Expectant parents are now being given the option of cord blood banking directly after birth to save for future use in the case that the child could benefit from the stem cells found in the umbilical cord. Understanding the possible benefits and expenses involved with banking cord blood is the first step to making an informed decision.

What Is Cord Blood Banking?
Cord-blood banking began after researchers discovered that umbilical cord blood was a source of stem cells—cells known to successfully treat a wide range of immune and degenerative diseases. As a result of this discovery, many parents are now banking their child’s cord blood as a sort of insurance policy, knowing that the stem cells will be a perfect match for their child, should he or she later develop a serious illness that can be treated with stem cells.

These banked stem cells have also proven to be useful in treating illnesses in siblings and other family members. In fact, studies have revealed that siblings have a one in four chance of being a perfect match.

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