In the past decade, most new parents have been given a choice of banking their baby’s cord blood or donating it to a public storage bank.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that is available when your baby is born and before the umbilical cord is discarded.  Collecting cord blood from the umbilical cord is a five minute procedure and will not hurt the mother or more importantly, the baby.   Umbilical cord blood stem cells are now being used to treat many malignant and non-malignant diseases and new uses for stem cells are being discovered everyday!

A lot of people ask why they should preserve cord blood and the answer is simple.  As most women are aware, during pregnancy the umbilical cord is the lifeline between mothers and their unborn babies.  Most of the time, after the delivery the umbilical cord is cut and then discarded.  The stem cells that are in the cord blood are also discarded.   These stem cells are an exact genetic match for the child.  If you were to preserve them, you would be guaranteeing your child a source of perfectly matched stem cells in the event that they were to develop a life threatening disease that could be treated using these cells. 

Stem cells are used to treat a variety of diseases such as leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, along with other cancers, blood diseases and some immune system disorders.  Researchers are striving to make stem cell transplants of use in fighting AIDS, Lupus, lung cancer and Multiple Sclerosis. The reason why they are so valuable is that stem cells have been known as the building blocks of blood and the immune system and also other tissues in our bodies.   They can also transform into other cell types such as red blood cells and white blood cells and platelets.  This is what makes them so valuable.   They can replace other cells in our body that are abnormal, weakened or ruined by disease. In fact one of the main uses of stem cells is to replace abnormal bone marrow cells.

To date, approximately 8,000 people worldwide have received medical therapies using the stem cells saved from a newborn’s umbilical cord during cord blood storage. Among the diseases treated: leukemia, breast cancer, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, Aplastic Anemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, various other cancers, blood diseases, hereditary/genetic conditions and immune system disorders.

The process of cord blood storage is very simple – just after the birth of a newborn the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. Blood is drawn from the cord and stored in a sterile environment until it can be transferred to a cord blood storage facility. The stem cells from that blood can eventually be utilized (after testing and matching) in rebuilding the blood or immune systems.

Historical Benchmarks in Cord Blood Storage

By participating in cord blood storage you and your child contribute to a rich history of life saving events.

1983 – First proposal of the concept of using umbilical cord blood as an alternative source of stem cells for transplant. The basic function of cord blood stem cells is similar to bone marrow cells, though cord blood cells are viewed as more versatile because a perfect tissue match between donor and recipient is not necessary. 

1988 – First successful cord blood transplant to regenerate blood and immune cells in Paris, France, on a six-year old boy suffering from Fanconi’s Anemia, a blood disorder.

1992 – The New York Blood Center established the first cord blood storage facility through funding provided by the National Institutes of Health.

1993 – First cord blood transplant takes place between a donor and recipient not related to one another.

1995 – First family cord blood storage facility opens.

1998 – 12-year old was the first successful transplant patient to benefit from using cord blood storage to cure sickle cell anemia. According to the National Cord Blood Program, one year after transplant, Keone was cured.

2004 – Health and Human Services Appropriations Act for Fiscal year 2004 provides funds to create a national cord blood storage program.

2004 – Illinois becomes first state to enact legislation to mandate that birthing women have the option to donate their baby’s umbilical cord blood to a public cord blood storage facility at no cost.

2006 – More than 8,000 cord blood transplants have been performed worldwide.

Moving Forward in Cord Blood Storage

In just 20 years the medical field has made incredible strides in treating life-threatening diseases, and in the case of cord blood stem cells the advances have been incredible. It is proven to be a safe procedure, and one of low-risk/high reward for the recipients. Stem cell storage continues to be a vital part of these advances and we look forward to what the future brings as more expectant moms opt for cord blood storage.

Moms-To-Be Receive Notice on the Value of Cord Blood Banking

In the final days of pregnancy, an expectant mother receives much information – from the Doctor’s office, from the hospital, from government agencies, even from companies wanting to sell diapers and wipes.  Almost assuredly, one of the pieces of information passed along to the expectant mom pertains to Cord Blood Banking.

Cord Blood Banking is still a relatively new procedure, having begun in 1990, and is already becoming common in our modern culture and maternal medicine. A new mom-to-be may ask, “Why cord blood banking?”  An important question. Cord blood banking is the effective storage of umbilical cord blood captured during the transition of a new born. That’s right…as the young one begins taking his or her first breaths and the umbilical cord is being clamped, then cut, valuable cord blood is drained and preserved. As the term implies, cord blood banking involves the proper storage of the umbilical cord blood that is gathered or harvested.

Why is cord blood banking so valuable?

