Updated: Feb. 12, 2021
Originally Published: June 21, 2016
When I welcomed my youngest child into the world back in 2006, little did I know how quickly the landscape of childbirth would evolve. Fast forward a decade, and the conversations I’ve had with expectant parents have shifted dramatically. Among the hot topics lately? Delayed cord clamping and stem cell banking. Many of my friends find themselves pondering whether they have to choose one life-saving option over the other.
The good news? It turns out that many new moms are opting to do both! Here’s the lowdown, courtesy of the folks at BabyStem.
What is Stem Cell Banking?
Stem cell banking is the process of collecting blood from the umbilical cord, along with some placenta tissue and cord tissue. These once-discarded materials are now recognized as treasure troves of potentially lifesaving stem cells. They’re currently being used to treat over 80 diseases, including various forms of leukemia. And as medical advancements continue, the list of treatable conditions is likely to grow. The stem cells from cord blood are a perfect genetic match for your baby and have a 50% chance of matching a parent or sibling, opening the door for family-wide health benefits. While we all hope we’ll never need these cells, having them banked provides peace of mind and a safety net for your loved ones.
What is Delayed Cord Clamping?
Delayed cord clamping is just what it sounds like. Instead of cutting the umbilical cord immediately after delivery, clamping occurs once the placenta has been delivered and has stopped pulsating. Research has shown that this delay can significantly aid a newborn’s transition to life outside the womb, improve circulation, and help establish healthy red blood cell volume. Plus, it allows for a smoother delivery of the placenta and keeps the mom-baby connection intact.
So, we have two fantastic advancements in childbirth—options I didn’t even consider back in 2016. The burning question is whether you must choose between the two or if you can have the best of both worlds. Can you delay clamping and still collect your baby’s cord blood and tissue?
Yes, You Can Do Both!
The exciting news is that you can absolutely have your cake and eat it too! You can delay clamping until after the placenta has stopped pulsating and still collect the cord blood—as long as it’s done within one to three minutes post-delivery. This allows you to meet the industry requirement of collecting 100 million cells for banking while also reaping the benefits of delayed clamping.
We all want the very best for our children. So when faced with the idea of having to choose between two excellent options, it’s reassuring to learn that you can embrace both.
If you’re considering cord blood banking, check out BabyStem’s informative resources. Also, for more insights on fertility treatments, explore this excellent resource. And if you’re looking to enhance your fertility journey, make sure to learn about supplements that could boost your chances.
In summary, the advancements in childbirth have opened up new possibilities for parents, allowing them to prioritize both delayed cord clamping and stem cell banking. These choices can provide both immediate benefits for the newborn and long-term health options for the family.