Is Storing Umbilical Cord Blood After Birth A Wise Decision?

Storing umbilical cord blood after birth is a new procedure that is getting a lot of publicity nowadays. Many parents are now opting for this procedure, and many doctors are also advising parents to store cord blood after birth.
The question remains, is storing umbilical cord blood after birth worth it? The procedure can be expensive, and it is an investment, so it is important to see if storing cord blood is a wise decision.

According to research, cord blood contains stem cells which can be used to treat a number of diseases. Stem cell research has been going on for quite some time now, and even though it is a controversial topic, there is no denying that using stem cells can cure a number of diseases that are otherwise fatal. Moreover, it increases the chances of survival, and allows parents to take quick action in case their child is sick.
If you are a parent, then your child’s health is your top priority, so anything that has the potential of saving your child’s life should be considered a good option.

There are many children who die of diseases such as leukemia, because there is no cure except bone marrow transplant, and that is also taking a chance. Finding a bone marrow donor can take months, even years, and during this time many children are unable to fight the disease and that can be fatal. Even if a donor is found, the procedure is very complicated and painful. Moreover, there is no guarantee that the matching bone marrow will even suit the child’s body. The rejection rate of bone marrow is high and can be fatal.

Therefore, storing umbilical cord blood after birth is undoubtedly a wise option. If you have stem cells of your child, then you will not even need to find bone marrow donors in case your child is seriously ill. In this way, you will save time and will not have to wait for donors. You will be able to start treatment as soon as possible, which can greatly improve the chances of recovery. Stem cells can even be used for siblings and parents, as they have the potential to save members of the family. In view of these aspects, there is no doubt that storing umbilical cord blood after birth is a choice for all parents.