Blood can be saved from the umbilical cord at the time of birth and stored for future use. Collecting this umbilical cord blood is done immediately after the birth of the baby and is not harmful. Cord blood contains stem cells that can be used to treat illnesses, including a wide range of cancers, genetic diseases, immune system deficiencies, metabolic disorders and other blood disorders. Parents can choose to save the newborn’s cord blood at a private cord blood bank to be used in the future for that baby or a family member. This service is available at extra cost and more information can be provided. You can choose whatever cord blood bank meets your needs. Listed below are a few links for your information.