--- title: Stem Cell Basics date: 2023-07-11T20:04:00-04:00 author: Eva Passalacqua canonical_url: "https://www.americordblood.com/stem-cell-basics" section: How it Works --- # What are Newborn Stem Cells? Exploring and understanding stem cells unlocks a realm of medical innovations and ongoing scientific progress. Newborn stem cells hold immense potential for healing, making their remarkable abilities a valuable resource for life. ![Expecting couple holding sonogram americord](https://assets.americordblood.com/transforms/heroimages/85541/expecting-couple-holding-sonogram-americord_2023-11-24-200730_rnvn_2c600d79de408219dbeede82cafa42d3.jpg) ![Expecting couple holding sonogram americord](https://assets.americordblood.com/transforms/heroimages/85541/expecting-couple-holding-sonogram-americord_2023-11-24-200730_rnvn_49a639b762324ba7a416856899a48542.jpg) ## Stem Cell Basics Stem cells, with their remarkable capacity to transform into various cell types like blood, bone, and muscle cells, are pivotal in the growth, development, and tissue repair within organisms. These innate cells hold the key to treating a multitude of conditions and diseases, transforming modern medicine with regenerative therapy options - offering families hope for the future of their health. ## Types of Newborn Stem Cells When your baby is born, stem cells can be found in the umbilical cord and placenta. Both of these components of birth are often discarded, however these cells hold immense healing power. Newborn stem cells derived from cord blood, cord tissue, and placental tissue offer a rich source of stem cells with immense therapeutic potential. These cells can be broadly categorized into two main types: hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). [ Learn More ](https://www.americordblood.com/articles/different-types-of-stem-cells-and-their-use) ![A loving mother shares a kiss with her baby amidst fall.](https://assets.americordblood.com/transforms/default/21455/mom-kissing-baby-fall-sunset-americord_2023-10-16-030401_wvga_2788bfe46ec3418799e73ae61305a5a0.jpg) ## What Can Stem Cells be Used to Treat? Cord blood stem cells are currently FDA-approved to treat over 80 conditions and diseases. These cells, along with cord tissue and placental tissue stem cells, are being studied in hundreds of clinical trials - researching treatments for cancers, cerebral palsy, diabetes, and more. [ View Treatments & Trials ](https://www.americordblood.com/fda-approved-treatments) ![A cute baby sitting beside grandfather on a red couch.](https://assets.americordblood.com/transforms/default/1179/grandfather-smiling-baby-red-couch-americord_2023-08-02-171339_egto_952df9ab2bc4a0a311baea23d87e9701.jpg) Everyone's been very friendly and very eager to help. I like the way they do business and everyone that I've spoken to has been very knowledgeable. After researching multiple companies, Americord provides the best value and the best customer service. Ashley R. *Mother of 2, New York* Banking my baby's cord blood is like an insurance. I'd feel guilty if I'd pass doing something so simple, when it comes to having an opportunity to cure a disease. Catherine W. *Mother of 1, Texas* They met my expectations 100% and we will definitely recommend Americord to our friends and family. Manaswitha T. *Mother of 1, New Hampshire* Everyone's been very friendly and very eager to help. I like the way they do business and everyone that I've spoken to has been very knowledgeable. After researching multiple companies, Americord provides the best value and the best customer service. Ashley R. *Mother of 2, New York* Banking my baby's cord blood is like an insurance. I'd feel guilty if I'd pass doing something so simple, when it comes to having an opportunity to cure a disease. Catherine W. *Mother of 1, Texas* They met my expectations 100% and we will definitely recommend Americord to our friends and family. Manaswitha T. *Mother of 1, New Hampshire* Benefits of Banking Stem Cells ## Future Medical Developments The field of stem cell research is advancing rapidly, and new therapeutic applications are constantly being discovered. Banking newborn stem cells ensures that families have access to the latest advancements in stem cell therapies. [ Learn More ](https://www.americordblood.com/use-cases) Benefits of Banking Stem Cells ## Perfect Match Newborn stem cells collected from the umbilical cord or placenta at birth could be a perfect match for your child, reducing the need to find a matching donor. This significantly reduces the risk of rejection or complications associated with finding a suitable donor for potential stem cell transplants. [ Learn More ](https://www.americordblood.com/articles/cord-blood-banking-benefits) Benefits of Banking Stem Cells ## Potential Family Use In addition to being a match for your baby, stem cells have the potential to be a genetic match for other family members. Siblings, parents, and grandparents may benefit from the stored stem cells. This expands the possibilities for stem cell treatments, potentially offering life-saving options for various diseases or conditions for the family. [ Learn More ](https://www.americordblood.com/articles/who-can-use-my-babys-stem-cells) Benefits of Banking Stem Cells ## Easy and Painless Stem cell collection is an easy and non-invasive process that occurs during birth. This process causes no harm or pain for you or your little one and does not interfere with your healthcare team successfully delivering your baby. Stem cell collection is a