The Wonderful World of the Umbilical Cord

Baby inside the womb still connected to the placenta

Umbilical cords are not really a popular subject. We simple know them as the thing that attaches the baby to the mother while still inside the womb. Therefore, I am here to bring more awareness not only to what its functions are, but also to also share the importance of umbilical cord blood, how to save your child’s cord blood, and how to care for the umbilical cord stump.

Real fresh umbilical cord

According to the dictionary, an umbilical cord is a flexible cordlike structure containing blood vessels and attaching a human or other mammalian fetus to the placenta during gestation. The cord works by providing oxygen and nutrients from your blood stream to your baby, which is all done through one vain in the cord. One very important aspect of the umbilical cord is the blood that comes from it. The blood is very special because it is filled with stem cells, which are kinds of cells that have the ability to transform into any kind of cell in the human body. Many parents choose to save their child’s cord blood because it could potentially be treatment for your baby if he or she becomes ill. Cord blood has successfully treated a variety of illnesses including types of cancers; blood disorders and immune deficiencies like Leukemia and lymphoma. Sibling and relatives could also use the blood if they ever become ill as well.

How cord blood is collected

 Although it sound like a great option there may be a deal breaker when considering saving your child’s cord blood, which is paying to have it stored. Just like any storage unit, you have to pay a fee to insure and save the cord blood and it can be relatively expensive along with a high percentage probability of never needing it. Many first time parents opt to save their child’s cord blood because of all of the “what ifs”, but many doctors think it is not worth the investment. Many cord blood banks charge a first year fee along with a monthly fee. If cost is not an issue for you then storing cord blood could be a safety investment for you.

Many parents choose not to bank their baby’s cord blood, which is perfectly fine if you think that it is not the right option for you. Whether of not you choose to do so you still have to take care of your baby’s umbilical cord stump. Once the baby is delivered, either vaginally or through a C-section the umbilical cord still has to be cut. A nurse will place 2 clamps on the umbilical cord to stop blood flow and the partner of the mother or whoever is present with her will cut in between the clamps if they think the baby if healthy enough.  

Umbilical cord with clamp

Taking care of the umbilical cord stump is fairly simple, but there are still certain things you should do and avoid. When having a newborn baby you want to let the stump dry out which will usually happen from anywhere around 1-3 weeks. The stump should be kept dry and aired out. Avoid placing diapers over it as well as many layers of clothing. Also, during this period give your baby sponge baths instead of fully submerging them in water. There is also no need to clean the stump because there is low risk of infection involved. If for some reason you believe that your baby’s cord stump may be infected consult your doctor and there are easy ways he can help fix it.

Process of umbilical cord healing

So whether you decide to donate, store or throw out your cord blood it is a good idea to research your options so that you have a clear understanding of what is best for you and your baby. I hope I gave you come insight as to the kinds of things you might want to look into if you are considering storing your baby's cord blood. 



Web Links:
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/banking-your-babys-cord-blood

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/2299.aspx?categoryid=54

http://www.babycenter.com/0_banking-your-babys-cord-blood-an-overview_1362261.bc

http://www.babycenter.com/0_storing-cord-blood-in-a-private-bank_1369773.bc

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/store/10.1111/jmwh.12031/asset/jmwh12031.pdf;jsessionid=005C7C485E7BAA7B7BB184376E71681F.f03t02?v=1&t=i3z833wx&s=9351b5d3744bea943a84f9082cc16ba6ea4ccf1a

http://www.babycenter.com/0_caring-for-your-newborns-umbilical-cord-stump_127.bc

Picture Links:
http://www.newbornbabyzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/umblical-cord.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgKdQd1RPpFCOV_MSOrdekiXu7mEAUdJXb38wJo39JB4XhR4rSh3To4n-73jPz76o5wTgCpStpbpAc7OAvDeE8XG9tiUpbgxykEreUSHxBp6sOCUDSHNM3HNWtVlkMRwQ7iQxhTg1JBo/s1600/01.JPG

http://uae.lifecellinternational.com/images/5-steps-preserving.jpg

http://assets.inhabitots.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ClampingCord.jpg