The Benefits Of Cord Blood Banking

What Is Cord Blood?

If you are unaware of what cord blood is and what purpose it has then this article can help you. Cord blood is the blood that is collected from the placenta at childbirth. The blood contains stem cells which have blood forming properties. This blood is able to replenish itself and create new red and white blood cells and platelets. Because of this very useful property, this blood can be used in curing many frightening diseases such as leukemia, anemia, lymphoma and thalassemia. Now that we know what cord blood is, let us know more about cord blood banking.

Cord Blood Banking

The collected cord blood is checked for genetic diseases, the red blood cells are removed, and the cord blood is frozen in liquid nitrogen. This cord blood preservation is done by cord blood bank for future usage.

Therefore cord blood is stored in a cord blood bank for use when the family members want it. More and more mothers are donating their cord blood after pregnancy at the time of childbirth.

The Two Types of Cord Blood Banks

Cord blood banks are of two types, one in which you donate the baby cord blood to be stored for future use by you or your family members. This is done in a private cord blood bank. The other is where the baby cord blood stored can be used by an unrelated person as well, and it is done at a public cord blood bank.

If You Have A History Of Genetic Illness

It is advisable, that if you have a history of any genetic illness in the family, you should store your cord blood so that your child can avail it in future if required.

Private Cord Blood Banking- A Costlier Option

A private cord blood bank can be a bit costly as they charge you to store the cord blood. On the other hand a public cord blood bank accepts your blood and stores it for free.

If you do not find the cost a deterrent then you can certainly go in for private cord blood banking and ensure that your baby’s cord blood will be available to you when you need it.