Parenting / 22 July, 2026 / Ellie Thompson
As you prepare for the arrival of your baby, you’ll probably spend plenty of time thinking about prams, car seats and where the nursery furniture is going to fit. But there are also some important decisions that can only be made at birth.
One of those is cord blood banking.
What was once routinely discarded after delivery is now being recognised as a valuable source of stem cells. These stem cells are already being used in medical treatments today, and researchers continue to explore how they could be used in the future.
For many parents, cord blood banking offers reassurance and peace of mind. For others, it’s a decision that requires careful consideration. Here’s what you need to know.
Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing stem cells found in your baby’s umbilical cord blood immediately after birth.
The collection process is painless, safe and takes place once your baby has been delivered and the umbilical cord has been cut.
These stem cells can then be cryogenically stored for potential future medical use.
Unlike embryonic stem cells, cord blood stem cells are collected from tissue that would otherwise be discarded following delivery.
Every family’s reasons are different.
For some, stem cell banking offers peace of mind. It’s a way of preserving a unique biological resource that can only be collected once, at birth.
For others, family medical history plays a significant role. Parents with a history of blood disorders, immune conditions or certain cancers may feel more inclined to explore the option.
Many families also view stem cell banking as part of their long-term planning, much like taking out life insurance or saving for their child’s future.
Stem cells from cord blood have already been used in tens of thousands of transplants worldwide.
Today, cord blood stem cells are used in the treatment of more than 80 conditions, including:
These are established treatments already being carried out in hospitals around the world, including within the NHS.
At the same time, researchers continue to investigate how stem cells could be used in emerging areas of regenerative medicine.
One of the key benefits often highlighted by families is access.
If stem cells are stored privately, they are immediately available should they ever be needed, removing the need to search for a suitable donor.
Your child’s own stem cells will always be a 100% genetic match for them.
There may also be potential benefits for siblings. Biologically related siblings have around a 25% chance of being a transplant-suitable match, which can be significant in certain medical circumstances.
Another advantage is that when a person’s own stem cells are used, there is no risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a complication that can occur when donor cells attack the recipient’s body.
The importance of stem cell storage is perhaps best illustrated through real families.
Future Health Biobank recently shared the story of a young girl called Ananya, who was diagnosed with beta thalassaemia. Her family had previously chosen to store her brother’s cord blood at birth, which was later used as part of her treatment.
While every family’s situation is different, stories like these demonstrate why some parents choose to explore cord blood banking before their baby arrives.
Not necessarily.
Cord blood banking is a personal decision and one that depends on a range of factors, including family medical history, personal priorities and financial circumstances.
Some parents feel strongly about preserving every possible future option for their child. Others decide that stem cell storage isn’t right for them.
What’s important is having access to clear information so you can make an informed decision before birth, because once that opportunity has passed, it cannot be recreated later.
There is no way to predict whether your child will ever need their stored stem cells.
However, the number of treatments using stem cells continues to grow, and researchers are actively exploring new applications across a range of medical fields.
For many parents, the decision is less about certainty and more about preserving options for the future.
Potentially.
While the stem cells will always be a perfect match for the child they belong to, biologically related siblings may also be compatible in some cases.
Yes.
Collection takes place after birth and is completely painless for both mother and baby. It is only performed once delivery is complete and both are safe and comfortable.
Parents should look for providers that are appropriately licensed, regulated and accredited. It’s worth researching storage facilities, industry accreditations and the provider’s track record before making a decision.
Cord blood banking is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity available at birth.
For some families, storing stem cells offers reassurance and access to a potentially valuable medical resource. For others, it may not feel necessary.
What matters most is understanding the options available and making the decision that feels right for your family.
If you’re expecting a baby and would like to learn more, it’s worth researching cord blood banking ahead of your due date, giving yourself plenty of time to explore the potential benefits, limitations and costs involved.
Future Health Biobank is one of the world’s largest family stem cell banks, helping parents preserve their baby’s cord blood stem cells at birth.
To help you explore your options, My Baba readers can receive an exclusive 10% discount on cord blood banking packages; just mention MyBaba when enquiring.
Visit Future Health Biobank to find out more and speak to a member of the team about whether stem cell banking is right for your family.
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