Cord Blood Information
Question:
Can you explain cord blood banking? When and how is this done? Is it painful to the mother or the baby?
Answer:
Cord blood banking is the collection and preservation of a newborn’s umbilical cord blood immediately after delivery. Umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells. Stem cells are cells that have the ability to generate new healthy cells in order to replace damaged or diseased cells.
After the baby is delivered, the umbilical cord blood is collected in a special container and cryogenically preserved (frozen) for future use. The collection is safe and painless for both mother and baby.
According to recent literature cord blood stem cells:
- can be used to treat nearly 40 life threatening diseases (for example, leukemia, various cancers, and immune system deficiencies).
- can be used for the baby and potentially for siblings, parents, and even grandparents.
If you are interested in this program, arrangements must be made well in advance of delivery so that you have the necessary equipment. The company you choose to store your baby’s cord with provides the collection kits. The hospital does not have these kits available.
Several companies that bank (store) umbilical cord blood:
Kettering Memorial hospital neither promotes nor endorses cord blood banking or any of the above facilities.
