4. How is Cord Blood Collected? Is it Safe?

Yes, collecting cord blood is safe, quick, and painless for both mother and baby. After your baby is born and the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, your OB-GYN or trained medical practitioner or delivery room staff will collect the remaining blood in the cord using a sterile kit provided by Cordlife Philippines.

5. How Long Can Cord Blood Be Stored?

Studies suggest that under certain cryogenic conditions such as using liquid nitrogen and keeping the temperature at or below -150°C, cord blood stem cells can be stored indefinitely and remain viable*.

The Estimated shelf life in cryopreserved state:  1,000 years**

*    Liedtke S, Tobben S, Holger G, et.al. Long-term stability of cord blood units after 29 years of cryopreservation: follow-up data from the Jose Carreras cord blood bank. Stem Cells Translational Medicine. 2023; XX (1-13). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/stcltm/szad071. 

** Karlsson J, Toner M. Long-term storage of tissues by cryopreservation: critical issues. Biomaterials. 1996; 17(3): 243-256.

6. Can Cord Blood Be Used by Other Family Members?

Yes, cord blood may be used not only by your baby or the owner of the cord blood, there’s a high chance of a match between siblings, and since each child is genetically unique, banking for each child ensures each has their own perfect match while also increasing the chances of a suitable match within the family, which is why many parents choose to bank cord blood for each child.

*For other types of stem cells found in the cord lining and cord tissue, matching is potentially unnecessary, making it useful for other family members.

Choosing to bank your baby’s cord blood is a once-in-a-lifetime decision. With Cordlife Philippines, you gain a trusted partner dedicated to helping protect your family’s future through world-class stem cell banking services.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit www.cordlife.ph/make-an-appointment and find out about our ongoing promotions.

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Planning Ahead with Your OB-GYN

Whether it’s ensuring Unang Yakap happens or deciding to bank your baby’s cord blood and cord tissue, preparing a birth plan is a great way to make your preferences known. It helps clarify your priorities and communicating them to your OB-GYN, and makes you feel empowered and at ease during labor and delivery.

Talk openly with your OB-GYN about your birth plan early on, and let them know if you're considering stem cell banking. Your medical team plays a key role in coordinating both practices safely and smoothly.

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While Unang Yakap is focused on immediate health and bonding, stem cell banking offers long-term protection that may be helpful in the future. Both are anchored in the idea of prevention, preparation, and care. Unang Yakap supports survival and healthy development in the newborn’s first hours through the infancy stage, while stem cell banking provides health protection options for you and your baby later in life.

Unang Yakap and stem cell banking represent evolving ways we care for our children, from the very first touch to preparing for life’s uncertainties.

Whether you’re still exploring your options or already mapping out your birth plan, it helps to know that these steps can work hand-in-hand to give your baby the healthiest start possible.

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Terms and conditions apply.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

Being a dad today means being a planner, a protector, and an equal partner. It means thinking not just about the now, but about the ‘what ifs’. Stem cell banking, from a father’s perspective, isn’t just about science—it’s about peace of mind.

As we honor dads this month, let’s celebrate those who are proactive in their parenting, those who ask the hard questions, and those who choose to future-proof their family’s health in every way they can.

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Making the Right Choice This Special Month of Mothers

To every mom who chose Cordlife, your decision is saying Yes to preparedness. Yes to Peace of Mind. Yes to your child’s tomorrow.

And if you’re still deciding? Know this: the best time to secure your baby’s future is now. 

Learn more about our Mother’s Month Specials this Month of May!

Understanding Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): A Guide for Expecting Parents

Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience filled with excitement and anticipation. As technology advances, so do the options available to soon-to-be parents, especially in the realm of prenatal testing.

One such development is Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT). This blog article aims to provide expecting parents with a comprehensive understanding of NIPT as a screening service, its benefits, and considerations to make informed choices during their pregnancy journey.

What is Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)?

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing or NIPT, is a cutting-edge screening test that focuses on analyzing the risks related to genetic conditions of the developing baby. It is done through a simple blood draw from the expecting mother as early as 10 weeks into the pregnancy, with little or no risk.

How Does NIPT Work?

NIPT relies on the analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) circulating in the maternal bloodstream. During pregnancy, a small fraction of the DNA in the bloodstream comes from the placenta and the developing fetus. By isolating and analyzing this fetal DNA, NIPT can provide valuable information about the baby's genetic makeup.

Conditions Detected by NIPT

Non-invasive Prenatal Testing screens for the most common chromosomal abnormalities, including Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13). NIPT also screens for sex chromosome abnormalities like Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome. With Cordlife NIPT, up to 142 conditions can be detected.

