What is cord blood?
Cord blood is the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth. Cord blood is enriched with stem cells. The body’s immune system and blood system originate from stem cells.
Why should I save my baby’s cord blood?
- Stem cells are able to effectively treat a number of diseases.
- Stem cells can be used for the donor, siblings and family members.
- Cord blood stem cells grow faster than bone marrow stem cells.
- Cord blood stem cells can eliminate the need for finding stem cells or a bone marrow donor.
How is cord blood collected?
The collection of cord blood does not interrupt the birthing process and is not painful, intrusive or risky to the mother or baby. The doctor collects cord blood after the umbilical cord has been clamped.
What types of conditions can cord blood stem cells treat?
- Acute and Chronic Leukemia’s
- Severe and Aplastic Anemias
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma & Hodgkin’s Disease
- Inherited Disorders (Blood Platelet Abnormalities, Metabolic Disorders Hunter’s Syndrome) and Immune System Disorders
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Plasma Cell Disorders (Multiple Myeloma)
Should I collect and store my baby’s cord blood?
Storing your child’s cord blood is a personal decision that only you can make. The only drawback, if any, to cord blood collection and storage is the cost. In reality, the odds of needing cord blood for medical treatment are slim. As research continues stem cells will probably be used more in future treatments, making cord blood stem cells a more valuable resource. If you are wondering if cord blood collection is right for your family, talk with your doctor. |
