In 1988, a landmark medical event took place when a 5-year-old boy with Fanconi anemia became the recipient of the first successful cord blood stem cell transplant. Today, cord blood stem cells are a vital tool in treating over 80 different diseases, including leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and other blood disorders.
Unfortunately, many expectant parents are unaware of the life-saving potential of cord blood. In many cases, this precious resource is discarded as medical waste without any consideration for its value. At Your Baby Club, we believe it is essential for every family to fully understand the significance of cord blood banking and make an informed decision that aligns with their values and health needs.
What Is Cord Blood?
Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord after a baby is born. It is rich in stem cells, which have become integral to the treatment of numerous medical conditions. These stem cells are critical in thousands of procedures, including stem cell transplants, each year.
When Is Cord Blood Collected?
Cord blood collection occurs immediately after childbirth. Even if parents opt to delay the clamping of the umbilical cord, doctors can still collect the cord blood without causing any harm to the baby or mother. This process poses no risk to the delivery and is non-invasive. Once collected, the cord blood is cryogenically frozen, preserving its stem cells for long-term storage and future use.
Is Cord Blood Banking Worth It?
The medical applications of cord blood are vast and life-saving. More than 40,000 cord blood transplants have been performed globally, helping to treat over 80 diseases such as cancers, immune system disorders, and genetic conditions. Additionally, research is continually expanding, with more than 100 ongoing clinical trials exploring the use of cord blood for a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, autism, Cerebral Palsy, Lupus, Covid-19, strokes, Multiple Sclerosis, diabetes, heart failure, and spinal cord injuries.
By choosing to bank their baby’s cord blood, parents are not only ensuring the availability of stem cells for current treatments but are also contributing to groundbreaking regenerative medicine therapies that could benefit their child, their family, and future generations.
Who Can Benefit from My Baby’s Cord Blood?
The short answer is: anyone. While cord blood stem cells from immediate family members are often preferred for treatments, particularly for genetic and pediatric conditions, there is a broader potential for use. Families who privately store their child’s cord blood have access to it for their immediate family and can also contribute to clinical trials for a wide range of medical conditions. Public banks, on the other hand, make cord blood available to anyone in need.
Parents have two primary options for cord blood banking: private and public.
- Private Cord Blood Banking: With private banking, parents store their child’s cord blood for personal use. This option provides the assurance that stem cells will be available for their child or immediate family if needed. With more than 80 medical applications and ongoing clinical trials, private banking offers the most flexible solution. Americord, Your Baby Club's recommended partner, offers a range of payment plans starting at just $189 per year and provides discounted long-term storage options.
- Public Cord Blood Banking: Donating cord blood to a public bank is a cost-free option that can be a life-saving gift to families in need. However, not all hospitals are equipped to collect and store cord blood, so it is important for parents to plan ahead with their healthcare provider early in their pregnancy (ideally by the second trimester). Organizations like Be The Match can provide a list of participating hospitals in the U.S. that accept donations for public banks.
Next Steps for Interested Parents
If you're considering banking your baby's cord blood, it’s essential to do thorough research and understand the process. Signing up with a reputable provider like Americord can ensure that you have access to your child’s stem cells when needed. Take the first step toward securing your family’s future health by learning more about this invaluable resource.
Would you like to find out more about how cord blood banking could benefit your family? Sign up here to get started!
The information on the Your Baby Club website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always discuss any health concerns or decisions with a qualified healthcare provider and carefully review all guidance that comes with any medications or supplements before taking.