RE: A FREE alternative to cord blood banking
We donated as well, but we did not fill out any paperwork in advance. It was all done in the hospital, so even if you are past 35 weeks and are interested in this, I would check with your doctor or delivery hospital. You still may be able to donate. Upon check-in, I was asked whether we wanted to donate. When I said yes, a representative from the cord blood donation program came to see me, discussed what would happen, etc. After I had DS, the representative came to see me again (the next day I think), took my blood and had me fill out a multiple page questionnaire (with some pretty strange questions). Plus, we were told that should we ever need cord blood for treatment, we would have priority status because we donated.
Mommy to Justin (13 years) & Ashlyn (8 years)