If you need a transplant and you’re having your stem cells donated from someone else, then one option is to use stem cells from umbilical cord blood. Cord blood transplants act as a great alternative when a sibling or matched unrelated donor is not available.

An umbilical cord connects a baby in the womb to the placenta. The placenta and umbilical cord are a rich source of stem cells. Once a baby has been safely delivered, the mother delivers the placenta, the cord is cut and the stem cells can be collected. This is a completely safe procedure for the mother and 

the baby. 

The blood is taken to a cord bank, where it can be frozen for a number of years