There is a lot of research being done, these days, on Stem Cells and the importance of Cord Blood Banking. 
It is a personal decision that many parents make before the birth of their child.
 
Research is still in it's early stages but, it's believed that, along with Cerebral Palsy and Autism, these stem cells may help with a variety of diseases like Leukemia, Alzheimers and Diabetes.
 
Here's how Cord Blood Banking works:
 
In the delivery room, the obstetrician collects blood from the umbilical cord while attached to the placenta.
It is a painless procedure and only takes a minute or two.  Then, the stem cells are sent to a lab where they are put into a deep freeze.
In private banking... costs vary... but run approximately $2,000 up-front.
The family then pays around $125 in annual storage fees.
 
The following video report is from a military news program. 
It details what Cord Blood Banking is and why families should consider it.
 
 
Part Two (in this series from a military news program) discusses the difference between Private and Public banking. 
 
Private means you bank your child's cord blood, at your own cost, for use by your own family.
Public means you bank your child's cord blood, for free, and offer it as donation for use by the public.
 
The decision is a personal one for families and one that, doctors believe, should definitely be discussed.
 
 
 

For more information on Cord Blood Banking:
 
 
 
Funding for CP Discovery is provided by www.rehabmart.com