Among the many decisions new parents face, one often overlooked but increasingly important choice is whether to bank their baby’s cord blood. Cord blood banking, the process of collecting and storing the blood from a newborn’s umbilical cord, offers a unique opportunity to safeguard the health of your family by preserving stem cells that could be used to treat a range of medical conditions. But how does this process fit into the IVF journey? This guide answers the most frequently asked questions to help parents make an informed decision.
What Is Cord Blood Banking?
Cord blood banking involves collecting blood from the umbilical cord after birth. This blood is rich in haematopoietic stem cells, which are the building blocks of the blood and immune system. These cells can be used in treatments for conditions such as leukaemia, lymphoma, anaemia, and certain genetic disorders. The collected blood is cryogenically frozen and stored in a secure facility for potential future use.
Why Consider Cord Blood Banking with IVF?
For IVF families, the journey often involves significant planning and investment, similar to the process of cord blood banking in which parents plan ahead to secure the best possible future their child. Cord blood banking aligns with this by providing:
- Health Security: The stored stem cells may be used to treat certain illnesses, offering peace of mind.
- Genetic Match: With IVF, especially in cases using your own genetic material, the likelihood of a perfect stem cell match for the child is high.
- Family Planning: For parents considering future siblings via IVF, the banked cord blood may also benefit them if they share the same genetic makeup.
How Does the Process Work with IVF?
The process of cord blood collection during an IVF birth is exactly the same as with any other birth, whether that’s vaginal or C section. Here are the steps:
- Preparation: Before the due date, parents should select a cord blood banking service, register, and receive a collection kit.
- Collection at Birth: After delivery, whether vaginal or via C-section, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. The healthcare provider then collects the cord blood using the kit.
- Transportation and Storage: The collected blood is sent to the cord blood bank, where it is processed and stored.
Make sure to inform your healthcare provider and birthing team of your plans to bank cord blood so they can be prepared.
Is Cord Blood Banking Safe with IVF?
Yes, the process is entirely safe for both mother and baby. Collecting cord blood is non-invasive and painless, performed after the umbilical cord has been cut. The process does not interfere with the delivery method or the health of the baby.
Can Cord Blood Banking Help with Conditions Related to IVF?
Parents undergoing IVF might wonder if cord blood can address conditions associated with infertility or genetic disorders. While cord blood cannot treat infertility itself, it may be valuable in addressing other certain genetic or hereditary conditions within the family. Discussing your family’s medical history with your healthcare provider can help assess the potential benefits.
What Are the Costs Involved?
Cord blood banking involves an initial collection fee and ongoing storage costs. While the investment might seem significant, many families view it as a form of biological insurance. You can see our prices here, which includes paying upfront for storage or payment plans which make the service more accessible.
Public vs Private Cord Blood Banking: What Should IVF Parents Choose?
Parents can choose between donating cord blood to a public bank or storing it privately for family use. For IVF families, private banking is generally preferred as it ensures the stem cells are exclusively available for your family’s future needs. Public banking means the stem cells may not be retrievable for personal use.
Questions to Ask Before Banking Cord Blood
To ensure you’re making the best choice for your family, consider these questions:
- Is the cord blood bank accredited and reputable?
- What are the storage fees and terms?
- Does the bank offer additional services, such as cord tissue banking?
- Will the bank provide transport and collection assistance?
Cord blood banking is an invaluable opportunity for any parents to invest in their family’s health. While the decision may seem daunting, understanding the benefits and the straightforward process can help ease concerns. By taking this step, you’re not only embracing the future possibilities of medical advancements but also giving your child and family a potential safety net for years to come.
If you’re considering cord blood banking as part of your IVF journey, Smart Cells is here to help. Contact us today for more information and personalised guidance.
