If you are an expecting parent, it could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to bank your baby's cord blood. This blood is rich in stem cells that could potentially save your child or other family members from serious diseases and conditions. Stem cells can develop into any type of organ or tissue such as liver, heart and neural cells. They can also repair tissue and organs damaged in strokes and heart attacks. There are more than 70 diseases and disorders that have been successfully treated with cord blood stem cells. With the advancement of stem cell research, the future of stem cells look promising as more of its uses are discovered.

Cord blood banking is non-invasive and not harmful to the mother or baby. The cord blood collection process is safe, painless, simple and fast. There are two ways it can be done, either of which can be decided upon by your doctor. There are in utero and ex utero. The difference is in where the placenta and umbilical cord are during the collection process. The first collection method, in utero, takes place when the umbilical cord and the placenta are still inside the mother. After the baby is born, there is about five to ten minutes before the placenta is discharged from the mother. The cord blood is collected while waiting for the placenta to deliver naturally. In ex utero, cord blood collection takes place after the placenta has been discharged and placed in a sterile container.

In order for a cord blood transplant to work, there needs to be at least 75 mL of blood collected. This amount of blood ensures that there are enough stems cells available for the transplantation process to happen. The next step comes in storage of the cord blood. Since it is a biological material, it will be tested to ensure that there are no diseases such as HIV or hepatitis and other problems. Once this is done, the storage process can take place through cryopreservation. A cryopreservant is added to the blood, which will allow the blood to slowly begin to freeze. The slow process is needed to keep the cells alive throughout the process. Once it is cooled to -90 degrees celsius, it can then be added to liquid nitrogen tanks that will keep it frozen at -196 degrees celsius.

It is important to learn the facts about cord blood banking to help you make an informed decision. Speak with your doctor, ask questions, research on various cord blood banks and assess the financial costs involved. Whether you decide to bank your baby's cord blood or not is a personal decision. Bear in mind that there is only one opportunity to do so for each child.