There are many reasons why parents may choose to bank their newborn stem cell preservation, including:

1) It provides peace of mind.

Banking cord blood is a way to ensure that your child and family will have access to lifesaving treatment if they ever need it. Knowing that you have this backup option can provide tremendous peace of mind.

2) It’s a painless procedure.

Collecting cord blood is a painless and safe procedure that takes place after your baby is born. The entire process takes less than five minutes and poses no risk to you or your baby.

3) It’s affordable.

The initial fee to bank cord blood may seem like a lot, but it’s actually very affordable when you consider the long-term costs of some diseases. In addition, many families qualify for financial assistance through programs offered by private cord blood banks.

4) It’s easy to do.

Banking cord blood is simple and convenient. Once you decide to bank, all you have to do is notify your hospital or birth center ahead of time so they can make arrangements with the cord blood bank of your choice. Then, after your baby is born, a trained medical professional will collect the cord blood while you and your baby rest comfortably in your hospital room.

5) It could save your child’s life—or the life of a family member or friend.

Cord blood stem cells have been used in more than 35,000 transplants to date, including transplants to treat children with leukemia, lymphoma, and other cancers; sickle cell anemia; and inherited metabolic disorders such as Krabbe disease and Tay-Sachs disease. In many cases, cord blood stem cells have been used when matched related donors were not available—and they have been shown to be just as effective as bone marrow stem cells in these situations. Additionally, cord blood stem cells can be used to treat adults with certain conditions, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and certain inherited metabolic disorders..”

6) You can still donate even if you don’t end up using it yourself.

Families who have banked their baby’s cord blood but never needed to use it may choose to donate it for use by another patient who is a match. Not only could this donation save someone else’s life; it also allows you to give back in a very meaningful way.”

Conclusion:

While there are many factors parents must consider when making decisions about their newborn stem cell preservation via cord blood banking is often seen as one of the smartest things a parent can do. Newborn stem cells are versatile cells with the potential to change into any type of tissue or organ cell in the body, which makes them valuable tools in the fight against certain diseases. Banking cord blood is easy, painless, and could provide peace of mind for you and your family. Be sure to discuss all options with your partner before delivery so that you can make the best decision for your family.