Let’s Talk About It: Cord Blood Banking

July is Cord Blood Awareness Month!

Read below to learn more about why we as doulas recommend banking your baby’s cord blood, and why we partner with MiracleCord in particular.

July is Cord Blood Awareness Month! As doulas, we understand the transformative power of childbirth and the profound connections associated with it: those between doulas and clients, those between new parenting partners, and those between a parent and their new baby. Birth also includes the physical separation of the connection between the birthing person and the little one through the cutting of the umbilical cord.

Oftentimes, folks now advocate for delayed clamping to give babies time to receive the full blood flow from the placenta to their bodies after they are born. This “delay” can last anywhere from 30-90 seconds and provides babies incredible benefits like increased blood volume and iron levels. However, the benefits of umbilical cord blood do not stop there.

In celebration of Cord Blood Awareness Month, we’re shedding light on the connection between the miraculous potential of cord blood stem cells and what role they can have in the future health of your family. We’re proud to be an affiliate partner of MiracleCord, the industry leader in cord blood banking. They have received the Global Health & Pharma biotechnology award for Best Cord Blood Banking Company in the US. Here are 3 essential facts about cord blood:

Fact 1: Cord Blood is a Rich Source of Stem Cells

Umbilical cord blood is an abundant source of hematopoietic stem cells, which play a vital role in the treatment of various blood-related disorders. Many people have heard of stem cells in reference to life-saving but expensive procedures, due in part to the specificity of the cells and where they can be found within the body. For new families, having the opportunity to preserve their baby's cord blood gives them peace of mind about the future. They are investing in a potential lifeline that can be used to treat illnesses like leukemia, lymphoma, and genetic diseases for years to come.

At MiracleCord, they recognize the immense value of these stem cells in addition to the reassurance families feel when they have an opportunity to pre-emptively prepare for the long-term health of their family. MiracleCord is committed to ensuring the safe collection, processing, and storage of stem cells in umbilical cord blood, all while adhering to the highest ethical standards.

Fact 2: It’s a Non-Invasive and Ethical Collection

As doulas, we ALWAYS prioritize the well-being of both the birthing person and the baby. We are thrilled to share that cord blood collection is a non-invasive and entirely ethical procedure. It poses no harm to either the mother or the baby, as the blood is collected from the umbilical cord after birth, which would otherwise be discarded.

This ethical approach to stem cell collection offers a beacon of hope for families. When future treatments are needed, they know that their first recourse does not have to necessarily be a painful and invasive bone marrow collection procedure.

Fact 3: It’s A Wise Investment in the Future

MiracleCord believes in empowering families to take charge of their future. Cord blood banking is a wise investment that allows parents to preserve their baby's precious stem cells for potential medical needs down the road.

By banking these cells, families can secure a valuable resource that can be used not only for the child but also for compatible family members. This sense of security and peace of mind is an invaluable gift for any family. They offer storage plans starting as low as $79/month, providing families with superior quality at an exceptional value.

As doulas, we are honored to part of your journey through childbirth and beyond. We recognize that life, just like birth, can be unpredictable. We also know the power of proper prior planning. We’re proud to be affiliates of MiracleCord because we know the value of planning for the unexpected by educating oneself and accessing pertinent resources. Umbilical cord blood and it’s stem cells are one of those precious resources.

By understanding the potential of cord blood stem cells, we hope to empower you to make informed decisions for your family's future health and well-being! You can learn more about MiracleCord by clicking any of the hyperlinks or visiting our Additional Resources page.