When I got pregnant Ryan was inspired to start donating blood. Now he goes as often as he can, and has even graduated to donating double red blood cells. I've been donating blood since high school, what seemed like a good excuse to get out of gym class, became something I just did. I've had to take a break since they don't want me to donate while I'm Zane's primary nutritional source, but you'd be surprised at what else I can give away.
Cord Blood
After doing a ton of reading, it was clear that there is absolutely no reason for me to bank cord blood. Cord blood banking is expensive, and unless you have a family history of leukemia, sickle cell disease, or other genetic troubles there is absolutely no reason for you to shell out that kind of cash. But it does seem a shame to let all those stem cells go to waste.
So donate it. That's what we did.
After Zane entered the world, my very fantastic and patient OB collected the sample (x liters!) and boxed it all up in a donation kit that was provided for us. Ryan called the number on the kit and they sent a currier to pick it up. It was easy, painless, and that blood either went to help some poor child who could use it or to a lab where they will play with it to come up with new medical solutions. Either way, someone wins. Why would you bank it and spend all that money when you could actually help someone (or multiple someones)? Go here to read more.
Breast Milk
Yes, you can donate this too.
I make more then Zane needs, and now that my emergency stash in the freezer is built back up I don't mind setting some excess aside for other babies who need it.
I donate through the International Milk Bank Project. At least 25% of the milk I send them goes to help infants in Africa who are suffering from malnourishment, HIV/AIDS, and other diseases. The rest is distributed by Prolacta to premature and critically ill babies here in America. They are the only distributor of human milk formula made from 100% human milk. The funds they raise selling the pasteurized breast milk to hospitals go to further their efforts in Africa.
Donating breast milk is a bit tricky and the process to get approved and set up was long and a bit of a pain in the ass. But they try to be as helpful as they can, and walk you through every step. There are other bits of yourself you can donate too.
Bone Marrow
If you're not on the registry, you should be.
Go here (http://www.marrow.org/) and request a kit. You swab your cheek, send it back to them. You're now on the list of potential lifesavers.
Blood
It's obvious, but if you can you should donate. The Red Cross lists local collection sites.
Organs
Is that little box on your drivers license checked? As morbid as it is, you should talk to your family about what to do with your bits when you're done with them. And make sure it's in your will. Don't forget to discuss eye and tissue (aka skin, bone, and heart valves) donations. Despite the virulent urban myth, medical technicians' first priority is your health and well being. They will do absolutely everything in their power to keep you alive and well even if you're listed as an organ donor. When you do pass on, your body is treated with respect and in almost all cases an open casket funeral is possible after donation. Read up on organ donation at Donate Life America.
After doing a ton of reading, it was clear that there is absolutely no reason for me to bank cord blood. Cord blood banking is expensive, and unless you have a family history of leukemia, sickle cell disease, or other genetic troubles there is absolutely no reason for you to shell out that kind of cash. But it does seem a shame to let all those stem cells go to waste.
So donate it. That's what we did.
After Zane entered the world, my very fantastic and patient OB collected the sample (x liters!) and boxed it all up in a donation kit that was provided for us. Ryan called the number on the kit and they sent a currier to pick it up. It was easy, painless, and that blood either went to help some poor child who could use it or to a lab where they will play with it to come up with new medical solutions. Either way, someone wins. Why would you bank it and spend all that money when you could actually help someone (or multiple someones)? Go here to read more.
Breast Milk
Yes, you can donate this too.
I make more then Zane needs, and now that my emergency stash in the freezer is built back up I don't mind setting some excess aside for other babies who need it.
I donate through the International Milk Bank Project. At least 25% of the milk I send them goes to help infants in Africa who are suffering from malnourishment, HIV/AIDS, and other diseases. The rest is distributed by Prolacta to premature and critically ill babies here in America. They are the only distributor of human milk formula made from 100% human milk. The funds they raise selling the pasteurized breast milk to hospitals go to further their efforts in Africa.
Donating breast milk is a bit tricky and the process to get approved and set up was long and a bit of a pain in the ass. But they try to be as helpful as they can, and walk you through every step.
If you're not on the registry, you should be.
Go here (http://www.marrow.org/) and request a kit. You swab your cheek, send it back to them. You're now on the list of potential lifesavers.
Blood
It's obvious, but if you can you should donate. The Red Cross lists local collection sites.
Organs
Is that little box on your drivers license checked? As morbid as it is, you should talk to your family about what to do with your bits when you're done with them. And make sure it's in your will. Don't forget to discuss eye and tissue (aka skin, bone, and heart valves) donations.