Maternité

Tucson Medical Center is the only hospital in Southern Arizona, to collect donated umbilical cord blood in partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona Biomedical Research Centre and the MD Anderson Cord Blood Bank 

The Arizona Public Cord Blood Program gives expectant parents the option of donating their baby’s umbilical cord blood to the national registry where it could save the life of someone with a life-threatening disease who needs a stem cell transplant. Cord blood transplants can help children and adults with life-threatening diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma or genetic diseases. More than 22,000 patients around the world have received transplants from donations to public cord blood banks. 

Donating cord blood does not hurt the mother or the baby. It does not change your labor or delivery, and donation to a public bank is free – it does not cost you anything. Your privacy is valued, and the names of cord blood donors are never shared. 

The Save the Cord Foundation is proud to partner with the Arizona Public Cord Blood Program and be the voice for unbiased cord blood education and awareness. 

Here's what you need to know: 

What is cord blood? Cord blood is the blood left in the umbilical cord after birth. It's rich in stem cells, which can be used to treat various diseases.

Why donate? 

• Cord blood can save lives by treating conditions like leukemia and immune disorders. 

• It's especially valuable for patients who can't find matching bone marrow donors. 

• Donation is free and doesn't affect you or your baby. 

How to donate: 

• Discuss with your doctor before 34 weeks of pregnancy. 

• Complete a health history form. 

• Provide a small blood sample for testing. 

• Sign a consent form. 

After delivery: 

• The cord blood is collected quickly and painlessly. 

• It's then sent to a public cord blood bank for processing and storage. 

Important notes: 

• Some medical conditions may prevent you from donating. 

• There's no guarantee the cord blood will be suitable for banking. 

By donating cord blood, you're giving hope to patients in need. It's a simple act that can make a big difference. Talk to your health care provider to learn more about this amazing opportunity to help others. 

When you come to TMC to deliver, tell your nurse that you’d like to donate. 

To learn more about umbilical cord blood donation at Tucson Medical Center, contact Cord Blood Coordinator Kristen Wilt at (520) 324-6210 or Kristen.Wilt@tmcaz.com.

Welcome to TMC's Milk Bank Donation Program! 

At TMC, we're excited to support new moms and babies in our community through our partnership with the Mothers' Milk Bank of Austin. Let's explore how you can make a difference by donating your extra breast milk to help premature and sick babies! 

Our Milk Bank Donation Program: 

• We've been a proud Milk Depot for the Mothers' Milk Bank of Austin since 2012. 

• Your donated milk goes to babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) who need it most. 

• Your donation can be a lifesaver for tiny patients who can't tolerate formula. 

History and Impact: TMC for Women became a Milk Depot in 2012, making us the first hospital-based milk collection site in Southern Arizona. Since then, we've had a significant impact on our community: 

• We've collected thousands of ounces of breast milk from generous donors. 

• This milk has helped countless premature and fragile infants in our region. 

• Our program has raised awareness about the importance of breast milk donation. 

How it works: 

• Start the screening: Call the Mothers' Milk Bank of Austin directly at (877) 813-6455 to begin the process. 

• Screening questions: They'll ask you some health-related questions to ensure your milk is safe for donation. 

• Blood test: If you pass the initial screening, a free blood test will be arranged. 

• Start donating: Once approved, you can start donating your extra breast milk at our TMC for Women location! 

Why donate? 

• Your milk can help premature babies grow stronger and healthier. 

• It's a wonderful way to support other moms and babies in need. 

• You'll be making a real difference in your community. 

Did you know that as many as one in seven women will experience depression or anxiety before or after delivery? If you're struggling with depression or anxiety, please know you are not alone! 
 
The goal of TMC's Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Group is to bring mothers together to help each other find hope and healing from baby blues, depression and anxiety - during and after pregnancy. You don't have to have delivered at TMC to participate. The group is open to the community, FREE. 

The group is held at Tucson Medical Center (5301 E. Grant Road) in the Canyon Conference room. Enter via the TMC for Women entrance on the southeast side of campus. Meetings are held from 5:30-7:00 p.m. every Thursday, excluding major holidays. The last meeting of 2024 is Thursday, Dec. 14. For current dates and times please check our event schedule. No need to register.  

The group is facilitated by Shauna Dickerman M.F.S. 

Whether you're a first-time mom or this baby is number five or six, you can find help and support with breastfeeding at our FREE weekly breastfeeding support group.  

Spend time with other moms and babies. Learn and share valuable parenting advice. Find out how much breast milk your baby is getting with pre- and post-feed weight. Latch, positioning, and other breastfeeding assistance will be offered by a certified lactation consultant. 

When: Group meetings are held every Monday from 10-11:30 a.m. (excluding major holidays) 

Where: TMC Canyon Room. Enter through the Southeast Entrance and then ask for directions at the Information Desk.  

TMC offers outpatient breastfeeding support services, whether you deliver at TMC or not. 

You can also make an outpatient consultation appointment with an IBCLC-certified nurse (by appointment only) to receive one on one support and help. 

For more information on this service, please call (520) 324-5730. 

Whether you're five weeks or 36 weeks pregnant, we check in with weekly text messages to help guide you along your pregnancy. 

Rather than generic texts, TMCMama shares information that thousands of mamas, our obstetricians, midwives and nurses want you to know. You also get to know some of our fabulous staff in the videos and get local resources for those in southern Arizona. 

Just opt in by texting TMCMama to 888-988-7894.  

Once you've opted in you will receive a text asking how many weeks pregnant you are.