Cord Blood Banking


I made it to week 30 with – thankfully – no complications! As each week passes, we grow closer and closer to the day we get to meet our baby boy.  I’m learning so much each day and I feel like there’s so much more to learn. I had my bi-weekly doctor’s appointment this morning and I – and Colton – got a great report. His heartbeat is strong and healthy and he’s actually measuring a little bigger than what my “due date” says. We might be looking at a Christmas baby instead of a New Year baby!
At 30 weeks, Colton is packing on his weight and starting to control his own body temperature (and mine). I’m so thankful he’s a winter baby because I have my own, personal, internal heater! I’m starting to experience – the most common and annoying pregnancy ailment – heartburn. Luckily, it comes rarely and leaves quickly, but I’m sure it will get worse in the next few weeks. I feel like our little guy is going to be a boxer – he punches and kicks me most of the day and – quite honestly – I love it. I can see him moving as I type these very words. He’s VERY active today. I hope he knows how much I love him (already)!
I had never heard of “Cord Blood Banking” until today. My question was “what is that?”. Cord blood is what remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following birth. Cord blood contains stem cells that can be used to treat certain diseases (such as cancers) and it’s a safe, painless procedure that is performed just after the baby is born. More and more parents are saving their baby’s cord blood, either for donation to a public facility to be used by others in need, or for private storage so it’s available should the need arise within their own family.
Generally, an expectant mother – if interested in Cord Blood Banking – should contact the bank before the 34th week of pregnancy. The National Marrow Donor Program has a list of public cord blood banks on their website. Cord blood banking is a personal choice, made by both parents. There is a lot of information out there on the benefits of and the controversy among medical societies.
A few informational sites on Cord Blood Banking
www.parentsguidecordblood.org
www.cordblood.com
www.viacord.com

At this point, cord blood banking is not something that Matt and I will choose for Colton. However, it’s a new (to us) idea to research and educate ourselves on, for future pregnancies.

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