Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing the umbilical cord blood after a baby is born. Cord blood is rich in stem cells, which are the building blocks of the body's blood and immune system. These stem cells have the unique ability to develop into various types of cells, offering potential treatment for a range of medical conditions.

There are two main types of cord blood banking: public and private. Public cord blood banks collect donated cord blood for use by anyone in need of a stem cell transplant. Private cord blood banks, on the other hand, store cord blood specifically for the family's use in case of future health issues.

Parents may choose to bank their baby's cord blood privately for several reasons, such as potential future medical treatments for the child or other family members. The process of collecting cord blood is safe, painless, and done shortly after the baby is born.

It is important for parents to understand the benefits and limitations of cord blood banking before making a decision. Consulting with healthcare providers and doing thorough research can help families make an informed choice about whether or not to bank their baby's cord blood. Ultimately, cord blood banking can provide a valuable resource for potential medical treatments and is a decision that should be carefully considered.