that may benefit from cord blood donations. Umbilical cord blood, once considered as medical waste, is now recognized as a rich source of stem cells used in research and the treatment of several pediatric blood diseases, sickle cell anemia, and cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Cord blood donation allows doctors to preserve these life-saving stem cells for treating people with diseases which may benefit from it as well as research for future cures and treatments. Donating cord blood is 100% safe, simple and is not harmful to either you or your baby.

In order to qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

- Be at least 18 and in good health

- Complete a consent form & family health history form

- Give a small blood sample to screen for diseases

All of these steps need to be completed before your baby is born, preferably before your 34th week of pregnancy, so it is good to make arrangements early. Once your baby is born, the umbilical cord blood is collected, tested and stored in the cord blood bank. It is then entered into a database where doctors can search and locate a match for patients who may benefit from the cord blood.

Private cord blood banking is another option for people who either cannot find a donation center in their area, or want to keep the cord blood for their own personal use. Private cord blood banks allow you to store cord blood for a fee in the event your child or someone in your family may need a stem cell transplant in the future. You will have to pay enrollment and collection fees, plus annual storage fees. Costs vary depending on which private cord blood bank you choose. Private cord blood banking is like having extra insurance on the biological level.

Whether you choose public cord blood donation or private cord blood banking is a personal decision. An excellent source of information about cord blood banks and options can be found at: http://www.parentsguidecordblood.com

About the author:

Carole Nickerson has been a writer and web developer since 1998, writing articles and content on various topics of interest and from personal experience for magzines, the web and other publications. For more information on Cord Blood Banks & Donating, visit: http://www.readerpoint.com/a/donate-cord-blood-banks-banking.html