British couple freezes baby’s umbilical cord for future

November 4, 2009 by Shawn Douglas
Filed under: Baby Health, News

The British couple is thought to be the first to take advantage of the service, calling it a ‘potential life-saver’ for their child in the future.

Paula Aspinall, of Northwich, Cheshire, wants future mothers to know that umbilical cord tissue has potential life-saving value. Research has shown cells from umbilical tissue can be used in various ways including the repair of damaged bone or muscle and the treatment of nerve damage.

Paula and her partner, Peter, are thought to be the first British couple to take advantage of the freezing service by Future Health Technologies, Ltd. The couple paid almost £2,000 for the service which cryogenically stores the umbilical tissue and blood samples for a period of 20 years.

Not only will the cells be of life-saving value to their son, Daniel, but there is a high likelihood that the cells will be useful to Daniel’s sister or parents.

“I think it is a waste that the cord is routinely thrown away,” said Paula Aspinall.

“I know the chances of needing this sample are very slim, and I genuinely hope we never have to use it. But the umbilical cord helps give life right from the start, so why not make it a potential lifesaver for the future?”

A spokesman for Future Health Technologies agreed. “With this new service we are extending the options for parents to put something aside for their family’s future health.”

“No one would wish that they might have to use this but it is there if they need it.”

The company has been maintaining samples of blood from umbilical cords for years, but saw an opportunity to expand freezing and storage operations for the benefit of future generations.