Breastfeeding Awareness Month

Posted on August 8, 2016September 27, 2016 by admin

We all know that August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, but have people really understood the importance of breastfeeding a baby? Women today consider breastfeeding as unimportant and are starting to opt for the artificial option of bottle feeding instead.

Here are a few benefits of Breastfeeding your baby, which every mother should know –

1] Healthier Baby –

Mothers should breastfeed their baby as it leads to lesser chances of him/her getting pneumonia, cold and viruses. Certainly, it has been proven that breastfeeding your baby may reduce his/her chances of getting chronic conditions like type I diabetes, celiac disease and chronic disease. Breastfed babies also develop stronger bones in the future.

2] Decreased rate of Cancers –

It has been scientifically proven that women who breastfeed their babies have a lower risk of developing breast cancer and it also helps mothers from shedding their post pregnancy weight quickly along with avoiding postpartum depression.

3] Baby Mother Bonding –

Breastfeeding your baby helps develop a stronger bond between the mother and the baby. The baby gets more familiar with his mother and it helps the baby in developing various tastes from the beginning. Apart from that, it’s also empowering for a mother to see her baby grow and thrive on her breastmilk.

4] Expert Advice – Experts in the medical industry have recommended and emphasized to every new mother the importance of breastfeeding her baby for atleast the first 6 months. Dr. Madhavi Latha, Lactation Specialist, suggests that new mothers who have a full-time job and don’t have enough time to breastfeed their baby should consider a breastfeeding pump to pump and store their milk, refrigerate it and then which can be consumed within 8 days.

Apart from that, Dr. Raghuram Malliah, says that pain is a part and parcel of motherhood. Mothers should know the trick of handling their baby with care while breastfeeding. Taking a day’s break can negatively impact the milk flow, instead of this they can restore the milk and feed later because mother’s milk digests sooner.

Dr. Shobha Venkat even suggests that mothers, in order to keep themselves hydrated, should drink enough water before breastfeeding the baby.

The bond between a mother and baby is sacred and cannot be destroyed easily. Make sure all you mothers secure this bond forever.

Stem Cell Banking and importance of HLA

Posted on July 12, 2016 by admin

Cord blood, which contains powerful stem cells, comes from a newborn’s umbilical cord and is collected immediately after birth. Once the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut, the remaining blood in the umbilical cord is drawn into a collection bag, which is then processed and preserved at -196 degree Celsius.

What makes cord blood cells different?

Cord blood stem cells are biologically younger and are more adaptable compared to adult stem cells from other sources like bone marrow. When saved, they have unique qualities and advantages:

Comparison of Stem Cell Sources	Newborn	Adult	Embryonic
Ability to differentiate into various cell types	✓	✓	✓
High proliferation capacity	✓		✓
Low risk of tumor formation	✓	✓
Low risk of viral contamination	✓		✓
Capacity for autologous transplantation	✓	✓
Established / proven treatment in human patients	✓	✓

Stem cells can heal the body, promote recovery, and offer an enormous amount of therapeutic potential. Preserving cord blood stem cells “stops the clock” and protects the stem cells from aging and being exposed to environmental factors and common viruses that can decrease their function.

The effectiveness of cord blood stem cell therapy depends on many factors, with one of the most important being stem cell matching. Doctors determine stem cell matching based on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) markers. Passed down from parents to their children, these markers act like cell fingerprints, letting the immune system know which cells belong in the body and which cells are foreign to it. If a patient’s HLA markers exactly match those of the new stem cells being introduced, the patient’s body will readily accept the cells. If the HLA match is close but not perfect, chances are still favorable that the patient’s body will accept the cells. By storing cord blood from each child, parents can increase the chance of finding the best source for a match.

HLA means Human Leukocyte Antigens, which are found on the surface of various types of nucleated cells in the human body. In the human anatomy, they are akin to an “identity card”, inherited from one’s parents and could distinguish “self” and “nonself”, through which the wholeness of an individual can be maintained. Briefly, there are 6 HLA types: A, B, DQ and DR. Out of which A, B and DR play a critical role during cord blood transplants.A cord blood transplant is just as effective at curing patients with only a 4 out of 6 match (67% match) between donor and patient whereas for bone marrow transplant the patient and donor must match at all 6 parameters (100% match). The best potential for an HLA match is within the family. Each person inherits one A, B, DR antigen from each parent. Thus, we have 2 HLA-A antigens, 2 HLA-B antigens and 2 DR antigen which make up total 6 anitgens. In case of a Cord Blood Transplant 4/6 is a suitable match.

