Look at the legacy you could leave through the Labor of Love Birth Tissue Program!
Birth Tissue Donation Heals Lives
Birth tissue for donation is the placenta. This tissue helped to nourish your baby while you were pregnant and is normally discarded after birth. With your permission, following your C-section delivery, it can be used to help heal lives. Your decision to share this gift does not affect the birth or medical care and does not pose any risk to you or your baby. The birth tissue will not be recovered until after the baby has been safely delivered. There is no cost to you to donate and your participation in the program is voluntary.
Who can donate birth tissue?
Expectant mothers of any age who will give birth with a planned C-section can take advantage of this unique opportunity. If there are disqualifying medical conditions, some mothers may not be eligible. Those would include infections or viruses such as HIV, hepatitis or other diseases that could be transmitted to patients who would receive donated birth tissue for healing.
Your Baby's Legacy from the Beginning
Imagine your baby beginning his or her life as a hero, helping others heal and live healthier lives. What an incredible legacy right from the start!
How does birth tissue heal lives?
Your gift brings hope and healing to patients who have a variety of medical needs. Tissue grafts derived from your birth tissue are used primarily as a covering to treat wounds. This natural covering helps with the restoration of damaged or unhealthy tissue and can be used in the health reconstruction processes. Its flexible properties allow it to conform to the wound sites. Birth tissue provides a protective and physical barrier when applied to wounds. Birth tissue has further been instrumental in providing future benefits by advancing medical research and finding new treatments for medical conditions.
Surgical Usages
- Healing for spinal and sports injuries
- Skin grafts for burn victims
- Diabetics who have difficulty healing
- Dental procedures
- Victims of traumatic injuries and more
Healing for Eyes
- Repair cornea damage and disease
- Dry eyes
- Helps with eye injuries and diseases
Patient Recovery
- Reconstructive procedures to promote healing
- Relieves pain, minimizes scarring
- Reduces swelling and decreases infections
- Advancing medical research and treatments
How can I participate in the Labor of Love Birth Tissue Donation Program?
It’s simple. Just say YES to birth tissue donation. Your child’s birth will not be affected in any way.
Call LifeShare at 405-200-1018 to see if birth tissue donation is an option at your hospital. If you are giving birth at a participating hospital, then a LifeShare coordinator will speak to you to answer any questions and schedule a convenient time to complete donation documents. The Labor of Love Birth Tissue Donation program will not be available at all hospitals or delivery locations.
Tell your physician and hospital that you are donating your birth tissue.
We will ask for your consent on a recorded phone line. A series of questions will be reviewed regarding your medical and social history. The interview usually takes 20-25 minutes.
After delivery, your birth tissue will be respectfully tested, treated, and processed under strict guidelines in accordance with accepted medical and ethical standards.
All expenses related to donation are paid for by LifeShare. There is no cost to you or your family.
Make a difference for others and create a legacy for your baby by donating birth tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any risks to donating my baby's placenta?
The placenta is not needed by the baby after deliver. There is not risk to your baby.
Is there a cost to donate? Will I be compensated?
Placentas are normally discarded after delivery. There is no cost to you whatsoever. Donating your baby's placenta is considered a gift. Payment for donated tissue and organs is illegal under the National Organ Transplant Act of 1984.
Is my medical information kept confidential?
LifeShare is bound by federal confidentiality laws, so we are HIPAA compliant. We will not use any information about you or your baby in our publications without your explicit permission. We might ask you to share your story about placenta donation with others as we promote and expand the program. If you are interested in doing that, we would love to hear from you.
Can I still donate or bank cord blood?
Yes, you can do both.
For more information, call 405-200-1018 or 1-800-241-4483 or email LaborofLove@lifeshareok.org.