Is cord blood banking something you should do?
~ 5 min read
As you eagerly await the arrival of your little one, nothing is more important to you than ensuring the health and safety of your child. At this incredible time of your life, have you considered cord blood banking?
What is Cord Blood Banking?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, cord blood banking is when blood from your baby’s umbilical cord and placenta are collected after your baby’s delivery, and then carefully stored. This cord blood is a rich source of stem cells known as hematopoietic stem cells, which have the potential to treat or even cure a wide range of illnesses later in life. These include blood disorders, genetic disorders, immune diseases, and certain types of cancer, like leukemia and lymphoma. Additionally, cord blood can also be donated to help others in need during a medical event or can be used for medical research.
With the first successful transplant conducted in Paris on a six-year-old boy in the late 80s, and then being made more publicly available in the early 90s, this once seemingly unknown medical opportunity is now much more widely considered by expectant parents as a way to safeguard their child’s health. Over the years, the science has continued to prove the health benefits, and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology claims that using stem cells in cord blood to treat a disease has better benefits compared with using those in bone marrow.
Among those benefits, stem cells from cord blood can be given to more people than those from bone marrow, as more matches are possible. It is also far easier to collect cord blood than bone marrow, with no pain, discomfort or risks involved, and stem cells can be stored for far longer times until needed. Additionally, stem cells in cord blood can be used to strengthen the immune system during cancer treatments.
Types of Transplants
In cord blood transplants, there are two types: autologous and allogenic. In an autologous transplant, the cord blood collected at birth is used by that same child. While this type was once rare, research published by the National Institutes of Health shows that virus-based methods and gene editing are making it possible.
In an allogenic transplant, another person’s stem cells are used to treat a child’s disease. With this transplant, the donor can be a relative or be unrelated to the child, as long as there is a match.
Which Cord Blood Registry Should You Choose?
It’s important to do your research to find a service that is safe and secure. There are many state-of-the-art facilities designed to ensure the viability of your child’s cord blood, with teams always on hand to support you throughout the process.
Having a discussion with your medical team can also help you make an informed decision.
Are all Registries the Same?
There are public and private options available. Public banks make your baby’s cord blood available to patients in need, so it is not only reserved for your family. Both the mother and the donor’s blood is tested for genetic disorders and infections before storage. There is no cost involved. Learn more
Private banks require the same type of testing before storage, but reserve your baby’s cord blood for your family only. Knowing your comfort with how your child’s stem cells will be used is paramount in making a decision on which type of registry you select.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Cord blood banking was designed to provide an added layer of health security for your child, to provide help to those who are dealing with a severe medical condition or disease, and to allow healthcare providers to conduct vital medical research.
Though it is entirely optional, by preserving your child’s cord blood, you could be providing a potential lifeline for their future wellbeing, for your peace of mind, for another patient, or for medical breakthroughs that benefit everyone.
Cord Blood Registry:
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- Has stored over 1 million newborn stem cell samples
- Involved in more clinical trials than other blood banks
- Offers newborn stem cell educators/experts
Additional information on Cord Blood Banking:
- American Academy of Pediatrics encourages use of cord blood banks.
- American College of Gynecology Frequently Asked Questions about blood banking
- Health Resources + Services Administration: Unbiased options for cord blood banking
The Fetal Health Foundation is a parent-founded nonprofit dedicated to giving hope to families experiencing a fetal syndrome diagnosis. If you, or someone you know, would like help from people who have been there, please contact us.
