When a baby is born and the umbilical cord is cut, the blood left in the umbilical cord and placenta is usually disposed of as medical waste. Not anymore, as such blood has been found to be a very important and rich source of stem cells, and stem cells are humanity’s last hope in its battle against ancient deadly diseases.

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that eventually develop into the different types of blood cells. And to this day, some 70 medical disorders have been treated with these types of cells, specifically those extracted from the umbilical cord. These cells are very important in the treatment of, for example, leukemia or blood cancer. When patients undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy, their stored stem cells are destroyed, leaving them in a very vulnerable, near-fatal condition. Traditionally, they receive a transplant from a donor through a bone marrow transplant or direct normal blood transfusion. These two sources of stem cells are plagued with pain and side effects, and finding a match is difficult.

On the other hand, umbilical cord blood stem cells are very easy to collect and transplant, and are painless to administer. Also, it is not difficult to find a family member who can be a match. And best of all, cord blood is almost always free of any contamination or infection.

Stem cell transplants can save the lives of people with serious illnesses, such as leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells) and other types of cancer, or with serious blood disorders (aplastic anemia). Recently, it has been discovered that such cells taken from umbilical cord blood can also be used in the treatment of brain injuries, cerebral palsy, type 1 diabetes, and heart disorders.

Because of its obvious importance, cord blood and its storage in a cord blood bank established at birth is becoming a hot topic. The good thing is that parents today have this risk-free option.

For more information on how cord blood banking can protect you and your child in the future, see Cord Blood.