While previously unheard of, modern parents are now taking the next leap in future-proofing the health of their family by investing in stem cell banking, such as the one LifeCell provides in India. This recent phenomenon is not only a scientific breakthrough, but it also points to the willingness of new parents to do whatever they can to secure a bright and healthy future for their baby. So much so that even in the rush and excitement of their baby’s birth, they’re still taking a moment to pause, plan, and take steps required to preserve the stem cells extracted from their baby’s umbilical cord.
This article explores why parents are making this critical decision at birth and why it might just be the best idea for you and your baby too.
What Is Stem Cell Banking?
Stem cell banking is the process of collecting and storing stem cells derived from a baby’s umbilical cord just after they are born. Generally, the umbilical cord is disposed of after being clamped from both ends – i.e. the end connected to the mother and the other one connected to the baby. However, in the process of stem cell banking, a needle is inserted into the cord to extract the blood within it. This blood is then stored in a collection bag, which is further stored in a tamper-proof kit and sent to a lab for tests. Once it’s proven healthy, it is sealed in a cryobag, frozen, and placed in stainless steel cryo-vessels which are stored in chambers with vapour-phased liquid nitrogen to preserve their essence.
5 Reasons Parents Are Choosing Stem Cell Banking At Their Baby’s Birth
1. Evidence-Backed Cure For Multiple Conditions
While it might seem like an underused form of treatment in the current medical landscape, stem cells derived from the baby’s umbilical cord at birth are already being used to cure or improve the symptoms of a wide variety of serious conditions. Doctors have successfully used it to treat certain types of cancers, immune system conditions, and blood disorders.
The reason for that is preserved stem cells are capable of restoring the body’s ability to fight infections by supporting healthy blood production. Plus, since they are made of your baby’s own cells, the chances of complications or rejection when your child grows older and needs life-saving treatment are much lower. It’s a win-win.
2. Support For Family Members
The thing that surprises most parents is that stem cell banking isn’t just useful for your child alone, it can actually help you too! And even your baby’s sibling, if they have any.
How, you ask? Well, here’s the lowdown. Since a family of parents and their two kids, for example, share the same genetic pool, harvested stem cells from one of the children can be used to treat diseases in either of the parents of the sibling if they are a perfect match!
This is very useful in case of medical emergencies – especially if siblings are involved. They have a 25% chance of being a full match. Even if a family member is a partial match, the odds of treating blood-related or genetic diseases within the family are higher as opposed to using an unrelated donor.
3. Zero Disruptions During Birth
Many parents fear stem cell banking might interfere with their baby’s birth. And while you’re right to question the process, there is still nothing to worry about. Stem cell collection is very, very quick, and the baby and the mama won’t even know a thing! Umbilical cords are cut during both natural deliveries and C-sections anyway. During LifeCell’sCommunity Stem Cell Banking process for example, all that happens is instead of being discarded straight away, blood from the cord is collected and preserved if needed. You won’t notice a thing, and the first moments with your new angel will be just as precious as you imagined them to be!
4. Scope For Greater Disease Coverage
The absolute best news when it comes to stem cell banking is that research around is rapidly evolving! Scientists and researchers are seriously fascinated with the potential stem cells show in curing various diseases, and they continue to explore how these tiny cells can help conquer major illnesses such as diabetes, cerebral palsy, heart conditions, and more. So when you’re investing in stem cell banking, it’s not just about what it can cure today. It’s about what it can cure tomorrow, and that list could be very long!
5. Only One Chance To Bank Stem Cells
That’s the most real truth about stem cell banking. You only get one shot. It’s best to make it count. If you do not plan it before your baby’s birth, the umbilical cord will be discarded and so will be your chance to secure a healthy future for your tiny tot and your family. Choosing not to preserve is fine, but if you do, it’s basically equivalent to having medical insurance.
Conclusion
You wouldn’t think twice to get insurance for your family, would you? LifeCell’s Community Stem Cell Baking is just the same thing. It’s an investment that protects your baby, their sibling, and your family from potentially dangerous diseases in the future. All you have to do is spend a few minutes to book a collection for your baby at its birth. It’s that simple!
