Becoming a parent today means you have access to more resources and choices than ever before. One of those important choices is whether to save your baby's cord blood.

Your baby's umbilical cord contains a rich source of genetically unique stem cells that are the building blocks for blood, organs, tissue and the immune system. You have the option to save these stem cells for future use — for your baby, other family members or as donor cells for those in need.
Umbilical cord stem cells are currently used to fight more than 80 health issues, including leukemia, autoimmune diseases, lupus and inheritable diseases such as sickle-cell anemia. Researchers are also studying stem cells as a treatment for cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, Type 1 diabetes, stroke, heart disease and Parkinson's.
Because of this, many parents view collection and banking as a one-time opportunity to harvest cells that may be needed for future use. You may choose this option due to a family history of disease, if you have a loved one with a treatable condition or if you'd like to donate cells.
Patients may bring their preferred cord blood banking kit with them to the hospital.