Cord Blood Developments

When a rare snowstorm hit Southern California in January 2023, ten-year-old Isaac Hopkins ran out into it with no jacket and no fear of what came next. For most kids, that's unremarkable. For a boy who spent years living with sickle cell disease, it was proof of how far he'd come. This Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Curtis and Shaundell Hopkins share how their younger son Nathan's banked cord blood, stored while Shaundell was pregnant with the hope it could one day help Isaac, gave him a cure and a second childhood.

The U.S. House has passed H.R. 5160, which would extend federal funding for the National Cord Blood Inventory and bone marrow transplant programs through fiscal year 2031. We break down what the bill would do, where it stands in the Senate, and how it relates to the broader, and separate, decision families face between public and private cord blood banking, plus where the research on cord blood's uses stands today.

A 35-year L&D nurse and global cord blood educator shares why she banked cord blood and tissue for all four of her grandchildren — and what every expectant parent should know before delivery day.

Exciting research news for CP families: two large study reviews have found that cord blood and cord tissue (MSC) stem cell therapy, when added to regular rehabilitation, significantly enhances motor skills. Improvements were most notable in younger kids (under 5) and those with milder CP. Neither is a cure, and access is still limited, but together they offer validated hope for improving movement.

A high white blood cell (WBC) count is typically normal during pregnancy as your immune system works harder to protect both you and your baby. Learn about causes, potential health impacts, and tips for maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Linda Kosinski's life was changed by a shocking leukemia diagnosis in 2007. Her journey to recovery through a life-saving cord blood transplant highlights the critical importance of cord blood banking and donation. Discover how her resilience and family support transformed her story into one of hope and cord blood advocacy.

Discover how a cord blood stem cell transplant saved eight-year-old Ariauna from bone marrow failure associated with Fanconi Anemia. Her mother Natalie recounts the years of medical challenges that ultimately led to the diagnosis, their gratitude for cord blood, and a special message to expectant parents. 

 

Among the array of prenatal testing methods available, Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) stands out as a groundbreaking advancement, revolutionizing the landscape of prenatal care. We are here to help you understand NIPT, the results and how they can be used to make informed decisions.

Discover insights on placental insufficiency in our engaging blog post. Learn about management, support, and signs of placental insufficiency here.  

Explore the pivotal role of doulas in childbirth, offering crucial emotional, physical, and informational support. Learn about the myriad benefits they bring, from reduced stress to enhanced decision-making. Discover how to select the right doula for your needs and integrate preferences like delayed cord clamping into your birth plan seamlessly. Embrace the journey of parenthood with the unwavering guidance of doulas, ensuring a nurturing and empowered birthing experience for both expectant parents and newborns alike.