Modern parents are more conscious than ever and they go the extra mile to ensure that their little one has a long and healthy life. From choosing organic food to buying skin-friendly diapers and checking that their feeders are BPA-free, you would want to be extra-careful about the child’s long-term health. And the journey starts right from birth, with the big decision about cord blood banking. Timing is critical if you choose to do it, so you should be well aware of the process and its value. The term sounds technical but this is something that every new parent needs to know about. Let us explain why it makes sense for every new parent.
Why is cord blood precious?
The birth of a baby is a miracle in itself. One of the most miraculous aspects of childbirth is that you can actually decide to prolong your little one’s life by opting for cord blood banking. The blood in the baby’s umbilical cord is precious as it is loaded with stem cells. Research shows that these cells have the potential to treat a range of conditions such as cancer (such as leukemia and lymphoma), blood disorders such as aplastic anemia, genetic disorders, and some immune system disorders. Needless to say, collecting these stem cells and preserving them for future use surely makes sense. These act as biological insurance for your child, which can save them if they fall sick later in their life.
Understanding cord blood banking
Now that you realize the value of stem cells, you would be keen to go ahead with the procedure. It is natural to have a host of questions that you would want to ask, from What is cord blood banking, how it works, how much would it cost, and more. Let us answer them all for you. Essentially, it is a process that involves collecting the stem cells (that are present in the umbilical blood) immediately after birth and preserving them. After the delivery, the umbilical cord is clamped and the leftover blood in the placenta is collected using a needle. The procedure takes only ten minutes and the unit collected is stored in liquid nitrogen. You may choose to store it with a private bank that takes responsibility for safe storage over the years.
Who can use cord blood?
The odds of a child using their own banked cord blood depend on the fact whether they have a disease that can be treated with it. Even though the chances of having such a disease are low, it can still be a life-saving option for your kid. Apart from the child, it can also be used for treating a sibling who has a serious blood disease or disorder with a stem cell transplant procedure. Parents, half-siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandparents can also use it up, provided that they are a match.
Considering the treatment possibilities that step cells bring, cord blood banking is a smart decision for new parents. Even if you need to pay for preserving it, ensure that you store it with a bank you can trust. After all, this is an investment for the health of your child and family!