We can already anticipate the next question coming…”What makes cord blood so valuable?” Another important question! Cord blood contains a very high density of stem cells that can be utilized in the treatment of blood and immune system related genetic diseases, cancers and blood disorders. These hematopoietic cells are specially designed to renew themselves and have the ability to become any one of several different types of cells. This ability helps explain why cells from cord blood have contributed to the healing at least 45 different diseases. Another great benefit – the recipient does not always have to be an exact match to the donor. Current medical research is just starting to realize the importance of cord blood banking.

It is important to note that cord blood banking is not the same process as the controversial techniques having to do with embryonic stem cells. Methods of cord blood banking are in no way invasive for baby or mother, are simple, and preserve an important and vital resource. The storage process includes a gradual freezing of the cord blood cells, eventually bringing them to a cryogenic state of -190 degrees. This slow cooling insures the cells’ integrity over time and allows for future reuse. All indications are that cord blood banking will become still more common as time moves along.

Of all the information a new mom will receive as pregnancy progresses, details on cord blood banking information are very important. The process is safe and increasing in popularity; and the results are dynamic and valuable.

Collecting cord blood stem cells has become a common practice in modern medicine and can be addressed by the OBGYN as the expectant mom during the first trimester of pregnancy. If you’re an expectant mom, undoubtedly health and wellness for you and baby are at the very top of your priority list, as it should be. When thinking about talking to your doctor or midwife about collecting cord blood stem cells, it’s understandable that you have many details on your mind. However, the life saving process of collecting cord blood stem cells is one of the most important contributions you and your baby can make to your family.

The Ease of Collecting Cord Blood Stem Cells

First off – what does collecting cord blood stem cells entail? At the time of birth there is a golden opportunity to capture and harvest one of the human body’s truly restorative assets – stem cells from the umbilical cord blood. This blood has a particularly high density of a special type of blood cell, known as a hematopoietic cell, and in fact millions of cells are gathered in just 75 milliliters (about 1/3 of a cup), which is the average draw from the umbilical cord. This blood is transported to a lab and is frozen to the temperature of -190 degrees. These rich blood cells are frozen immediately in a cryogenic state.

If you are getting a little uncomfortable at the thought of an additional procedure, relax. Collecting cord blood stem cells is a painless process, and one that doesn’t interrupt or interfere with the baby’s delivery in any way. So take a moment to consider additional details about why collecting cord blood stem cells is such a life enhancing procedure.

What are stem cells?

In short, stem cells are the key components within the body for generating all other tissues, organs and systems in the body. Isn’t that remarkable? Stem cells in cord blood are the building blocks of the blood coursing through our veins and immune system. These cells are highly adaptable and can readily replicate into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. That’s why collecting cord blood stem cells is so vital.

Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen to all the cells in the body; white blood cells are responsible for fighting infection; and platelets aid in clotting when you’re injured. With these prime components set aside for use at a later time, doctors (using stem cells) are able to help the body recover from diseases like leukemia, breast cancer, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s Disease, Aplastic Anemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, various cancers, blood diseases, hereditary/genetic conditions and immune system disorders.

Important key points to remember concerning collecting cord blood stem cells, are first, the process of collecting cord blood stem cells is simple, second, the stem cells are key ingredients for generating all other tissues, organs and systems in the body; and third, their use is valuable in treating a litany of diseases.

Mention the term stem cell preservation to a crowd and you could be met with any number of responses anywhere from the admittedly uninformed, to the up-to-the-minute reader of the latest headlines on the subject.  Mention the term cord blood to the same group and most folks would respond by saying, “What”? How ironic that one of the easiest ways to contribute to the health and well-being of society is still largely unknown. How wonderful that the life giving gift of stem cell preservation is one that begins with the miracle of birth.

Stem Cell Preservation – Defined

Stem cell preservation is the gathering and saving of nutrient rich stem cells that are present in the body, especially the umbilical cord at birth. One immediate question you might have is why are stem cells so valuable? Importantly, stem cells are highly adaptable and can readily replicate into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen to all the cells in the body; white blood cells are responsible for fighting infection; and platelets aid in clotting when the body is injured. These components are the basic elements of healthy blood and a strong immune system.

Stem Cell Preservation – Going to the Source

After knowing what “stem cell preservation” is and why it is valuable, we ask the next question – where do we find stem cells? Modern medicine names three primary sources: the fertilized embryo, within bone marrow, and within the blood of an umbilical cord. In the first instance, there’s a great deal of controversy from an ethical standpoint.  In the second there is a reasonably high level of risk, and in the third there are no ethical concerns and no real risk to mother or newborn.

