Alissa Halbach

Alissa Halbach is a busy mom of five, ranging from an inquisitive 1-year-old to a budding young adult. Between all the baseball games, dance competitions, soccer matches, and diaper changes, there’s never a dull moment in the Halbach household. Outside of family life, Alissa works as an ER nurse in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

When Alissa and her husband learned that a fifth bundle of joy was on its way, they were excited—and surprised.

“We thought we were done with four, but Treyson decided to prove that not every IUD is 100%,” Alissa said.

Seeing that this was Alissa’s fifth pregnancy, she had the whole routine down pat. But then, Alissa received another surprise: information about donating your placenta through Versiti.

Truth be told, Alissa didn’t need much time to decide. As an ER nurse, she’s acutely aware of how vital organ and tissue donation is to potential recipients.

“I was like, ‘Sure, let’s do this,’” Alissa said. “‘I’m not doing anything with [my placenta], so go ahead and take it.’”

Many expecting mothers are still unaware of the value their placenta can hold for patients. Through partnerships with hospitals, Versiti helps make placenta donation an option after delivery. Donated placental tissue may be used to help treat burns, hard-to-heal skin ulcers, orthopedic injuries and other medical needs. Instead of being discarded after birth, the placenta can become a source of healing for others.

In the world of healthcare, there can be a perception of bureaucracy and red tape. However, Alissa found the placenta donation process quite seamless.

“Somebody from Versiti ended up calling me and talking to me about, ‘This is what the process is. This is what we can potentially do with the placenta. Is it still something you’re interested in?’”

When it came time to deliver the baby, Alissa’s main focus was on bringing Treyson into the world. Versiti handled the placenta collection.

“It’s not like they’re taking something away from your baby, because your baby typically comes to you without their placenta already,” Alissa said. “The baby’s not missing anything. You’re not missing anything in the end.”

Several months later, Versiti sent Alissa a letter sharing that her donation helped seven people. All Alissa had to do was say yes—and she’s glad she did.

“Truly, the ability to help seven people, by me doing nothing but signing a piece of paper, just seems like a no-brainer,” she said. “It did not negatively affect me. It did not negatively affect my child. And seven people had a positive (outcome) from it.”

Give the Gift of Healing After Birth

If you have a planned C-section, you may be able to donate your placenta and help patients with serious burns and hard-to-heal wounds. Placenta donation does not affect the birth or medical care of you or your baby, and the placenta is collected after delivery.

Talk with your doctor about how you can participate in Versiti’s placenta donation program, or learn more about placenta donation.