In this age of reusing and recycling, it’s not surprising that many people have applied this kind of “waste not, want not” mentality to the birth process. Some women have their placentas dried and encapsulated, believing that the placenta’s nutrient-rich material can help the mother recover more quickly post-delivery. Others choose to salvage another precious, unique substance— the blood from their baby’s umbilical cord.
What Makes Cord Blood Special?
To understand the importance of cord blood, you have to understand stem cells. Stem cells are cells that haven’t yet matured. They are blank slates or “wild cards,” so to speak, having the potential to develop into different kinds of cells.
Two different kinds of stem cells exist: adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells live throughout the body and divide to replace dying cells and restore damaged tissues.
Embryonic stem cells are much more versatile. When an egg is fertilized by sperm and begins to divide, embryonic stem cells develop and begin to create the body of a tiny new human. Those same precious, versatile stem cells also exist in the cord blood that sustains the baby’s life. When the baby is born, you can choose to harvest and save the cord blood for later use.
How Is Cord Blood Used?
Because embryonic stem cells can develop into any one of the more than 200 cell types of the adult body, these special cells have the potential for use in regenerative medicine and tissue replacement after injury or disease. For example, doctors can use cord blood to treat cancer, leukemia, blood disorders, immune problems, and metabolic issues.
Can Intended Parents Choose Cord Blood Banking?
Intended parents have the same options as other parents when it comes to cord blood banking. You can choose to donate the cord blood or store it privately for your family’s future use. When you store the blood for your family’s later use, you’ll need to find a reputable cord blood bank with plenty of experience in cryopreservation. Ask questions about availability, ease of retrieval, safety, quality control, and other factors. If you know someone who has used cord blood banking successfully, ask them to recommend a facility to you.
You’ll need to communicate your intentions to your surrogate and to the medical staff at the hospital where your child will be born. The cord blood bank that you plan to use should be able to help you ensure that everyone is properly notified of the plan to collect the blood. Check with your assisted reproduction attorney to see if you need a documentation and the surrogate’s signature to proceed with cord blood banking.
About Nicole K. White
As a mother via gestational surrogacy, Nicole is passionate about helping her clients experience the joy and fulfillment of starting or growing a family of their own through third party reproduction. Her knowledge and experience as an attorney and as an intended parent mean she knows firsthand what you will go through and what you will need – understanding, ongoing support, guidance and a smooth process.