For years, bone marrow transplants have been a common practice yielding somewhat inconsistent results in the treatment for certain kinds of cancers and leukemia. The number one challenge of this treatment, though, is the need for donor and recipient to be an exact marrow match. On the other hand, with cord blood treatments, the need for an exact match does not exist as the stem cells drawn from cord blood are more adaptable. This unique usefulness places a high level of importance on effective stem cell preservation.

Cord Blood – The Simplest Source

Stem cell preservation as it relates to umbilical cord blood is fairly simple, albeit somewhat futuristic sounding. Shortly after the birth of your newborn, his or her umbilical cord is clamped and cut; blood is drawn and transported to a lab where it is cryogenically frozen at temperatures in the neighborhood of -190 degrees. There is no risk to mom and baby and the transfer to a state of preservation is safe and exact.  

Currently, stem cells are for the most part utilized in transplant medicine to regenerate a patient’s blood and immune system after they have been treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation to destroy cancer cells. Other more dynamic treatments are envisioned for the future as cord blood holds a very important place in stem cell preservation. Mother’s and their newborns are contributing to one of the most promising advances in medical technology everyday with the simple and safe methods of stem cell preservation.

With all the excitement over a new pregnancy, parents reading a pamphlet on cord blood storage may not be as high on their list as, say, decorating the nursery. However, cord blood storage, also know as stem cell preservation, marks one of the most exciting ways that the new life about to enter the world will impact those around it. New parents have a chance to use cord blood storage to save lives.

Since 1990, doctors have used the ability to gather and preserve some of the ultra-rich stem cells that thrive in the blood of a newborn’s umbilical cord. The process known as cord blood storage is quite simply getting umbilical blood to a lab after drawing it from the severed umbilical cord at birth and putting it in to a deep freeze. The cord blood storage, or cryogenic process is so effective that cells remain viable for more than 20 years and may show minimal deterioration.

The “good part” of the cord blood storage story

Stem cells are among the most dynamic and adaptable cells in the entire body, and they can be found in a baby’s umbilical cord blood. Once retrieved from cord blood storage (the state of being cryogenically frozen), the cells may be utilized in a number of ways.

Currently, stem cells are most commonly utilized in transplant medicine to regenerate a patient’s blood and immune system after the patient has been treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation to destroy cancer cells. The list of diseases where stem cells can assist with the healing process is lengthy, and supports the value of cord blood storage a many times over. The list includes leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, Aplastic Anemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, various other cancers, blood diseases, hereditary/genetic conditions and immune system disorders. In addition, current research holds significant promise for improving the treatment of some of the most common diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s with the stem cells preserved during cord blood storage.

Research shows that the blood that comes from a baby’s umbical cord is a rich source of stem cells.   Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into other tissues and blood vessels and can be used to treat a variety of diseases.   Up until recently stem cells came from bone marrow, but because these were usually matured stem cells they had an increase chance of being rejected.   Stem cells that are found in the umbical cord are still immature and haven’t learned to attack any foreign substances which makes them less likely to be rejected.  
 
Research is being done that shows cord blood, and the stem cells found in this blood, could be used in the future to treat people with diabetes, heart failure, stroke and even some neurological disorders.   Keep in mind that the use of stem cells is still being researched and tested thoroughly and according to researchers we are still in the early stages of understanding the full potential of stem cells.  
 
Other benefits of stem cells is their ability to go through numerous cycles of cell division and the capacity to differentiate into specialized cell types. By doing this, using stem cells is the best option for replacing cells that have been damaged by diseases such as cancer.    They are also the basis for the embryo when it first develops and are present in the umbical cord and placenta.  This is why so many companies have been offering new parents not just the opportunity to donate their baby’s cord blood which is full of stem cells, but to store their baby’s cord blood privately for use of the child only or for an immediate family member.

Even though stem cell research has been a huge debate in the medical world, there is no denying all the potential benefits they offer.   There have been numerous amounts of stem cell transplants that were successful and gave people a second chance at life.

When my husband and I found out we were expecting our second child this Thanksgiving, the first thing we did was jump online and sign up on all the baby sites for free baby things.   Pretty soon our mail box was being filled with all sorts of coupons and advertisements, among them, companies offering to bank our baby’s cord blood. 
 
Cord blood, for those who may not know, is the blood that remains in the umbical cord and the placenta following birth.   We all know that the placenta and umbical cord play an extremely important role during pregnancy.  It is the life line for our babies.  After delivery the blood in the umbical cord could save not only your baby’s life if need be, but others too.   The reason is because of the extensive amount of stem cells found in the blood that can be used in the fight against leukemia, lymphoma, and other life-threatening diseases.    Usually, these cells work best when they are used in the patients own body but you do not have to store cord blood just for your baby.  There are many options.
 
