Hello my lovely friends, so recently Byron and I have been reading a lot about cord blood banking and really trying to decide if it is something we want to do. As it goes, the more I read up on it to be honest, the more we came to the conclusion that it would be a shame not to do it.
It’s been quite an interesting journey these past few months with this pregnancy and dare I say, I think I’ve actually been enjoying it. I am now well and truly into the last stretch, hello third trimester and it still feels like yesterday when we found out we had another bun in the oven.
I’m not sure if this because it’s my second time around this childbirth rodeo or if it’s because I’ve been doing a lot of research of my own into how I can have a positive birth experience. Whatever it is, I like it a lot and long may it continue.
Anyway, back to the cord blood banking lets start from the beginning shall we?
What is it?
According to the NHS blood transfusion website,
“Cord blood is the blood that remains in the placenta and umbilical cord following the birth of your baby. It is rich in blood stem cells, similar to those found in bone marrow, and these can be used to treat many different cancers, immune deficiencies and genetic disorders.”
Usually after a baby is born, the placenta and umbilical cord containing this cord blood are thrown away, (or maybe kept as mementos if you’re into that kind of thing). This seems a bit of a shame considering that it could potentially prove to be life saving in the future for our baby or a family member.
Future Health Biobank’s website states that
‘Currently, stem cells found in cord blood are used in treating over 85 diseases including cancerous blood disorders such as leukaemia, and genetic blood diseases like Fanconi anaemia.’
Why are we doing it?
A lot of you have been on this journey with me and know about some of the health issues I struggled with in the past year. Although I really feel like I have come through on the other end, being sick has given me a new outlook on life.
I want my children to live happy and healthy lives and by choosing to do the cord blood banking, I am providing them with a form of health protection for the future.
We are working with Future Health Biobank, the UK’s largest and most accredited stem cell bank. During this process and so far I am very pleased with the communication and service we have received from them.
There was quite a bit of paperwork that we had to read through (understandably), but once everything was signed off we received our cord blood collection kit just a couple of days later.
What’s next?
So now we wait, till this baby is ready to meet the world so we can get the cord blood sample collected and I can actually give you a first hand account of how this entire process works, what’s involved and how I found the experience.
I am definitely looking forward to embarking on this journey and hopefully taking you with me.
There is so much more to share on how this is all done and I will be documenting it all for you.
Do also make sure we are connected on instagram as I often share a lot on my instastories and will be sharing more on cord blood banking there as well.
That is it for now, as I am off to pack and head off to sunny Barcelona in a couple of days. We’re calling this our last attempt to hold onto the summer/babymoon eek.
Before I fully sign off, please do leave me a comment below and let me know what you think about the topic of cord blood banking. Did you know about it prior to reading this article? I would love to hear your thoughts and keep the conversation going.
Until next time beautiful people, Love the life you’re living!
Amanda xoxo
I’m dedicated to wellness, constantly striving to be my best self while inspiring others to do the same. Embracing my journey, flaws and all, I’m committed to biohacking for a healthier, longer life—so I can be a present mama for my kids and inspire others to authentically live their best lives too. 💫
Amanda this is a lovely thing to do and yes it is a shame so many go in the bin. I know my sister donated hers because of this reason.
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Thats amazing of your sister to donate hers. Such a beautiful thing to do.
Oh wow I’ve never heard of this. I so wish I had done this for my 2 pregnancies as it sounds so worthwhile
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I think it’s so worthwhile, I wish i knew about this when I had my first child:-)
This is a really good idea and I wish it was promoted more. If I was aware I could do this when I had my children I would have. I tried to donate mine but when it came to the time for it to be taken no one turned up which is a shame as i’m sure it could have helped someone.
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That’s such a shame that nobody turned up. So disappointing too as it most definitely could’ve helped someone x
It’s something I wish I had done with my older two, but it was really rare at the time. I had my last baby abroad where it wasn’t offered at all so I didn’t get it with him either which I really regret. Enjoy the last few weeks of your pregnancy, and make sure you rest all you can, you won’t get a chance before too long! 🙂
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Thank you Emma, I’m definitely taking naps whenever I can:-)
Awww this is so sweet Amanda ….I wish I had donated for my 2 pregnancy…
This is such a lovely thing to do and something I think more people should look into as it can help so many others. If I ever have kids I’d definitely do this x
It’s excellent Y’all decided to use cord blood banking. It was a serious dialogue for my husband and I before we had our son, I still regret not putting my foot down even though it was about $40,000.00
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Oh wow, $40,000 is rather a lot of money. Ours costs about £3,000.
Ooooh! Never knew about this! I’ll definitely consider it! Love your striped black and white dress! So cute!
What a cool post! This is just amazing. I’m glad you chose to do this, I wish you guys well. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I am glad you took your time on making a choice. It is a pretty big decision!
I think cord banking is a great idea. I didn’t know about it when my children were born. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.
I definitely think this should be promoted more, so many people aren’t aware of it! I will definitely be considering it for if we have another child.
This is a really brave and emotional post, I didn’t know what cord blood banking was until now, and I think it’s super important and needs to be promoted more! 🙂 x
It is really something I wish I would have or could have done. I am glad you are well informed.