As you know, our mission at MotherStories is to inform you about all things related to motherhood. Today we want to tell you more about the collection and storage of umbilical cord stem cells. This is a scientific, health and public utility subject that is not very well known or even intimidating. To assist us in our investigation, we contacted Swiss Stem Cell Science, a Swiss-based leader in the field of regenerative medicine and stem cells for many years.

At birth, you have the unique opportunity to collect blood and/or tissue from your baby’s umbilical cord. The collection only takes a few minutes and is entirely painless for both the mother and the child. It is important to note that it is also possible in the case of a C-section or twin birth.

As of today, you can use the stem cells extracted from the umbilical cord blood to treat more than 84 pathologies (and the list is growing), including those affecting the blood such as leukemia, anemia, and lymphoma. Whereas the umbilical cord tissue is used for the growth, regeneration, and repair of damaged tissue after an injury or an illness.

If your child were to suffer from a health problem, his or her stem cells could be the key to recovery. They could also be used by another family member with a histocompatibility (the rate of compatibility between two organs or tissues) of at least 80%, which is usually the case for siblings.

At Swiss Stem Cells Science, the collected cells are then frozen and stored for at least 25 years in a highly certified laboratory in Switzerland.

If you would like to learn more about the subject, ask your questions without commitment, and meet with the Swiss Stem Cell Science team, click on the link below to access their contact form.

Swiss Stem Cell Science SA
Rue Georges-Jordil 4
1700 Fribourg
www.swiss-stem-cells-science.ch