What Happens at Birth When You Bank Baby’s Cord Blood?

Inside baby’s umbilical cord are valuable stem cells, which have the potential to act like the body’s repair kit. These cells may be used in a stem cell transplant, which may treat more than 80 conditions¹, and are continuously being researched for their potential role in regenerative medicine. At birth, newborn stem cells are as pristine as they will ever be—less affected by aging or environmental factors—which is why many families choose to collect the cord blood and/or cord tissue at this crucial moment. Having access to the stored cord blood can potentially help with treatment for certain cancers and blood and immune disorders down the road, and may possibly be used by siblings.

If you elect to collect and store baby’s cord blood, what is the process and how does that actually play out on your delivery day? We asked Cord Blood Registry (CBR), the most recommended private cord blood bank by OB/GYNs,* to walk us through the process from sign-up to storage. Click through the timeline below to learn more about what happens at each step.

*Blind survey, Egg Strategy, 10/19, funded by CBR.

References:

1. Mayani, H., Wagner, J.E. & Broxmeyer, H.E. Cord blood research, banking, and transplantation: achievements, challenges, and perspectives. Bone Marrow Transplant 55, 48–61 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41409-019-0546-9

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.