As an expectant family, you have many decisions to make both before and after the birth of your child. You need to decide on breast or bottle feeding, cloth or disposable diapers, and whether to store your baby's stem cells. The blood remaining inside of the umbilical cord, discarded at birth, contains an amazing source of all the cell types found in the blood and immune systems. This could be your most important decision to safeguard your child and family's future health options.
Cord blood stem cells have several potential advantages over other sources of stem cells:
Seven studies have compared transplantations with cord blood stem cells in children, adolescents, and young adult patients. Existing evidence confirms that cord blood stem-cell transplantation effectively restores the production of healthy blood and immune cells. Current research is indicating these stem cells may also treat other ailments such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, heart attacks, spinal cord injuries, and more.
If you have decided to preserve your child's stem cells, there is one more important decision to make. Which company to choose? Be sure that you require the company to be licensed and accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks. Also, ask about transplants and transportation. Transplants are validation of good processing and storage procedures, while a medical courier is crucial to the proper controlled transportation of your irreplaceable family resource. Bottom-line, it never pays to purchase a bargain in a parachute.