Cord Blood Banking: The term ‘Cord Blood Banking’ refers to the collection, processing and preservation of blood obtained from the Umbilical Cord and placenta of a baby after birth. The procedure for Cord Blood Banking is completely painless for mother and infant and poses no physical risks. Umbilical Cord Blood is valuable medically because it contains ‘stem cells’. Stem cells are cells that are not yet highly specialized. Stem cells can be transformed into more differentiated cells such as red blood cells which transport oxygen through the body, white blood cells, which combat infection, or platelets which are instrumental in blood clotting. Stem cells obtained from Umbilical Cord Blood can be used to treat literally dozens of life-threatening diseases including certain types of cancer, blood diseases, genetic diseases, metabolic diseases, and immunodeficiencies.