Cord blood and tissue banking - what is it and why did we do it? If you’re like me, I saw the advertisements for cord blood banking all over my pregnancy apps. After my husband and I researched the science behind it, the benefits of it helping with 80+ treatments, and the potential for even more treatments - we decided to have it done. I’m going to discuss why we did it, which company we chose to use, and the process.
Full disclosure, I’m going to paraphrase a lot of the info for the first part directly from the HealthBanks website because let’s be honest, they are WAY better at explaining it than I am.
WHAT IS IT:
Cord blood is collected from the umbilical cord and contains red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Most importantly, it contains a rich source of stem cells. These young stem cells are able to change into other cells and replicate themselves making cord blood stem cells the ideal choice for transplantation and disease treatment.
Cord Tissue contains a different type of stem cells that are able to differentiate into various tissues and organ cells, including cardiac, nerve, cartilage/bone, and muscle cells. Because cord tissue is still in the experimental phase, it has great future potential for the use in treatment of conditions such as cancers, heart disease, diabetes, strokes, spinal cord injuries, and more
WHY DID WE DO IT:
As of today cord blood stem cells can treat over 80 diseases including cancers, metabolic disorders, immune and blood related diseases. However, doctors see more potential and are currently researching the use of cord blood to treat other diseases including diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.
THE COMPANY WE USED:
We used a company based in California called HealthBanks. They use cutting edge technology to collect and preserve the cells, they have been in business for over 20 years, they offer a $50,000 guarantee, and provide their own research program.
OUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE PROCESS:
We originally chose the cord blood package, but my doctor sent both the blood and the tissue in the box so HealthBanks asked if we wanted to upgrade our package and we did. See more about their packages here. They are the industries most affordable cord blood and cord tissue banking services, starting at $19.99/month.
For us the process was ridiculously easy. Once we enrolled, the kit was sent to us and I put it in my hospital bag immediately. At my next OB appointment I told my midwife we would be doing it and she simply said “ok great!” As we got closer to my due date, I made sure to remind my midwife and instructed Zach to ensure the box was given to her as soon as I started labor. The box is completely sealed and is not to be opened by anyone other than your doctor at the time of delivery. An email was sent to me with instructions on what to do so I kept it easily accessible to reference (well, for my husband to reference) after delivery. My 12 hour vaginal labor quickly turned into a c-section and a new doctor delivered my baby. She was familiar with cord blood banking and handled all of it with no problem. A nurse sealed the box up while in the recovery room, my husband called the number on the box, and someone arrived at our hospital within an hour or so to pick up the box! I was shocked at how seamless and easy the collection process was. I received an email the very next day from HealthBanks confirming they received my box. You can read more about the process here.
HOW TO ACCESS THE CORD BLOOD AND TISSUE IF YOU EVER NEED IT:
Give HealthBanks Client Services a call at (888)-379-2670 and they will work with you and your doctor!
