Key takeaways: Cord blood contains stem cells used to treat some blood and immune conditions. The AAP and ACOG encourage public donation where available. Private banking is generally not recommended unless a family member has a condition that could be treated with it. Ask how banking interacts with delayed cord clamping.
After birth, blood remains in the umbilical cord and placenta. This cord blood contains stem cells that can be used to treat certain cancers, blood disorders, and immune conditions. Parents can donate it or pay to store it.
Public Cord Blood Banks
- Donation is free.
- Cord blood is stored and made available to anyone who needs a match, through registries.
- Not all hospitals participate. Ask your provider early in pregnancy.
Private Cord Blood Banks
- Families pay a collection fee and annual storage fees.
- The blood is reserved for the family’s use.
What Experts Recommend
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages public cord blood banking and doesn’t recommend private banking as “biological insurance.” It may be considered when a family member has a condition that could benefit from a stem cell transplant.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also notes that private banking isn’t recommended for routine use, and that families should get balanced information about public and private options.
Why? The chance that a child will need their own cord blood is very low, and for many genetic conditions, a child’s own cord blood wouldn’t be appropriate because it carries the same condition.
Cord Blood Banking and Delayed Cord Clamping
Delayed cord clamping, waiting at least 30 to 60 seconds before clamping, benefits babies by increasing blood volume and iron stores. Delaying clamping can reduce the amount of blood available for collection. ACOG states that cord blood collection should not compromise the care of the baby or the birthing parent. Discuss priorities with your provider.
Questions to Ask
- Does my hospital participate in public donation?
- How does collection affect delayed cord clamping?
- For private banks: what are the fees, accreditation, and storage terms?
The Bottom Line
Public cord blood donation can help others and is encouraged when available. Private banking is generally recommended only when a family member has a treatable condition. Don’t let banking interfere with delayed cord clamping.
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Sources
- Shearer WT, Lubin BH, Cairo MS, Notarangelo LD; Section on Hematology/Oncology; Section on Allergy and Immunology. Cord blood banking for potential future transplantation. Pediatrics. 2017;140(5):e20172695.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 771: Umbilical cord blood banking. Obstet Gynecol. 2019;133(3):e249-e253.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 814: Delayed umbilical cord clamping after birth. Obstet Gynecol. 2020;136(6):e100-e106.
- Health Resources and Services Administration. Blood stem cell transplantation: cord blood. https://bloodstemcell.hrsa.gov
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