When an unrelated donor is sought the number of potential HLA combinations becomes so enormous that finding the patient’s exact HLA type may seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. HLA helps to understand the acceptance and recovery after transplantation on two factors

Engraftment – Engraftment occurs when the donated cells that were transplanted begin to grow and make new cells.

Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)-A post-transplant complication, GVHD occurs when the immune cells from the cord blood (the graft) attack the patient’s own immune cells.

Considering the benefits of cord blood stem cells, need of stem cell banking and importance of HLA at the time of preservation, it is recommended for to-be parents to wisely choose a stem cell bank that provides HLA Typing service at the time of preservation. Saving your child’s cord blood is an investment towards your family’s future health; thus, its benefits cannot be measured in financial terms. However, if one must make economic justifications, the cost of storing cord blood and tissue pales in comparison to the many expenses associated with raising a child today, such as the cost of child care and education. The potential return on investment in stem cell banking is paramount as it can save the lives of your loved ones.

Umbilical cord blood banking in India is emerging at very high pace and parents are realizing the potential of cord blood in curing previously incurable diseases. To know more about stem cells and umbilical cord blood banking in India visit – www.babycell.in

Tests and Services To Look Out For While Opting For Stem Cell Banking

Posted on July 12, 2016September 27, 2016 by admin

There are a number of things that need to be kept in mind while opting for stem cell banking such as cryopreservation facility, location, cost, collection and transportation facility. Over and above the basic services one must also ensure they choose a stem cell bank is transparency in providing the complete detailed reports of all the tests performed such as sterility, CD34 cell count, viability CFU, HLA Testing and more.

Stem cell banking benefits:

Storing these cells can help you treat over 80 diseases including cancers, blood disorders, and immune disorders. Stem cells also have the ability to rebuild cardiac tissue, repair damage due to stroke or spinal cord injuries, reverse the effects of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and much more. As a result, cord blood banking is worth spending for. Below is a list of tests and services you must look for:

Sterility Test: Sterility Test detects any kind of aerobic and anaerobic microbial contamination in the cord blood and cord tissue. Helps to ensure micro-organism and contamination free cord blood and cord tissue which can be used in future transplantation.

Stem Cell Count: Stem cells happen to be Mono-Nuclear Cells or MNC: when you look at them under a microscope there is only one nucleus. Unfortunately, one of the most difficult aspects of stem cell biology is that you can’t identify a stem cell just by looking at it. There are other types of blood cells which are also MNC, such as nucleated red blood cells. The only proof that a cell is a stem cell comes from how it behaves when it multiplies. Stem Cell Count test is done to determine the number of stem cells in the isolated fraction of cord blood cells. Stem Cell Count aids the hematologist in determining the treatment plan for stem cell transplantation.

CFU: Stem cells have the ability to differentiate, but how do you evaluate this ability? The answer to this is CFU test. This test is a two-week lab test that lets you estimate the cell potency. In the CFU test a small portion is observed under controlled conditions to see if stem cells differentiate to form colonies. Earlier it used to be a subjective measure, but recently it has been standardized with technology to image the cells and count colonies in the image. During the test it takes 14 days for colonies to grow, therefore it is advised to perform the test at the time of preservation. As per US. Dept. of Health and Human Services and their prescribed guidelines CFU evaluation is a must at the tim

e of preservation as it determines potency, differentiation capacity and actual utility of stem cells. Babycell™ is the only stem cell bank in India that performs the CFU assay at the time of preservation and provides the test results along with client’s Cryopreservation Certificate.

HLA testing and its importance:

HLA means Human Leukocyte Antigens, which are found on the surface of various types of nucleated cells in the human body. In the human anatomy, they are akin to an “identity card”, inherited from one’s parents and could distinguish “self” and “nonself”. Briefly, there are 6 HLA types: A, B, DQ and DR. Out of which A, B and DR play a critical role during cord blood transplants. A cord blood transplant is just as effective at curing patients with only a 4 out of 6 match (67% match) between donor and patient.

