A Baby's Umbilical Cord, and a Choice

Storing umbilical cord blood after birth is a new trend that has become quite popular nowadays. Many parents are now going for this procedure for many reasons, and it is becoming very common. It is a decision that can really benefit the child later on in life.

When a mother gives birth to a child, the mother’s body releases the placenta and the umbilical cord is also cut. After the birth, both these things are usually discarded. However, research that dates back to the 1970s shows that the umbilical cord blood can hold a number of benefits for the child later in life. It has the ability to supply the blood forming stem cells that can be used as a bone marrow donor. It is because of this discovery that doctors are now advising parents for storing umbilical cord blood after birth.

If you are interested in this procedure, you will have to inform the hospital staff beforehand, so that all the necessary actions can be taken. This collection is done right after the delivery, whether it is C section or a normal delivery, and a special kit is used which has to be ordered ahead of time from your chosen cord bank. In normal delivery, the umbilical cord is cut and a small tube is passed inside it to collect the blood. Needles are placed on to placenta to collect any extra blood and cells from it. In a C section, cord blood collection can be complicated, but it can be collected after the baby has safely been delivered. However, less blood is collected in this way.

After the blood is collected, it is placed into bags or syringes and is taken directly to the cord blood bank through courier services. The cord blood bank is a blood bank that has been especially established for this purpose; this is where your sample is numbered and placed.

Storing umbilical cord blood after birth is a relatively simple procedure that can make all the difference, in case there are any unfortunate incidents later in life. Stem cells can be used to treat a number of diseases, and you will not have to find blood donors or bone marrow donors if the need arises. This can help you save time in case of emergencies and can end up making the difference between life and death.