I went to my first Obstetrician appointment back in August, there my doctor went through the normal run down of information, exam, taking blood, normal questions most pregnant women are asked. Then pamphlets and papers of information, 'what to do when pregnant', 'what not to do', pregnancy magazines with pictures of the baby through the gestation period, etc.
One of the items of information my doctor gave me was about Cord Blood. Now I heard about cord blood storage when I was pregnant with Brody. For those who haven't recently been pregnant or haven't heard about this more recent scientific discovery, cord blood storage is urged so that, if there is a time later that a family member need stem cells for injuries or to treat diseases the stem cells can be stored from the blood that comes from a baby's umbilical cord and the placenta. It cost quite a bit for the storage so when I received the information this time around about it I was going to toss it the way I did when I was pregnant with Brody, again thinking "it would be nice but we don't have money for stuff like that". But after my appointment I went through the information I was given by my doctor and came across the pamphlet about Cord Blood and just in glancing I saw a section about donations. My first thought was, well I don't have money to store the blood for my family but if it won't be a cost to me we can donate the cord blood!!
So in the past couple months since my first appointment and looking at the initial information I have found out so much and I am very excited to share with those who read this blog because I think it is such a neat opportunity to help and this blood is literally thrown away after the birth when in reality it can be used as such a valuable resource.
In Arizona there are only a couple organizations that women and families are able to donate to and the one I am going to donate to is called Cryobanks International. There is a wealth of information about the organization and what they do. To calm people's fears about stem cell research I wanted to include a direct quote from this organization's website: "Cryobanks' corporate policy does not permit involvement in any research that is deemed controversial (cloning, embryonics) or cosmetic. Our goal is to advance the field in areas that would save lives. We are constantly seeking worthy projects to become involved in."
Also more information from Cryobanks posted on their website that could put any one's worries to rest is: "...the umbilical cord blood stem cells can be safely obtained without any risk or pain to the mother or baby. Once collected, the umbilical cord blood stem cells can be preserved for future uses. The collection of your baby’s umbilical cord blood will not cause a change in the delivery practices of your physician or nurse midwife. Collection is performed after the baby has been delivered and detached from the umbilical cord, and only if the physician/midwife considers the delivery to be uncomplicated or normal. At all times the health of you and your baby is the main priority."
Jake's Dad died of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma - a blood cancer and there are many other family members in Jake's family and even a few in mine that had ailments and illnesses that they passed away from or caused lots of pain. For me thinking about these relatives motivates me to donate. Stem cell research has enormous benefits. So when I read the following information I just couldn't help but think, "This blood could save a life and its thrown away, why not donate it"!!
Currently, umbilical cord blood stem cells can be used to treat over 75 life-threatening diseases, including leukemias, anemias, lymphomas, and inborn errors of metabolism. As science continues to discover new uses for umbilical cord blood stem cells, many other diseases could potentially be treated using these unique cells. There are currently over 700 clinical trials being performed for diseases such as type I diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, paralysis, heart disease, and wound repair.
On the Cryobank's website (http://www.cryo-intl.com/) the pregnant woman can fill out an initial enrollment to know if she qualifies to donate (basically determined by age, having or coming in contact with AIDS, cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, malaria, transplants or tattoos). So if those aren't an issue then a sort of application will come up.
I know I am continuing to go into lots of detail but for those who read this that are interested or want to share this information with someone they know perhaps more details could help. Once the application is filled out mailed in the company will send back a "collection kit". From there the only responsibilities the pregnant woman has is to call once into labor (obviously this call can be made by the father), bring the kit with you to the hospital and call again right after the baby is born so that Cryobank knows to send a courier to pick up the donation (it has to happen within 48 hours from the time the baby is born). The only issue that came up for me has been whether my dr.'s office charges fees in collecting the blood and there is none so now I have no excuses!!
I know this post might sound pushy and I know I am probably coming off way too excited and trying sell people on this. Firstly, let me say I am sorry if I am giving that impression. Really I just discovered this and after doing some research and looking into it I am excited about it and second, I just wanted to share some information for those who might be interested. Also, as I do on this blog, I wanted to share my experience.
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