Cord Blood Banking - What Is It ?

Cord blood banking in not new, and can be one of the most beneficial investments you'll ever make for your family.

But what exactly is cord blood banking?

Once your baby is birthed, the baby's mother delivers the placenta. The placenta is an organ used temporarily to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the baby while still inside mom's uterus. The placenta was typically discarded after the delivery as the it's purpose was accomplished. Extensive research was conducted during the 1970's when it was determined that the blood in the umbilical cord contained similar stem cells mirroring those of a bone marrow donor. As a result, cord blood derived from the umbilical cord was kept and stored.

The similarities found during research parallel those in bone marrow. These characteristics are "blood forming" or hematopoietic cells. This cord blood is sometimes referred to as "early" blood cells in that they have the ability to develop into the three primary blood cells found in the adult body - red, white and platelets.

Most serious illnesses such as blood disorders, breakdowns of the immune systems, and cancers involve chemo and radiation to erradicate the disease. In the process, these procedures often destroy many health blood cells and stem cells. Umbilical cord blood has the potential to help regenerate new, stronger blood cells - boosting recuperation and increasing immune system strength.

With the type of disease taken into consideration, a donor can become matched with a receiver in need of cord blood. These hematopoietic cells are transplanted into the child in need and will develop to make healthy, new blood cells to boost the potential of their immune system.

The benefits of cord blood banking are many, but the decision to partake in this procedure is something that must be analyzed and considered prior to the delivery of your child.

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