Introduction to what is Cord Blood Banking?
This is what’s on my mind since last week. It’s not exactly sexy, I know. At least not when compared to say, writing about stylish Mommy’s wear for the big belly figure. But hey, I’m glad to be introduced to this.
So hold on tight, I’m going to share what I’ve learnt about cord blood banking with you, starting from what on earth is cord blood for, really? Told you, doesn’t sound very sexy, but hang in there, I promise an entertaining and informative post for all expectant parents. Well, even if you’re not, I promise you’d be enlightened.
Remember the soap operas we’re all familiar with, a person (usually well-loved by everyone) dying of some diseases and not being able to be cured by bone marrow transplant or the tragic Korean dramas whereby the male or female lead has to bid goodbye to his or her life because of the lack of advanced technology?
Well, hold up your tears! There is some hope after all. Just when you think that science and research can’t come up with something else, they do. The headlines around the world now mark the latest in the new discovery. Yes, you may relax a little, there are now headlines almost daily on cord blood and the many benefits of cord blood banking.
Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following birth. Now, if you’re thinking of discarding it, you may want to think twice. The cord blood of your baby actually serves as an abundant source of stem cells, which are genetically unique to your baby and your family. And if you studied Biology, you’d know that stem cells are able to transform into other types of cells in the body and create new growth and development, much like the building blocks of our immune systems. And do you know what this means?
*Drum rolls*… this means, that because of the transformation of cells, these cord blood stem cells contribute to the growth of all tissues, organs and systems in our bodies and this in turns treat diseases like Leukemia, Breast Cancer, Hodgkin’s Disease and many other illnesses!
All you have to do is save this umbilical cord blood when your baby is born, store it with a trusted cord blood bank, and it’s readily available for you when your child falls sick and needs treatment. This type of transplant is called ‘autologous’, different from ‘allogenic’ transplants whereby the cord blood is used for a family member. I certainly hope my Mom stored mine!
So hold on tight, I’m going to share what I’ve learnt about cord blood banking with you, starting from what on earth is cord blood for, really? Told you, doesn’t sound very sexy, but hang in there, I promise an entertaining and informative post for all expectant parents. Well, even if you’re not, I promise you’d be enlightened.
Remember the soap operas we’re all familiar with, a person (usually well-loved by everyone) dying of some diseases and not being able to be cured by bone marrow transplant or the tragic Korean dramas whereby the male or female lead has to bid goodbye to his or her life because of the lack of advanced technology?
Well, hold up your tears! There is some hope after all. Just when you think that science and research can’t come up with something else, they do. The headlines around the world now mark the latest in the new discovery. Yes, you may relax a little, there are now headlines almost daily on cord blood and the many benefits of cord blood banking.
Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following birth. Now, if you’re thinking of discarding it, you may want to think twice. The cord blood of your baby actually serves as an abundant source of stem cells, which are genetically unique to your baby and your family. And if you studied Biology, you’d know that stem cells are able to transform into other types of cells in the body and create new growth and development, much like the building blocks of our immune systems. And do you know what this means?
*Drum rolls*… this means, that because of the transformation of cells, these cord blood stem cells contribute to the growth of all tissues, organs and systems in our bodies and this in turns treat diseases like Leukemia, Breast Cancer, Hodgkin’s Disease and many other illnesses!
All you have to do is save this umbilical cord blood when your baby is born, store it with a trusted cord blood bank, and it’s readily available for you when your child falls sick and needs treatment. This type of transplant is called ‘autologous’, different from ‘allogenic’ transplants whereby the cord blood is used for a family member. I certainly hope my Mom stored mine!
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