Advantages of NIPT

Non-invasive Prenatal Test poses no direct threat to the fetus or the mother and since it can be performed as early as 10th week of pregnancy, you can get early insights into your baby's health and be more prepared for their arrival. NIPT boasts high sensitivity and specificity rates, offering reliable results.

Another thing that parents love about NIPT is that it also provides the option to know the gender early.

Screening, Not Confirmatory

NIPT is a screening tool and does not provide definitive diagnostic results. Positive findings may require confirmation for diagnostic test.

Cordlife Philippines Non-invasive Prenatal Testing with free Chromosomal Microarray Analysis

Cordlife PH offers basic and comprehensive options for NIPT with its available plans: Lite, Premium, and Premium Plus. With Cordlife NIPT Premium Plus, high-risk patients can avail of free Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA) diagnostic testing.

Cordlife NIPT Price

Cordlife NIPT price ranges from P21,500-P44,500 with a free genetic counseling session and the option to have a home service maternal blood extraction.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing is a safe, accurate, and convenient option for expectant parents to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in their unborn child. Informed choices during pregnancy contribute to a healthier and more secure start for both parents and their precious new addition to the family. Ask your OB-GYN about NIPT today!

Full month party ideas

A baby's full moon celebration is one of the most significant milestones that follow birth. If you are planning a full moon celebration for your baby, we hope this guide can help you plan a full moon party for your baby.

What is a full moon or full month party?

The Chinese usually celebrate the full month or full moon (满月) when a baby is about to or has reached the age of one month. This practice dates back to ancient Chinese culture, when infant mortality was high. These events were held to commemorate the baby's survival of the first month of life, which meant that he or she was more likely to survive into adulthood.

A traditional Chinese way to celebrate this event is with a red egg and ginger party. Guests are served dyed red eggs and pickled ginger. The eggs are a sign of happiness and new life, while the pickled ginger is a sign of getting back to normal after giving birth.

When is the best time to start planning?

As you eagerly wait for your bundle of joy to arrive at any time between now and week 40, you could start looking for ideas to celebrate your precious baby's full month and plan ahead of time. Time flies after the child is born, so it is best to plan ahead of time to avoid scrambling at the last minute.

What kind of party do you want to throw, and prepare a guest list?

Depending on you and your family, the celebration of your newborn can be extravagant or quiet. To begin, determine the type of party you want to throw and who will be invited.

Even if you are not hosting a full-month party, it is customary to give red eggs and full-month cakes to relatives, friends, and colleagues to announce the birth and to thank them for gifts. Instead of the traditional butter cake, parents can now choose from a wide range of cakes, such as cupcakes with beautiful designs. Alternatively, you can also give them cake vouchers to redeem later.

Set a date and time

Most Chinese families choose to throw the party on a weekend so that their guests can attend. Whichever day you choose, keep in mind that Chinese do not believe in celebrating after the baby's full month, so the date should ideally be on or before the actual day.

Determine your budget

Once you've decided on the type of party you want and who to invite, you'll be able to choose an appropriate venue and caterer based on your budget. Make a list of potential locations so you have options if your first choice is unavailable or out of your price range. Some places require a minimum number of guests, so ask your guests if they can make it before you book. To avoid unpredictable weather conditions, consider booking an indoor venue.

Make a spreadsheet to track your expenses so you don't go over budget. If you're on a tight budget, keep your guest list small or ask a friend who lives in a condo to book a function room for you so you don't have to pay for the venue.

Choose a party theme and plan the menu

What theme to go with is one of the most important decisions you'll make when throwing a party. The theme can influence the mood, decorations, and even the food. Since your baby won't be able to tell you the theme he or she prefers, pick one that appeals to you. There are numerous party themes to choose from. You could, for example, choose a garden theme or a colour theme and have your guests dress up in matching colours. The options are limitless. Create your own party mood board with free platforms such as Pinterest to help you organise your thoughts.

Send official invites to your guests

Take advantage of the fact that we live in the digital age. Make your own digital invitations online and send them out to friends and family one to two weeks before the party. You can even use technology to keep track of RSVPs by creating a Facebook event invite or a Google Form.

Daddy's day out

Bond with your baby before he arrives

This is the time for you to step up as a father and support your wife during her pregnancy. However, it is likely that you do not fully comprehend what the mother of your child is experiencing during her pregnancy.

You may feel as if you will not connect with your wife and will not know what you can do for her if you do not go through the pregnancy yourself. Being prepared for some of your partner's issues and stressors is an excellent way to maintain connection with her and your child. During pregnancy, it is common to focus on a woman's physical changes rather than her emotional and hormonal changes. Here are some tips to help dads prepare for the big day.

Show consideration

The most important thing is to be considerate of your pregnant partner, who will be physically and mentally unsettled. Accept that housework will not be completed; instead, take the initiative and lend a helping hand around the house. While you may be busy, remember that the most important thing right now is to cooperate and encourage the expectant mother so she can have a healthy baby. If you smoke, try not to do so in the same room. A supportive father is the single most important source of happiness for an expectant mother.

