Many parents
try to create some additional meaning to their babies' lives
by donating whatever they can from their children's physical
presence. These decisions need to be made in accord with current
medical guidelines, so talk to your doctor or midwife.
Organ Donation
This is controversial.
Current guidelines about anencephalics as organ donors state
that they are NOT acceptable organ donors. I have been otld that
babies with Potter's Syndrome and the trisomies are also not
acceptable donors according to medical criteria established by
the AMA. For information about your baby's specific case, your
doctor may be your best reference. It's hard to accept that your
baby's death can't even help save another baby's life. However,
many of these guidelines are established to protect the dignity
and humanity of the donor.
Two articles
dealing specifically with anencephaly are at http://www.aap.org/policy/04790.html and http://www.cps.ca/english/statements/B/b90-01.htm I'll have more on
this when I find my references, promise. :-)
Cord Blood
Donation
There is,
however, no controversy whatsoever about donating your baby's
umbilical cord blood. Umbilical cord blood contains millions
of stem cells, and research
shows
that stem cell infusions help patients with leukemia. There's
a FAQ at the
National Marrow Donor Program, where you can also locate the nearest
cord blood donation center. I've been warned that it takes a
while to get through the paperwork, though, so start early.
Breast
Milk Donation
