Cord Blood FAQ: Does storing cord blood take cells away from my baby?

Umbilical cord blood contains stem cells that can be used to treat many life-threatening diseases. Cord blood is now widely recognised as being an important medical resource that should be preserved for future use. Many expecting parents are interested in storing cord blood but are concerned regarding the safety of collecting cord blood after birth.

Cord blood is collected from the umbilical cord after the baby has been born. It is completely painless, risk-free and only takes a few minutes to perform. Cord blood collection is done after the umbilical cord is separated from the baby and once the health of both mum and baby is confirmed.

Normally the umbilical cord is discarded as medical waste. But now that doctors understand the incredible value of stem cells found in cord blood, they often encourage expecting mums to consider storing cord blood.

WATCH VIDEO: THE PROCESS OF STORING CORD BLOOD

Storing Cord Blood and Delayed Cord Clamping

Delayed cord clamping involves doctors waiting a few minutes before clamping the umbilical cord. This allows more blood cells from the umbilical cord to flow into the baby. Research has shown that a 1 minute delayed cord clamping will result to a transfer of about 80ml of blood into the newborn, with more than 100ml of blood left for cord blood storage.

The below international bodies suggested not to go over 3-5 minutes of delayed cord clamping due to a high incidence of the following conditions:

1. Higher risk of polycythemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and other neonatal disorders
2. Increased risk for neonatal phototherapy

Want to learn more about private cord blood banking?
Speak to one of our cord blood banking specialists now at 971 4 3116613 or send us an email

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