Cord blood banking has almost turned into a buzzword. Parents-to-be hear it all the time, and it’s natural for them to wonder if it’s just another fad that will fade away. The truth is stem cells have been known to be the cure for several fatal diseases. And all cord blood banking does is preserve that stem cell in the most ethical way possible. Confused? This article will help you clear your doubts by showing that stem cell banking is not just a trend – it’s a critical life-saving decision you can only make once.
What Exactly Is Cord Blood Banking?
Let’s talk basics. Cord blood banking is a means to store harvested stem cells from your baby’s umbilical cord. Stem cell-rich blood from the severed umbilical cord is collected during childbirth by a trained paramedic. This blood is packed in a tamper-proof bag and sent to a lab for testing, where its suitability for storage is determined. Once it passes all the tests, it is safely stored in cryo-chambers, readily available for parents or their child to access in case of medical emergencies.
In case you’re wondering – no, it’s not painful. And no, you or your baby will not feel a thing.
You see, during pregnancy, your medical team may advise you to consider cord blood banking – especially around the second trimester of your pregnancy as that is considered to be the best time to plan for it. You will have to register formally for cord blood banking with any of the private or public stem cell banks available in India, and they will send a collection kit that you will have to carry with you to the hospital during delivery.
However, bear in mind that with public banks, you don’t get access to your deposited unit. It is considered a donation. Also, private banks charge a very hefty collection and storage fee. It is better to opt for a hybrid system such as the one LifeCell’s Community Stem Cell Banking offers. Here you get the benefit of both public and private banks. That is to say, you get access to both the units harvested from your child as well as donated units, which increases your chances of finding the best stem cell match when needed.
Does It Really Treat 80+ Diseases?
Every year, around 90,000 stem cell transplants take place around the world. This number is, in fact, growing annually. India alone has witnessed a tremendous rise in stem cell transplants due to the prevalence of various red blood cell conditions such as Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Leukemia, and Myeloma among others. While there are other ways to manage these diseases, the most effective treatment remains stem cell transplants. And those are not the only diseases stem cells can treat.
They are truly capable of treating nearly 80 diseases including a wide variety of inherited blood disorders, immune disorders, metabolic disorders, various types of blood cancers, and more. In fact, diseases such as Cerebral Palsy, Diabetes and heart conditions have also been successfully managed with the help of stem cells. Research on the therapeutic and healing effects of stem cells is currently underway for several other diseases, which looks really promising
Why Should New Parents-To-Be Take It Seriously?
It’s clear to see that stem cell baking is not all hype. There is actually hope for safeguarding your baby’s future against a host of diseases. In fact, the benefits of stored stem cells can extend to your family too. If you opt for a plan that offers family coverage, you or any other member of your family (depending on the plan’s features) can request access to stored units in case the need for a stem cell transplant arises.
It’s critical to understand here that the choice to store extracted stem cells from your baby’s umbilical cord can only be made once before delivery. Planning it post-delivery is too late. Since parents get only one shot, they should factor in cord blood banking into their childbirth plan. Think of it as an investment, or rather medical insurance. Just like you pay a premium to ensure proper medical coverage in case of emergencies, stem cell banking can similarly help you in your fight against several serious or nearly fatal health conditions. It’s a smart decision, all said and done.
Conclusion
Cord blood banking can be the difference between life and death. By taking the right decision during pregnancy, you effectively create a protective shield around your baby, their siblings, their family and you. This single one-time decision can turn into a powerful weapon in your fight against fatal diseases.