Give her a feet rub

Foot massage is an excellent stress reliever because it not only relieves stress but also provides some private time to discuss issues.

Show interest

Okay, you may be discussing the baby's name for the 1000th time, but always show interest. This could save both of you. Dump one or two soccer matches or have them recorded to watch later, but make time for important appointments and workshops.

Clean the bathroom

This may appear to be low on priority, but you wouldn't let her puke in a filthy toilet, would you?

Remain calm

She could be sick to her stomach, tired all the time, giddy, depressed, ravenous, completely without appetite, glad, mad, sad, or just plain miserable. Her ankles and breasts may swell and ache. Her back could hurt, and she could develop new allergies. She may also blame you in secret for her condition, especially if you don't show any sympathy for her. Your job is to show her you care in a calm way and resist the urge to brush off her problems and bad feelings.

Read her a book

There will be nights when she will not be able to sleep; be a good father and tuck her in or read her a book until she falls asleep. Consider it foreplay before reading your baby to sleep.

Love is in the air

Return to the places where you first fell in love with her; take her to the location where you proposed to her; take her to a restaurant to keep the romance alive. Always make her feel special; more than anything else, she needs your presence and attention right now.

Feel the baby

You've heard it before, "Just put your hand right here…". She suddenly reports that the baby has stopped moving. Try resting your hand on her belly while watching TV or lying in bed. The longer you leave your hand there, the more likely you will be rewarded with the thumps and flutters she craves.

Get ready to be a dad!

By the time the third trimester arrives, you'll have gone from expectant to full-time dad in a flash. Pregnancy is only a small part of a father-son or daughter relationship's life. Your true role in this pregnancy is to prepare to be a major player in the family and to take personal leadership in raising your new child.

Meanwhile, think about the kind of father you want to be, the values you want to instil in your child, and the lessons you want to teach your child. By the time your baby is born, you will be a different person with a different outlook on life. After all, at the end of this process, two will have become three.

5 interesting facts about autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the world's most rapidly growing developmental disorders. According to Statista's John Elflein, Singapore ranks ninth in the world in terms of reported autism cases in 2022, with 67 per 10,000 children.¹

Here are five interesting facts about autism:

Fact #1

10% of autistic people are thought to have special abilities in areas such as music, art, mathematical calculations, memory, and manual dexterity. The majority of people, on the other hand, may excel in areas related to their special interests. These skills are often referred to as 'splinter skills', because they are normally inconsistent with skills in other areas of development.

Fact #2

People with ASD are said to be emotionless and incapable of showing affection. This has been proven to be false. Due to differences in how they process sensory information and understand social cues, neurotypicals and neurodiversities may show emotions and affection in different ways.

Fact #3

Every autistic child is unique in their own way. There are no two children with autism who exhibit the same symptoms. Early intervention therapists must be trained and knowledgeable about the various teaching strategies for autistic children. The way a child is taught should be based on what he or she needs in order to learn useful language and ideas that will help them reach their full potential.

Fact #4

If autism symptoms are detected in a child at an early age and the appropriate type of early intervention is provided, the child has a good chance of living successfully, working, and contributing to society, just like any neurotypical individual. Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Andy Warhol, and Bill Gates are all thought to be autistic.

Fact #5

Many people are unaware that umbilical cord stem cells have shown promising results in the treatment of childhood autism when it comes to autism research. A recent research study led by renowned cord blood expert Dr Joanne Kurtzberg found significant improvements in children with autism when umbilical cord blood was infused into patients as a form of treatment.²

This article was written by Emuna House:

Emuna House is an inclusive, child-centred learning organisation. They provide programmes designed for both typical and atypical children from as young as 15 months to 14 years of age, particularly for children who are on the Autism Spectrum. These programmes focus on building and strengthening base skills to allow progress to mainstream schooling and to better participate in society. All their programmes have Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy principles and techniques at their core. This approach enables them to discover and improve each child’s base skills, and repeat. Progress is made with gradual, but consistent, adaptation, fine-tuning, and goal-setting. They follow the progress of each child meticulously and encourage open communication between their team and their children’s families. They work together to provide a well-balanced and strong support system for the child as he or she learns to navigate the world.

Contact Information: +65 9012 4694

References: 

1. Elflein J. Autism rates among children by country page. Statista website. https://www.statista.com/statistics/676354/autism-rate-among-children-select-countries-worldwide/. Accessed February 26, 2021. 

2. Dawson G, Sun JM, Baker J, et al. A Phase II Randomized Clinical Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Umbilical Cord Blood Infusion for Treatment of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2020;222:164-173.