“Is my birth plan and cord blood banking compatible?”

It’s something that we encounter quite often at cord blood aware, women often say “I didn’t think banking my baby’s cord blood was possible because of the type of birth I had”, there seems to be many misunderstandings surrounding birth and cord blood banking.  Cord blood banking is incredibly flexible and can be incorporated into a number of birth types.

Caesarean Birth Plan and Cord Blood Banking

Family banking: Yes  Public banking: Yes

While caesarean births are not always planned they are compatible with cord blood banking.  In the case of elective caesareans the process of collecting cord blood, particularly for donations, can feel like a much smoother process as the date and time of the baby’s arrival can be predetermined so the organisation collecting the donated cord blood can ensure there is a member of staff available to procure it.

“Natural” Birth Plan and Cord Blood Banking

Family banking: Yes  Public banking: Yes

Cord blood procurement is completely pain free for both mother and baby.  The cord blood is collected from the umbilical cord attached to the placenta after the cord is cut so pain relief is not needed.

Medicated Birth Plan and Cord Blood Banking

Family banking: Yes  Public banking: Yes

If you choose to have a medicated birth, this will not affect your ability to bank your baby’s cord blood.

Preterm Birth Plan and Cord Blood Banking

Family banking: Yes  Public banking: No

It may be necessary, for whatever reason, for your baby to be born before 37 weeks or your baby may even decide to make an early appearance of their own accord.  Unfortunately, cord blood donations cannot be accepted from babies born preterm, however it is still possible to save your baby’s cord blood with a family bank.  If cord blood banking is important to you and your baby is at risk of preterm birth please speak to your cord blood bank of choice and health care provider.

Multiple Birth Plan and Cord Blood Banking

Family banking: Yes  Public banking: Possibly

For parents expecting multiples this is a common question.  Multiple births are higher risk for preterm deliveries and the risk increases with the number of babies.  However, multiple births are completely compatible with family cord blood banking.  For full term multiple births it may be possible to donate your baby’s cord blood however this will depend on which organisation you plan to donate to.  Unfortunately the NHSBT do not currently accept cord blood donations from multiple pregnancies but Anthony Nolan do, as always check with your intended cord blood bank in advance.