The best potential for an HLA match is within the family. Each person inherits one A, B, DR antigen from each parent. Thus, we have 2 HLA-A antigens, 2 HLA-B antigens and 2 DR antigen which make up total 6 anitgens. In case of a Cord Blood Transplant 4/6 is a suitable match.

Engraftment – Engraftment occurs when the donated cells that were transplanted begin to grow and make new cells.
Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)-A post-transplant complication, GVHD occurs when the immune cells from the cord blood (the graft) attack the patient’s own immune cells.

Haemoglobinopathy Test:

Haemoglobinopathy is a condition that involves an abnormality in the structure of haemoglobin. An investigation of a hemoglobin disorder typically involves tests that determine the types and amounts of hemoglobin present in a person’s sample of blood. Information from the test, along with results from routine tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) and blood smear, aid in establishing a diagnosis of Hemoglobinopathies.

With this test, you can detect the disorders and arrange a treatment accordingly.

So the next time you are looking for a reliable stem cell banking in India or anywhere in the world, keep the above services in mind. They will definitely help you choose the right stem cell banking service that lets you make the most for your loved ones.

To know more read –

http://www.babycell.in/our-services/core-services.php
http://parentsguidecordblood.org/en

Important Prenatal Tests for all Trimesters

Posted on March 29, 2016April 7, 2016 by admin

We are sure that the good news of the new baby has already brought in some zeal into your relationship. Now it’s time to take the onus of keeping you and your body healthy. For that, you and your partner might have started taking doctor’s appointments and doing your research on what is to be done before the baby gets here.

If this is first time, the primary concern is that you are new to this challenge and you might not be aware about the kind of tests to be taken during your pregnancy. We are here to guide you through all the vital tests and check-ups to keep in mind during this period.

First Trimester

ROUTINE TESTS

1. Initial Blood Tests

A blood sample screening is conducted at your first pre-natal visit to the gynaecologist.

A complete blood count (CBC) to determine if you are suffering from Anaemia.
Hepatitis B – It can put your baby at risk of future liver disease, if it’s not treated.
Rubella (German measles) and Chicken Pox – If you aren’t immune, exposure during pregnancy can cause birth defects.

2. Thalassaemia

Thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder. The disorder results in excessive destruction of red blood cells, which leads to anaemia.

It’s a must to undergo this test in order to know about your type, whether it’s Alpha or Beta or if you are a carrier or not. In case you are then your partner also needs to be tested. If both partners are carrier there is 75% chance of child being Thalassaemic.

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Tests

HIV – the virus that causes AIDS can cross the placenta before or during delivery and infect the fetus.
Syphilis – If unchecked, it can cause miscarriage or stillbirth.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia – If untreated, both can cause preterm delivery and eye infections in the baby.
Herpes – It can cause complications during delivery.

4. Pap smear – It is a screening procedure to determine cervical cancer.

5. Blood Pressure – During pregnancy, you might have more chances of high blood pressure. In case high blood pressure continues after 20 weeks of pregnancy, there can be complications.

Urine Tests

Glucose Screening – Gestational diabetes – It can increase the potential need for a caesarean section (because it can lead to the baby growing to be very large).
Blood and bacteria – It indicates urinary-tract infection and can lead to a kidney infection or preterm labour.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a simple, painless procedure. A wand that uses sound waves will be placed on your belly. It is used to determine the age, rate of growth, position, and heart rate of your baby, and whether you’re carrying multiples or not.

ADDITIONAL TESTS

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) – A genetic test showing that a person inherited one or two defective cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) genes. This testing can be done using blood or a sample from the mother’s womb before birth (chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis). Two positive sweat tests on different dates.

Second Trimester

Besides the basic urine and blood pressure tests, there are a few additional tests to pay heed to in your second trimester.

Amniocentesis – The test is offered to women who are at the age of 35 or above. Amniotic fluid analysis detects some birth defects and genetic diseases, including some chromosome abnormalities (such as Down Syndrome) and neural tube defects.

2. Cordocentesis – Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS) is a procedure that is used to obtain a small sample of the fetus’ blood. It is used to detect chromosome abnormalities indicating Down syndrome and blood disorders such as Anaemia and certain infections.

Third Trimester

1. Group B Streptococcus Screening – This helps to detect bacteria in your bowel, rectum, bladder, vagina, or throat since these can cause serious and potentially fatal infections in new-borns.

