Becoming a parent comes with countless decisions. And one of the most important choices you will face is whether to consider cord blood banking. This simple, once-in-a-lifetime process involves collecting and storing the blood from your newborn’s umbilical cord immediately after birth. Why does it matter? Cord blood is rich in stem cells, which can be used in life-saving treatments for various diseases, including blood disorders and immune conditions.
In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about cord blood banking so that you make the right choice for your baby. Read on!
What is Cord Blood Banking?
Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing blood from your baby’s umbilical cord immediately after birth. This blood contains hematopoietic stem cells that are the building blocks of our blood and immune systems. The process is safe and painless for both mother and baby.
Why is Cord Blood So Valuable?
Cord blood is a powerhouse of stem cells that can transform into different types of blood and immune cells. Here is why this matters:
- Stem cells can protect your baby from over 90 future illnesses.
- The benefits also extend to the family members, like siblings, parents, and grandparents, for over 80 conditions.
- Some popular conditions include blood disorders like leukaemia and inherited metabolic and immune system disorders.
- Unlike bone marrow transplants, cord blood does not require a perfect donor match. This makes it easier and faster to use in emergencies.
- New research on cord blood stem cells is still ongoing. This improves the scope of treatments, making stem cell banking a valuable investment in your family’s health.
How to Prepare for Cord Blood Banking?
Cord blood banking does not require any complicated preparation. The only and the most important thing you need to do is enrol with a cord blood bank before your baby’s birth (the earlier the better!). If the facility requires you to complete some tests or paperwork, do that. You will also receive a cord blood collection kit. It is important to carry it in your delivery bag. Once you reach the hospital, hand over this kit to your doctor to safely collect the cord blood.
Does Cord Blood Banking Have Any Risks?
No, cord blood banking is completely safe for both the mom and the baby. During the formalities, the mother may need a blood test to check for infections and make sure the cord blood is safe. You may feel a little pinch or see a small bruise where the needle was, but it usually goes away quickly.
How Does Cord Blood Banking Work?
As stated above, the process is simple, quick, and completely safe:
- Collection After Birth: Right after delivery, when the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, a healthcare professional collects the remaining blood from the cord using a sterile kit.
- Transportation to the Lab: The sample is sent to a certified laboratory for testing and processing. Some facilities also offer free sample collection.
- Cryogenic Storage: After processing, the stem cells are frozen in liquid nitrogen tanks and stored for long-term use.
The entire collection takes only a few minutes and does not interfere with your birth plan.
How Long Can Cord Blood Be Stored?
Cord blood does not have an expiration date. You can store it as long as you want, depending on the packages offered by your storage facility. A study analysed 86 patients who received single cord blood transplants. Out of these, some patients received cord blood from new units stored less than 5 years, while the others got it from old units stored 5-12 years ago. Researchers looked at the following for both types:
- How well the stem cells worked
- How quickly patients recovered white blood cells and platelets
- Hospital stay
- Survival
Surprisingly, there were no significant differences between old and new cord blood in any of these outcomes. Factors that mattered most were the number of stem cells in the unit, patient age and weight, and donor matching.
Final Thoughts
Cord blood banking is more than just a medical procedure. It is an investment in your child’s future and the health of your family. The cord blood is rich in stem cells that offer protection against 80+ illnesses for your family. And the best part? The process is safe, simple, and you can integrate it seamlessly into your birth plan.
If you’re considering cord blood banking for your baby, LifeCell’s Community Stem Cell Banking Program is a great choice. With it, you not only store your newborn’s stem cells but also get access to India’s largest stem cell bank. This increases your chances of finding a match by over 97%. To learn more, visit lifecell.in, call 1800 266 5533, or write to contactus@lifecell.in. If you’re expecting, take this simple step today to safeguard your child’s and your family’s future health.