From cellphone banking to cell banking, we live in an age of increased convenience. Within 30 seconds of your baby’s birth you can ensure their umbilical cord blood cells are “banked” to protect them against future health issues. Withdrawals at this type of bank are only for emergencies. Health emergencies. Think of it as an insurance fund for major health crises in your child’s life. Stem cells are like magicians that can transform into all the cells that make up the human body – organs, skin, tissue, blood, muscle, bones and nerves. So, if your baby ever gets a major illness, you can withdraw the cells from your “bank” for a life-saving transplant.
WHAT IS STEM CELL STORAGE?
After you give birth, your doctor or midwife collects the umbilical cord blood and tissue. You then send it to the stem cell bank in a special kit. The bank freezes the blood and tissue and places it in liquid nitrogen vapours in state-of-the-art storage tanks. The cells are stored until the day you need to use them for a medical issue.
Collecting umbilical cord blood and tissue at birth is free of ethical concerns, as the umbilical cord and placenta are normally discarded by the hospital as medical waste.
HOW ARE THE CELLS EXTRACTED?
After your baby’s birth, the umbilical cord is cut and clamped. Within 30 to 60 seconds, your doctor or midwife inserts a needle into the umbilical vein, and blood is collected into a sterile collection bag.
HOW DO YOU REGISTER WITH THE STEM CELL BANK?
This story is from the April/May 2020 edition of Your Pregnancy.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April/May 2020 edition of Your Pregnancy.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
COVID & your child
Symptoms, treatment, vaccines and a rare condition called MIS-C is on our minds when it comes to The Virus these days.
EYES WIDE OPEN!
Breastfeeding and night wakings? Experts shine a light on a possible connection.
RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!
It happens, even with the best of intentions. Sometimes we go overboard trying to show our love – and then things backfire.
Prioritise REST!
The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what miracle your body is performing, so it’s essential to listen to it. Here’s what you can do to get through these low times.
CRYING CLUES
Discover the meaning behind your baby’s cries.
Pushing isn't all you need to do!
There are four main factors that affect the length and intensity of labour. They are known as the four P’s and work together to make each woman’s labour unique.
We're all NERVOUS about it!
Sure, it can seem scarier than labour, but with these simple tips to bathing your newborn, you’ll soon be a pro.
FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS
Your children and your pets – everything you’ll need to know to be a happy family.
Here's to HAPPIER beach days!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!
Feel like your child just doesn’t listen to you? There are some techniques you can use to improve your chances of getting through.
