Birth Cord Storage

The cord itself was your baby s main lifeline prior to birth.

Birth cord storage.

Cord blood banking involves collecting blood left in your newborn s umbilical cord and placenta after birth and storing it for future medical use. Some parents choose to have this blood abstracted from the baby s umbilical blood transfer through early cord clamping and cutting and process to freeze it for long term storage at a cord blood bank. A clean wood metal or glass box usually works well for storage. The cord blood and tissue collection process take place immediately after birth once the placenta and umbilical cord are safely delivered and this is painless and safe for both mother and baby.

The stem cells in cord blood are different from embryonic stem cells for cord blood storage you have two main options. These cord blood cells can be used for bone marrow transplant purposes. The scientist who first developed cord blood preservation methods has confirmed that some of the first specimens he stored 23 plus years ago are just as potent as fresh cord blood. Keep the cord in room temperature or below.

No matter what contraceptive options you choose it s worth taking a moment to consider safe storage. Keep the cord in a cool dry area. Condoms can usually last four years if kept in their original sealed packaging in a cool dry and dark place away from humidity heat air and sunlight. If you decide on private storage and you plan to have more than one child consider banking each child s cord blood.

It s made of flesh and tissue so it will begin to rot if not stored properly. The procedure is carried out by a trained and licensed healthcare professional a private obstetrician doctor midwife or an assigned phlebotomist someone trained to take blood at the hospital or.