2. The Non-stress Test – The non-stress test (NST) measures your baby’s heart rate as it moves around. This test measures foetal heart rate patterns in women who have high-risk pregnancies, including those who have preeclampsia or diabetes.

3. Biophysical Profile – The biophysical profile combines the non-stress test with an ultrasound. The ultrasound component measures four foetal characteristics: breathing movements, muscle tone, body movements, and the amount of amniotic fluid.

This list sums up all the tests you should undergo in each stage of your pregnancy to ensure the health of your baby and yourself.

It’s important to undergo these tests with a prenatal expert/doctor who has experience and who you are comfortable sharing your personal information with.

It’s important to know what kind of tests are performed and what the benefits/threats

We hope this helps you with all the information on what prenatal tests are needed before the baby is born. Make sure you consult your OB/GYNEC before taking any tests.

5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing the Best Stem Cell Bank

Posted on March 21, 2016October 20, 2016 by admin

While you are pregnant, one of the most important tasks for you and your family is to plan and safeguard your baby’s future! This requires a lot of groundwork and planning for the baby-on-the-way. Health conscious and aware parents are considering cord blood stem cell preservation to be an integral part of their baby plan.

What is Umbilical Cord?

The term “cord blood” is used to describe the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and the placenta after the birth of a baby. Up until recently this afterbirth umbilical cord was discarded as medical waste. Cord blood contains stem cells that may be cryopreserved for later use in medical therapies, such as stem cell transplants or clinical trials of new stem cell therapies.

What are cord blood stem cells?

The blood in the umbilical cord and placenta is rich in stem cells. The stem cells in cord blood can grow into the blood and immune system cells, as well as other types of cells.

One of the most important decisions to be taken is – Which is the best umbilical cord blood bank for my baby?

Here are a few questions that you must ask the cord blood bank and choose the best cord blood bank for your baby.

Let’s take it step by step based on the following parameters –

Are there any specific accreditations I should look for when selecting a cord blood bank?

To decide on a cord blood bank, you’ll want to look at a number of factors which will define cell processing and lab practices: Cord blood banks should comply with national accreditation standards developed by national regulatory bodies such as ISO, FDA, GMP, GCP and GLP. Cord blood banks who have attained these gold standards have a systematic, hygienic, temperature controlled and regulated lab for extraction and preservation.

When and how is cord blood collected?

Umbilical cord blood is harvested quickly and painlessly just a few minutes after the birth of the baby— after the cord has been clamped, on both sides, and cut (either before or after the delivery of the placenta). The blood is collected either by drawing the blood from the umbilical cord with a needle and a “gravity bag” to drain and collect the blood.

What questions should parents ask about Collection?

It is necessary to know if the cord blood bank takes care of the collection of cord blood at the time of birth and the cost of shipping the cord blood to the preservation facility is included in the contract/agreement. It is also important to ask about paramedic or collection experts’ availability on weekends and wee hours.

How does the cord blood bank manage shipping at the time of preservation and retrieval?

Most cord blood banks assure free global shipment at the time of retrieval, but it also important to understand the shipping criteria during transportation of the specimen from birthing centre to the cryopreservation facility. You may also want to ask the cord blood bank to guarantee to transport the specimen to the lab and processed within a certain time window. It is mandatory that the cryo-shipping container has a temperature logger.

Is CFU really important, should we as parents care about it?

The answer is simple, it’s a big Yes. At present Colony Forming Units or CFU are considered to be the only and the best measure of whether stem cells are “viable”, or quite frankly if the cells are alive. The Total Nucleated Cell count includes both living and dead cells. In the CFU test, a small portion is watched under controlled conditions to see if cord blood stem cells divide and form colonies. It is a standardized technology to image the cells and count colonies in the image. It is advised by experts to take the CFU test before preservation as the test takes a lot of days for colonies to grow rather than wasting time at that time of retrieval or transplant to perform the test.

We hope this helps you to ask the right questions and thereby make your decisions about preserving your baby’s stem cells with the right bank!

For more information you may check: parentsguidecordblood.org/ and http://www.babycell.in/

Babycell has a panel of cord blood banking and stem cell transplants experts. To address your queries on stem cell banking you may call 1800 209 0309