1. What is Cord Blood Banking?
2. What makes cord blood valuable?
3. Where can I get more information on cord blood banking?

WHAT IS CORD BLOOD BANKING?

Once the baby has been born, the umbilical cord is first clamped in two areas, and then cut, usually by the father or coach under the direction of the doctor. A 2-inch section of this cord remains attached to the baby’s navel. The baby is then given to mom to hold for skin-to-skin time. Skin-to-skin time is a special undisturbed time between mom and baby.

Cord blood banking is the collection and storage of the blood that remains in the longer section of umbilical cord and placenta, both of which are no longer attached to the baby. Collection of this blood has to occur within 10-15 minutes after delivery of the baby. The process for cord blood collection is considered a non-surgical procedure. Once the blood is collected, it is shipped to a cord blood repository or bank where it is processed and frozen for storage.

THE VALUE IN CORD BLOOD

Cord blood is rich with stem cells. Stem cells are like tiny little building blocks and are important, because they can develop into other more specialized cells in the body for example: platelets, red blood cells or a muscle cell. Stem cells are valuable for their use in the treatment of a number of diseases and genetic disorders. Many illnesses requiring a bone marrow transplant can instead, be treated with a stem cell transfusion, There are genetic disorders and certain cancers for which stem cell transfusions are used. Sickle Cell Anemia and Leukemia are but two examples for which treatment may include the use of a stem cell transfusion.

The recipient of a stem cell transfusion is someone with a qualifying disorder. This can be a sibling, relative, or a non- relative. Therefore, cord blood can be stored for a family’s private use, or the family can donate the blood so that it is available for use by the public.

Arrangements for cord blood banking must be made before delivery. There is usually an initial fee followed by an annual storage fee. Check with your insurance carrier, some insurance plans help with the cost of cord blood banking.

WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CORD BLOOD BANKING

To find out more about cord blood banking, first, speak with your care provider. You will need to be prepared to provide information about your family’s history of disease and any known genetic disorders. Your care provider is the best person to give you unbiased information and medical guidance. Health care providers and your insurance company can also provide you with resources for contacting companies that bank cord blood. Above all, get the information you need to make an informed decision.

Reference: March of Dimes, 7/2002. Umbilical Cord Blood – Quick reference and Fact Sheet for professionals and researchers.

Resources for Childbirth Educators:
The March of Dimes-Professional Information

1. Why are upright positions for labor and delivery beneficial?
2. What organizations are recommending that you discuss this issue with your health care provider?

BENEFITS OF UPRIGHT POSITIONS

Using upright positions in labor and during pushing for delivery allow the body to work with gravity, not against it. Here are some other benefits: These positions help to widen the pelvis allowing more space for the baby to pass through. The upper body is upright and elongated and the baby is helped in its descent by the force of gravity. Many women report feeling less back pain with use of upright positions. Upright positions decrease the potential for maternal hypotension (lowered blood pressure). Upright positions decrease the occurrence of lowered or compromised blood flow to the placenta and therefore the baby. Upright positioning during pushing for delivery can actually shorten the length of this stage and can provide mothers with more overall comfort. Essentially, upright positions can be very beneficial and aid in the progression of labor and delivery.

THIS WILL SURELY BE A TOPIC YOU WILL WANT TO DISCUSS, AT YOUR NEXT PRENATAL APPOINTMENT

The Association of Women’s Health Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) recommends that all expectant mothers receive information about upright positioning for labor and delivery from their health care provider.

This article on upright positions for childbirth is provided in order to promote your discussion of this issue with your health care provider.

Reference:
1. Keen, R.; DiFranco, J.; Amis, D., et. al. (2005) Care Practices That Support Normal Birth. Lamaze International, Inc.

Resource for Childbirth Educators:
Hill-Rom (2003) Video –" Surrounding You With The Power To Make A Difference," A free video and illustrated poster of upright positions are available by contacting Hill-Rom

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS OBTAINED FROM COURSE EVALUATION :  

Your overall impression of your Prepared Childbirth Class: 
"Perfect! Very informative and made us feel much calmer going into delivery."

Additional Comments:
"If you are having trouble finding a childbirth class, I highly recommend CECP.  This class put our minds at ease and made us more comfortable going in for delivery.  You will not be disappointed."

Lisa and Brian
Granada Hills
Nov. 2008

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"We learned so many important things."
"We feel much more confident and prepared."
"We feel prepared for the delivery of our first baby and for our baby's care."

"The teacher's lecture is excellent, we want to thank you for the good job she did!"

Zahra and Mark
Loma Linda, CA
5 Week Class
(8/2008)

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"We were really lost coming into the class and had very little knowledge about what to expect. After taking the class and receiving all the detailed information, we felt at ease and comfortable. The instructor is excellent, patient, knowledgeable and extremely informative. We enjoyed the class and her expertise. We would definitely recommend this class to any and all pregnant couples.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS & SUGGESTIONS:

Would you recommend the CECP Prepared Childbirth Course for others to take? "Absolutely, in a heartbeat!" 

Anita and Jimmy
Alta Loma, CA
(8/2008)

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"Very helpful information, it took away the fear of labor".

Rated Class Experience: (1=poor, 5=average, 10=excellent)
1. Instructor's politeness, manners and professionalism = 10
2. Instructor's knowledge on the subject = 10
3. Movies, music, powerpoint presentation and lecture = 10
4. Prenatal exercise = 10
5. Relaxation and coping skills for labor and pain management = 10
6. Labor & Delivery information = 10
7. Educational handouts/literature = 10
8. Registration process and communication with CECP = 10

Do you feel the fee for the class was reasonable? "Yes"
Would you recommend the CECP Prepared Childbirth Course for others to take? "Yes"

Michelle and John
Minefee, CA
( 7/2008)

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PJ: "I had no idea what a private childbirth class would be like - well, our instructor came to our home, once she quickly set everything up, we truly felt like we were in class. Yet we were in our own living room at home and we felt very relaxed and comfortable". Terry: "The class was fantastic, my favorite part of course was the relaxation and prenatal practice exercises, it was fun. Most importantly, we also received a tremendous amount of information through the lectures she gave and the movies which were shown, it was all excellent." 

Thanks, we feel a whole lot better about our upcoming delivery.

PJ & Terry
Riverside, CA
(6/2008)

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"We both weren't sure about whether to attend a group class or a private (class), we decided on a private class and we are glad we did. We learned so much, we never realized what little we really knew. Our instructor was so wonderful, her knowledge is 2nd to none, the video's and power point presentations were awesome. She took her time to make sure we understood everything that was needed for us to be prepared."

Jeff & Amber
Lake Elsinore, CA
(6/2008)"

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We took the 4 week Prepared Childbirth Class which included Newborn Care. Our instructor made things exciting to learn. I am expecting my third child and she (my instructor) taught me things I did not learn in classes I took for the births of my other children. I feel more prepared and knowledgeable, thank you! 

Zenia and Valentino
Fontana, Calif.
(5/2008)

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"I really enjoyed the class and am happy to be able to have gone over some things I may have forgotten from my first pregnancy. It made me really excited for the experience of having twin babies!

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS & SUGGESTIONS:

1. Would you recommend the CECP Prepared Childbirth Course for others to  take? "Yes"
2. Your overall impressions of your childbirth class: "VERY informative and helpful."
3. Do you feel the fee for the class was reasonable? We received a gift certificate
4. Class experience rating = Score 10 (ranking: 10=excellent, 5=average, 1=poor)

Thank You,
Bridgette
Refresher Childbirth Class
San Clemente, California
(5/2008)