EBB 346 - Uncovering the Facts about Private Cord Blood Banking with Journalist Sarah Kliff

Evidence Based Birth®

In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker and investigative journalist Sarah Kliff of The New York Times explore the intricate world of cord blood banking. Sarah shares insights from her article, "Promised Cures, Tainted Cells," which explored cord blood banking practices, their marketing claims, and the stark contrast between public and private banking systems. Together, they discuss:

• The differences between public and private cord blood banks
• Marketing tactics and their impact on parents
• The decline in the medical utility of cord blood over the last decade
• Ethical concerns, such as contamination, low stem cell counts, and hidden collection fees

Sarah also shares the stories of families who invested in private banking, only to find their samples unusable when needed. This episode sheds light on the decisions surrounding cord blood banking and provides a look at the system's pitfalls. Join us at the EBB Conference (virtually) this March by registering here! You can also see if the EBB Pocket Guide to Newborn Procedures is in stock here. (00:05:56) Paid vs. Donated Cord Blood Storage (00:08:06) Stem Cell Storage for Future Medical Use (00:09:32) "Cord Blood Marketing: Promises and Concerns" (00:21:44) Rising Financial Burden of Cord Blood Storage (00:25:46) Unregulated Growth in Private Cord Blood Banking (00:26:14) Quality Control Concerns in Private Cord Blood Banking (00:34:48) Cord Blood Banking Implications in Delayed Clamping (00:41:52) Unregulated Risks of Cord Blood Storage Resources:

• Read "Promised Cures, Tainted Cells" here
• Check out the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on cord blood banking here

For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.