Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the withdrawal of placental blood from an umbilical cord vein. More specifically, the apparatus has an umbilical cord holder for use while withdrawing placental blood. The umbilical cord holder has a curved trough with a first end, a second end, an open top, and a bottom surface. The trough is needle resistant and sized to hold an umbilical cord. A step that has first and second ends is operatively connected to the bottom surface of the trough. The stem allows a user to hold and maneuver the umbilical cord holder during use.