Stem cell banking has gathered immense popularity in recent years. Parents around the world are choosing to bank their child’s stem cells due to its many benefits.

The process involves collecting the blood left in the umbilical cord and placenta post-childbirth. The stem cells are then cryo-preserved to be used in medical procedures as and when required.

The process is viewed as a biological insurance for our baby that brings numerous benefits in the future. Stem cells banks ensure your child’s health and well-being in case of medical emergencies.

Private stem cell banks preserve the cord blood of your child which can be made available as and when demanded. However, parents are also choosing public blood banks as a gift of life for a prospective match.

Let us understand in detail why parents are considering banking their little one’s stem cells.

1. The process is convenient and painless.

The process is hassle-free and requires no extra efforts on the part of parents. Once you have decided to store your child’s stem cells, you need to communicate it to a stem cell bank, and they will take care of the rest.

The process does not interfere in any way with the pregnancy or childbirth. The stem cell banks take all the measures to maintain the viability of stem cells and make them available on the day of treatment.

Extracting, collecting, and preserving stem cells is a completely harmless and painless procedure. The blood is collected post-delivery from the umbilical cord, which was traditionally considered medical waste.

2. It can treat numerous rare diseases.

Cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells that can morph into any kind of blood cell and helps in treating numerous diseases. Cell transfusion can treat blood disorders, metabolic diseases, sickle cell anemia, immune deficiencies, and some types of cancers.

Any disease that involves using chemotherapy and radiation can adversely impact the immune system. A stem cell transplant can provide the much-needed support to your body’s immune system and supplies the body with new and healthy cells required for recovery.

3. Stem cells offer immense future potential.

Stem cell banking is efficient in providing a cure for numerous diseases, and as per the scientists, it has potential for even more. Researchers are finding ways to use these cells in the treatment of cerebral palsy and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Trials are also being conducted to find ways to used stem cells in the treatment of autism.

4. Stem cell banking can help people with a family history of rare diseases.

If you have a family history of diseases like cancer, leukemia, sickle cell anemia, etc., banking your child’s cord blood becomes quintessential. Stem cell banking is also recommended for parents who have another child who can benefit from the cord blood transfusion.

Cord blood can also help other family members in need of a transplant. Parents can also choose to get their child’s stem cell preserved as a precautionary measure for future medical issues.

If one of the parents was an adopted child, their medical background might be unknown. In that case, stem cell banking can help reduce the risk of future medical emergencies.

All these conditions necessitate storing your child’s stem cells with a private bank so that the cord blood will be reserved for you and your family alone.

5. Their results of cord blood treatment have been improving.

The success rate of cord blood transfusion has been high in the last decade. This can be due to the increasing awareness on dosing and aftercare related to cord blood transfusion.

Also, researchers and clinicians have gathered more knowledge that enables them to find better matches for transfusion.

These are some of the benefits of cord blood banking. The above-mentioned reasons necessitate considering cord blood banking for your newborn.