First, you can store the blood in a private family cord blood bank.  This is where the blood is collected and stored should your child or matching family member ever need it.  While it gives some parent’s peace of mind that there is some form of treatment available should something ever happen to their children, there is a cost.  First, some companies charge anywhere in the vicinity of $1700 just to collect the blood.  Second, the blood is stored long term using cyopreservation and there is usually a yearly fee for storage.   Some companies offer payment plans to help out. 

You can also donate to a public bank.   Donating your baby’s cord blood is not going to cost you anything, and you could be saving someone’s life.   In order to do this, find out if your hospital collects the umbilical cord blood donations and work with them to find out if you are eligible to donate.  In order to be eligible to donate you must be at least 18 years of age, HIV negative and have no risk to HIV or AIDS.  You also must be cancer free and not a diabetic.  If you were diagnosed with gestational diabetes during your pregnancy you should still be able to donate, but if you had any tattoo or piercing with in the last 12 months you are not eligible.

Most cord blood banking companies state that your baby’s cord blood will be stored in a state of the art cryoprservation center.  This is the number one choice of most cord blood storage banks.  It is the method that protects and preserves your baby’s stem cells should they ever be needed.    Some of you might be wondering what cryopreservation really is.   It is the process where cells are preserved by cooling them to low sub-zero temperatures.  This temperature is typically 77K or -196 degrees C.   At these low temperatures there is no biological activity.   In fact, the biochemical reactions that cause cell death are stopped ensuring that the cells are still of good quality when the time comes for them to be used.
 
There are some risks though during cryoprservation.  The solution that is used during cryopreservation can sometimes cause damage to cells.  Solutions that have a high salt concentration can be very damaging to stem cells.   Other factors that can cause damage to cells are extracellular ice formation or ice forming on the outside of the cell.  When tissues are cooled, water will sometime seep out of the cells and ice form in its place.   Too much of this ice can cause mechanical damage due to crushing.   You also have to think about dehydration.   The migration of the water that seeps out of the cells and causes extracellular ice formation is also the cause of cellular dehydration.   The cells are losing water, and the stress that is caused on the cell is often damaging.     You have to consider ice forming on the inside of cells also.  While some tissues can tolerate some extracellular ice, intracellular ice is always fatal to cells. 

So how can cord blood banks prevent this when storing your baby’s cord blood?  One way to prevent it is through vitrification.  This provides the benefits of cryopreservation without any damage due to ice crystals.  How vitrification works is with the addition of cryoprotectants.  These cryoprotentants act like antifreeze and lower the freezing temperature.  In artificial cryopreservation, the solute must penetrate the membrane of the cell in order to achieve increased viscosity and slow down the freezing temperature inside the cells. 

Cryopreservation has also been used in preserving embryos for couples who have used IVF or invitro fertilization and it works the same way as it does for storing cord blood.   Knowing just how they will keep your baby’s blood will aid you in making the decision that is right for you.

Whether you have decided to store your baby’s cord blood at a private storage bank or whether you have decided to donate your newborn’s cord blood, there are some steps you need to take before your bundle of joy is due.   Researching private blood storage banks and finding out if your hospital participates in any donor programs should be added to an expectant parent’s to do list before the 30th week. 
 
Whether you are storing or donating, you must make sure to receive the cord blood collection kit from the chosen cord blood bank.  If you are storing your newborn’s blood privately, you will be charged for this service.  If you are donating your baby’s blood, some hospitals might already keep a cord blood collection kit on hand, so may not have to bring one with you to your delivery.  

With a normal vaginal delivery, the cord blood is collected before the placenta is delivered.   The umbilical cord is clamped on both sides and then an experienced obstetrician or a nurse will unclamp one side of the umbilical cord and insert either a small tube or a small needle into the umbilical vein to collect the blood.  Other times, the blood is dripped into either a vial or a special collection bag.   After this is collected, a needle could also be placed into the placenta to collect more blood and cells.  These cells will be in their own containers and properly identified. 

During a cesarean or C-section birth, the collection process is a little more complicated but still causes no pain to the mother or to the baby.   During C-sections, a doctor’s main focus is the mother and baby.  After all, this is a major surgery and there are a number of complications that can arise.   It is only after the baby has been safely delivered, along with the placenta and the mother’s uterus has been sutured that the cord blood can be collected.   Usually though less blood is collected when the baby is delivered via C-section.   That can sometimes be a problem, because less blood collected also means fewer stem cells collected and stored.   Some doctors feel that there is too big of a risk of contamination by collecting cord blood after a C-section, but for the most part most public and private cord storage banks have taken the proper steps to reduce the risk of contamination by providing sterile kit components.