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Chrissy Teigen banked all her kids' cord blood. A Gynaecologist Explains Why - Cord Blood

Cord Blood

and Stem Cell Banking

Chrissy Teigen banked all her kids’ cord blood. A Gynaecologist Explains Why

photo of a newborn baby

Model Chrissy Teigen recently posted on Instagram about her decision to bank the cord blood of all her four children, referring to it as a “potentially lifesaving” measure. But what exactly does this mean, and should you consider doing the same?

What is Cord Blood Banking? Cord blood is sourced from the umbilical cord and is rich in stem cells. These cells have the capacity to transform into various human cells, making them valuable in treating a range of conditions from cancer to anemia via stem cell transplants.

Why Bank Cord Blood? Dr. Christine Sterling, a board-certified OB/GYN in the USA, shares that while her family has no history of genetic diseases, the potential of stem cell therapies in the future captivated her. It’s not just about immediate benefits. The banked cord blood can aid not only the child but also genetic relatives, including parents and siblings.

How Does It Work?

  • Step 1: Register with a cord blood banking company.
  • Step 2: Receive a collection kit in the mail.
  • Step 3: After childbirth, the medical staff collects a sample of the cord blood.
  • Step 4: The sample is sent to the cord blood bank to be frozen and stored.

Common Myth Busted: Many believe that if you opt for delayed cord clamping (allowing more blood to flow to the baby post-delivery), you can’t bank the cord blood. However, Dr. Sterling clarifies that both can be done. Also, surrogacy doesn’t inhibit the banking process, given the surrogate consents.

Odds and Costs: While the likelihood of requiring banked cord blood is relatively low (around 1 in 2,700), having it and not needing it is the ideal scenario. But there’s a price tag: banking cord blood costs about $2,000, with an annual storage fee of $125.

An Alternative – Donation: For those who find the process financially steep, an alternative is to donate the cord blood. This free option allows the stem cells to assist current and future patients requiring a transplant. The downside? If you or your child requires a transplant later on, access to the banked cord blood won’t be available.

Final Thoughts: Whether you decide to bank privately or donate, the core message is the value of preserving stem cells from birth. As Dr. Sterling emphasizes, “They’re so valuable. If you don’t bank cord blood or donate it, it’s just discarded.”