Which specialist performs cord blood banking?

Cord blood is collected from the umbilical cord after birth, once the baby has been delivered and the cord has been clamped. The collection does not replace routine care for the mother or newborn. A midwife can help plan when the collection will happen, check that the collection kit is available, and communicate with the bank or collection service. Laboratory staff at the bank then test, process, and store the sample according to that service’s arrangements.

Your maternity team may need to prioritise urgent care if a complication develops during labour or after birth. Banking plans should therefore be discussed as part of the birth plan, without delaying treatment for either patient.

Contact the chosen cord blood bank before delivery and ask how its collection kit reaches the hospital or birth setting. Tell your obstetric or midwifery team that you intend to collect cord blood, and bring any required paperwork and equipment. Ask who will transport the sample, how quickly it must be handed over, and what happens if collection is not possible. Confirm whether your maternity unit permits the service and whether another trained member of the team can assist if your usual midwife is unavailable.

Seek urgent maternity care for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal pain, fainting, trouble breathing, or reduced fetal movement when you have been advised to monitor it. These concerns take priority over cord blood collection. After birth, contact the maternity team promptly for heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain, or feeling suddenly unwell. The bank can answer storage questions, but symptoms in the mother or newborn need clinical assessment.

Ask: Who will collect the sample at my planned birth setting? Is the kit suitable for this hospital? What consent forms are needed? How is the sample labelled and transported? What are the alternatives if labour becomes urgent or collection yields too little blood?