Tips on choosing a Cord Blood Bank

 Reprinted  from Babycenter.com By: Rallie McAllister, MD, MPH, family physician and coauthor of The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy and Birth Expecting parents might not be aware that stem cells derived from their babies’ umbilical cord blood are a vital resource for their families. Advances in medical science have made it possible to harness the body’s own cells for treatment. Families only have one opportunity to collect and store their babies’ cord blood stem cells, and that’s in the moments following birth. In order to make an informed decision about their options, expectant parents should learn all they can about current therapies and future treatments using cord blood stem cells. Parents should consider six essential factors when deciding where they’ll store their baby’s cord blood. Know your options. Ask for input from your family and friends, as well as your doctors, nurses, or midwife. You’ll also learn a lot by doing your own research online. Understand industry regulations and requirements.  Make sure the cord blood bank you’re considering is registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is in compliance with all state regulatory requirements, and is accredited by the AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks). Be selective.  Transport time is critical for the preservation of newborn stem cells. Ask about collection and processing methods, as well as published rates on cell viability, which will help ensure th...
Source: Cord Blood News - Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Tags: babies blood disorder brain development Cord Blood medical research parents pregnancy affordable cord blood banking bone marrow transplant cerebral palsy cord blood stem cell bank CP healthy pregnancy why save cord blood Source Type: blogs