Cord blood banking myths can make the decision process confusing for first-time parents—but understanding the facts can empower you to make a confident, informed choice. Collecting and storing your baby’s umbilical cord blood at birth is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that could offer medical value for your child or family in the future.
According to the Save the Cord Foundation, more than 60,000 cord blood transplants have already been performed worldwide. Cord blood stem cells are approved in the treatment of over 80 diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, and various metabolic and immune disorders.
Despite growing awareness and scientific advances, cord blood banking myths persist and can cause confusion. In this article, we clarify four of the most common misconceptions and explain why cord blood banking is a valuable decision for growing families.
Myth 1: “If we ever need stem cells, we can get them from a public bank.”
Fact: While public registries offer a valuable source of stem cells, they’re not guaranteed. Finding a matching donor—especially for mixed-race or minority ethnic families—can be difficult and time-sensitive.
Privately stored cord blood ensures your child has access to a 100% genetic match and may be a partial match for siblings or parents. One study found a 63% one-year survival rate for patients using sibling cord blood, compared to just 29% when using unrelated donor samples.
Privately banked cord blood also significantly reduces the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and ensures the family knows the donor’s medical and genetic history.
Myth 2: “Collecting cord blood takes blood away from my baby.”
Fact: Many parents worry that choosing delayed cord clamping (DCC) means they won’t be able to collect enough cord blood for banking.
According to the Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation, delayed clamping and cord blood banking can safely coexist—especially when the delay is kept within 30 to 60 seconds, which is consistent with recommendations from the WHO and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
While DCC does allow more blood to flow into the baby, the total volume of blood in the placenta and umbilical cord is about 200 milliliters. In contrast, only 50 ml is typically needed for successful cord blood storage. Even with a one-minute delay, research shows that approximately 80 ml transfers to the baby, still leaving over 100 ml for banking.
Private cord blood banks can also store smaller volumes than public banks, making it even more feasible to collect after a short delay. By coordinating with your healthcare provider and cord blood bank ahead of time, you can ensure that both DCC and collection are performed safely and effectively.
Myth 3: “Doctors rarely use a person’s own cord blood.”
Fact: Autologous (self) use of cord blood stem cells is already being applied in approved treatments for non-genetic conditions like neuroblastoma, aplastic anemia, and autoimmune disorders. It can also be used to rebuild bone marrow after cancer treatment.
In regenerative medicine, stored cord blood is showing promise in clinical trials for conditions such as:
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Spinal cord injuries
- Type 1 diabetes
- Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
These breakthroughs show how cord blood banking myths often underestimate the evolving role of stem cells in future medicine.
Myth 4: “We probably won’t ever use it.”
Fact: The odds of using cord blood today are meaningful—and growing. Studies estimate that the chance of a child using their own stored cord blood is about 1 in 400, while the chance that a family member may benefit is 1 in 200.
These figures do not reflect the fast-expanding field of regenerative medicine, which could dramatically increase usage potential in the coming years.
As medical science progresses, the ability to access your own or a matched sibling’s stem cells could make a vital difference.
Why Cord Blood Banking at Birth Matters
Storing cord blood at birth is a once-only opportunity that could provide lifelong medical value. It’s safe, non-invasive, and could one day help treat diseases we can’t yet cure—or even predict.
By separating fact from cord blood banking myths, you can make a decision that supports your family’s long-term health and gives your baby access to powerful, potentially life-saving treatment options in the future.
Want to learn more about cord blood banking?
Contact us at +97143116613 or Download a Free Info Pack
References:
- Save the Cord Foundation. Global Cord Blood Stats. 2024
- Wagner JE, et al. “Transplant Outcomes with Related vs. Unrelated Cord Blood.” N Engl J Med. 2016
- Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Cord Blood–Related Trials, 2024
- Verter F et al. “The Likelihood of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in the US.” Blood, 2005