Many pregnant women are now interested in the idea of preserving their baby’s cord blood which can be used to treat many illnesses. Learning about cord blood banking can be overwhelming, especially for expecting parents who will be having their first baby.
In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about saving your baby’s cord blood that will help you learn the basics.
1. What is cord blood and why save it?
Cord blood is the blood from a newborn baby’s umbilical cord which contains a rich number of valuable stem cells that could be used to treat over 85 medical conditions including blood disorders, metabolic disorders, certain types of cancers, and immune system disorders. Cord blood stem cells are also currently being used on clinical trials for cerebral palsy, hearing loss, brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease and more.
WATCH VIDEO: WHY SAVE THE CORD BLOOD
2. What is cord blood banking? And cord tissue banking?
Cord blood banking refers to the process of collecting the cord blood from your baby’s umbilical cord at the time of birth, after it has been cut and clamped, and then storing it long-term with a private stem cell bank. While cord tissue banking refers to collecting a piece of umbilical cord and then storing it long-term with a private stem cell bank as well. Both procedures are safe for the mum and baby, and will be performed by your doctor or midwife using the collection kit provided by your chosen private cord blood bank. It only takes a few minutes to perform.
WATCH VIDEO: SIMPLE STEPS TO CORD BLOOD BANKING
3. Does cord blood banking work with caesarean delivery?
Yes. The collection process is the same. The most important thing to do is inform your doctor or midwife in advanced about your decision of saving the cord blood so that they can perform the collection on your day of delivery.
You can also do cord blood banking even if you choose the delay clamping the umbilical cord »
4. Are there any medical risks to either the baby or the mother?
There is NO risk in collecting the cord blood. It is a simple, safe and painless procedure that will occur after the umbilical cord is cut away from your baby and once the doctor or midwife has verified that you and the baby are both in good condition.
5. What is the difference between public and private cord blood banks?
Mothers who give birth at certain hospitals can choose to donate cord blood voluntarily to the public cord bank. However, once donated, the cord blood sample will be used for anyone with a clinical need. The cord blood sample may not be available for use by the donor, as this is prohibited under these bank’s accreditation standards.
With private cord blood banking on the other hand, you will have the full ownership of your baby’s cord blood and it can be used not only for your baby but for other family members, too. The cord blood is 100% match to your baby and there is 25% chance of being a match to siblings. Saving your baby’s cord blood privately guarantees that only you will have access on the cord blood stored if in case needed in the future.
Read more about the differences between public and private cord blood banking »
Speak to one of our cord blood specialists now to learn more about storing your baby’s cord blood – contact us now!