As an expecting parent, a million questions are sure to be flying through your mind. Which doctor should I choose? What will my baby’s name be? Am I craving chocolate ice cream or peanut butter – or both?! As you prepare for your little one to enter the world, there are so many decisions to make for both the short term and long term future. It can certainly be overwhelming!
One option you might be considering is cord blood banking, which you have probably heard about through your doctor or in the news over the past few years. While the practice of cord blood banking is nothing new, it can often seem complicated. Today, we are partnering with Americord to answer some common questions surrounding the topic of cord blood banking. Read on to discover how simple and beneficial banking your baby’s cord blood can be!
What Is Cord Blood Banking?
Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing your baby’s umbilical cord blood at the time of birth. The stem cells from the umbilical cord blood are collected immediately after the baby is born and the cells are shipped to a lab where they are stored for future medical use.
Why Is It Important To Bank Cord Blood?
Cord blood contains stem cells that are unique because they have not yet developed into specific types of cells, meaning that they have the potential to become a variety of cells that serve different functions in the body. Here’s the catch – stem cells can only be collected at the time of birth, so you only have one chance to save these highly valuable cells!
How Can Cord Blood, Cord Tissue, and Placenta Tissue Be Used?
Because of the unique nature of stem cells, they can be used to treat over 80 diseases and disorders, including certain forms of leukemia, lymphomas, and anemias. The hematopoietic stem cells found in cord blood (called HSCs) are a 100% genetic match to the baby, have a 25% chance of perfectly matching a sibling, and have a 50% chance of partially matching a sibling or parent. So, should your baby or a family member ever need a stem cell transplant, there is a good chance that they will already have a match ready for use.
In addition to banking cord blood, Americord also offers cord tissue and placenta tissue storage. Cord tissue is a 100% genetic match to the baby and placenta tissue cells are a 100% genetic match to the mother, so saving these cells offers even more benefits for your family’s health. These stem cells, called mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), can differentiate into many types of cells and tissues such as organ and muscle tissue, skin, bone, cartilage and fat cells. The potential uses are infinite!
So, How Do I Save Cord Blood for Future Use?
Once you decide to save your baby’s cord blood, the process is easy! The first step is to sign up online or by phone, then to tell your doctor about your decision so they are aware that you plan to save your baby’s cord blood at the time of birth. Americord will send you a collection kit that includes all of the necessary items for your doctor to collect the cord blood. Don’t forget to bring the collection kit with you to the hospital when you go into labor – along with a camera and your baby’s first outfit (preferably the cutest one you can find!). Once you give birth, our medical courier will come pick up your kit and bring it to the lab for storage.
What Happens Next?
After the cord blood is collected and stored, you can bring your new bundle of joy home with the confidence that you have taken steps to ensure a healthier life for your baby and growing family. Your baby’s cord blood will remain safely in Americord’s lab for you to use should you ever need it. While you can’t plan ahead for all of life’s twists and turns, you can take steps to plan for the unexpected. Cord blood banking does just that.
Still have questions? Sign up for Americord’s Free Info Guide or speak with a cord blood specialist at 866-503-6005!
