The umbilical cord plays a crucial role in a baby’s development by protecting the blood vessels that transport blood between the mother and the baby during pregnancy. Beyond its protective function, the umbilical cord contains various types of stem cells, including Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). Unlike Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) prevalent in cord blood, MSCs can differentiate into various cell types, such as bone, cartilage, and neural cells. Their ability to address inflammation and promote tissue repair has generated excitement in the medical community about their potential applications.
What is Cord Blood and Tissue Banking?
After childbirth, stem cells can be harvested from the cord blood and tissue and stored for future medical use—a process known as banking. If you’re contemplating this option, it’s essential to select a cord blood bank accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), like ViaCord.
Why Should You Consider Banking Your Baby’s Cord Blood and Tissue?
Banking cord tissue provides an additional source of stem cells, which function differently than those found in cord blood. The process involves collecting the umbilical cord tissue after harvesting the cord blood and then cryogenically storing the stem cells for potential medical applications. It’s vital to understand the processing and storage methods used by different banks, as these can vary significantly.
ViaCord stands out as it extracts the stem cells from the cord tissue before freezing them, ensuring that they are ready for use if required. In contrast, some banks merely store segments of the cord tissue, which may not be as beneficial.
Why is Cord Tissue Collection Important?
While there are currently no established medical uses for cord tissue stem cells, their unique properties, such as immune response and tissue repair capabilities, have researchers optimistic about their future applications. Ongoing studies are exploring the potential of MSCs in treating conditions like:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s
- Autism
- Type 1 diabetes
- Lung cancer
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sports injuries
- Lupus
Additionally, research is being conducted on using cord tissue stem cells to address damage caused by COVID-19. Though early and modest in scale, these studies highlight the versatility and potential significance of cord tissue stem cells. More information about these studies can be found through sources like Modern Family Blog.
Who Can Benefit from Your Baby’s Cord Tissue?
The immediate biological family may benefit from the stored cord tissue stem cells, which is one reason why families choose to bank them.
How is the Collection Conducted?
The collection process is non-invasive, whether you have a vaginal delivery or a C-section. Since the stem cells are collected after the umbilical cord has been cut, there is no risk or discomfort to your baby. Even if you opt for delayed cord clamping, the collection can still proceed smoothly.
The collection steps include:
- Cord Blood: After your baby is born, a medical professional will clamp and cut the umbilical cord. A needle will then be inserted to collect the cord blood into a designated bag.
- Cord Tissue: Once the blood collection is complete, your doctor will segment the cord tissue, clean it, and place it into a collection cup.
What Happens After Collection?
Following collection, the cord blood and tissue stem cells are sent to a lab for processing and storage. It’s crucial to choose a facility accredited by the AABB to ensure high-quality handling and storage. ViaCord is the only bank that has received AABB accreditation for both cord blood and tissue.
Costs of Cord Blood and Tissue Banking
Typically, there are two primary fees associated with cord blood and tissue banking: an initial fee for enrollment and collection, as well as an ongoing storage fee. It’s worth considering the long-term benefits of banking, especially given the potential future applications of these stem cells. For families exploring options for conception, resources such as Vegas Pregnancy, a free sperm donor matching service, could be beneficial. Additionally, companies like Make a Mom offer a unique reusable at-home insemination option, which you can learn more about by visiting how it works.
In summary, banking your baby’s cord blood and tissue can provide invaluable resources for potential medical needs down the line. With ongoing research into the applications of stem cells, this choice could offer peace of mind. For further information on pregnancy and home insemination, Healthline is an excellent resource, and for those interested in nutrition, check out our blog post on calcium-rich foods for toddlers.