As you plan for your baby’s birth in Singapore, you’ll face several decisions, including whether to delay cord clamping and whether to donate or store cord blood. Each choice comes with unique benefits for both your child and potentially for others in need, especially here in Singapore, where cord blood donation is accessible for locals and permanent residents at no cost.

Benefits of Delayed Cord Clamping

Delayed cord clamping (DCC) involves waiting a few minutes after birth to allow extra blood flow from the placenta to the newborn. Research shows that this additional blood, rich in oxygen and iron, supports babies’ early development. Benefits include:

• Improved Iron Levels: Enhanced iron stores in the first months, which supports cognitive and physical development.

• Reduced Anemia Risks: Higher hemoglobin levels may lower the risk of anemia, especially beneficial for preterm infants.

For families in Singapore interested in DCC, it’s essential to check with your lead care provider, typically your OB-GYN, as they will help determine if DCC is suitable for your delivery plan. Many hospitals in Singapore support DCC for uncomplicated births, but consulting with your OB-GYN ensures personalized, safe care.

Cord Blood Donation in Singapore

In Singapore, locals citizens and permanent residents can donate cord blood for free through the Singapore Cord Blood Bank (SCBB), which operates within KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. SCBB covers all associated costs, making it an accessible and altruistic choice for these families. Donated cord blood is stored publicly and made available on international registries, helping patients worldwide with conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders​. Unfortunately, this option is not available to foreigners in Singapore.

SCBB

​Cord Blood Banking | Parent's Guide

.Here’s how it works:

• No-Cost Donation for Locals and PRs: The SCBB covers all processing, screening, and storage costs for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents.

• Rigorous Screening: Units undergo HLA typing and are registered internationally, providing a resource for both Singaporean and global patients in need.

• Quality Standards: While 60-80% of donations may not meet volume or quality requirements and are discarded, accepted units are preserved indefinitely and accessible for transplants​. Cordlife

  This system offers Singaporean and permanent resident families a meaningful, no-cost opportunity to contribute to public health.

Private Cord Blood Banking

If you prefer to store cord blood for personal or family use, private banks like Cordlife Singapore provide this service. Unlike public banks, private storage allows exclusive family access but comes with an associated fee for processing and annual storage. This option is valuable for families with specific medical histories or who foresee potential need for the child or siblings.

Deciding What’s Best for Your Family

The decision between delayed cord clamping, cord blood donation, or private banking ultimately depends on your family’s values, needs, and medical history. In Singapore, locals and permanent residents have several options available, including the no-cost donation of cord blood through the SCBB.

As you prepare for your birth, discuss these options with your OB-GYN and medical team. You can also seek guidance from a doula in Singapore to ensure that your birth plan aligns with your goals, offering both peace of mind and informed decision-making.