straightforward, standard practice that all healthcare providers are trained to do. [ Learn More ](https://www.americordblood.com/how-it-works) Benefits of Banking Stem Cells ## Life-Saving Treatment Cord blood stem cells are FDA-approved to treat more than 80 conditions and diseases, including leukemias, lymphomas, and anemias. Clinical trials are seeking treatments for many more, including COVID-19, cerebral palsy, and strokes. [ Learn More ](https://www.americordblood.com/fda-approved-treatments) ## All in the Family When you bank your baby’s stem cells, your baby is protected from day one. For the rest of their life, they will have access to health treatments and therapies that they otherwise would not have. Your baby's stem cells may be able to treat various forms of cancer, autism, cerebral palsy, diabetes, and more. Many promising new uses are constantly being discovered and researched. ![Three siblings smiling while sitting on a grassy field.](https://assets.americordblood.com/transforms/default/964/three-siblings-smiling-photo-americord_0ad824f6735a0acbc0c18bff86a5ae0b.jpg) ### Brothers & Sisters We are genetically closest to our siblings. This is because we inherit half of our DNA from our mother and half from our father. Siblings with the same biological parents have the greatest chance of being a donor match for stem cell treatments. ![A family holding hands while enjoying the scenic view of the beach.](https://assets.americordblood.com/transforms/default/968/family-beach-holding-hands-waves-americord_0ad824f6735a0acbc0c18bff86a5ae0b.jpg) ### Mom & Dad Your baby's banked stem cells are incredibly versatile. They may be able to be used to treat diseases that often appear later in life, including multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cancers, lung diseases, and even orthopedic conditions. And it is not just your child who can benefit from unlocking the multipotent power of their cord blood and perinatal tissues, you can too. ![A grandpa kneeling and gently holding his grandchild's hand.](https://assets.americordblood.com/transforms/default/969/grandpa-kneeling-holding-grandchilds-hand-americord_0ad824f6735a0acbc0c18bff86a5ae0b.jpg) ### Grandparents Today, there are dozens of clinical trials specifically studying the use of newborn stem cells to treat aging diseases. In the future, your baby's stem cells may be able to stop or slow down Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and arthritis in your parents. ![A joyful mother and her child share laughter while engaging with a tablet at home](https://assets.americordblood.com/transforms/default/959/mom-daughter-laughing-home-americord_0ad824f6735a0acbc0c18bff86a5ae0b.jpg) ### Aunts & Uncles Your own siblings may be able to benefit from your baby's banked stem cells. Today's clinical trials and FDA-approved treatments are focused on using newborn cord blood and stem cells to successfully treat first and second degree relatives. ![A man gently cradling a child amidst a windy field.](https://assets.americordblood.com/transforms/default/955/dad-blonde-toddler-laughing-wind-americord_0ad824f6735a0acbc0c18bff86a5ae0b.jpg) ### Your Future Grandchildren Even your child's future children (your own grandchildren) may be able to benefit from the stem cells you choose to preserve today. Regenerative medicine and clinical trials are releasing new advancements each year. [ ![A newborn baby laying peacefully on a white cloth.](https://assets.americordblood.com/transforms/blogs/6200/newborn-baby-laying-down-bed-americord_fd3f1085759888345bd75721abaa0e3b.png) ](https://www.americordblood.com/articles/who-can-use-my-babys-stem-cells) ## Who Can Use My Baby’s Stem Cells? When deciding whether or not to bank your newborn's stem cells, it's important to consider their use. This article discusses who can use your baby's stem cells. [ Read More ](https://www.americordblood.com/articles/who-can-use-my-babys-stem-cells) [ ![A female scientist performing a laboratory experiment.](https://assets.americordblood.com/transforms/blogs/5657/how-long-can-stem-cells-be-stored-americord_fd3f1085759888345bd75721abaa0e3b.jpg) ](https://www.americordblood.com/articles/how-long-can-stem-cells-be-stored) ## How Long Can Stem Cells be Stored? Proper storage pauses the stem cell life span so families can preserve and use stem cells if needed. Choose Americord for your stem cell storage needs. [ Read More ](https://www.americordblood.com/articles/how-long-can-stem-cells-be-stored) [ ![A logo featuring red and orange circles, representing a vibrant and eye-catching design.](https://assets.americordblood.com/transforms/blogs/43737/where-stem-cells-come-from-americord_2023-10-17-154145_olwb_fd3f1085759888345bd75721abaa0e3b.png) ](https://www.americordblood.com/articles/what-are-stem-cells) ## Where do Stem Cells Come From? Incredibly useful stem cells come from cord blood and tissue. Learn how we can safely collect and store your baby's stem cells. [ Read More ](https://www.americordblood.com/articles/what-are-stem-cells) ## Be Prepared for the Unknown. When you preserve newborn stem cells with Americord, you ensure they are securely stored for you and your family’s future needs. [ Preserve Today ](https://www.americordblood.com/pricing) ![Smiling baby laying small hat americord](https://assets.americordblood.com/transforms/default/104855/smiling-baby-laying-small-hat-americord_36f4293508fdd0bb81438d7ee4cf258d.jpg) ![Smiling baby laying small hat americord](https://assets.americordblood.com/transforms/default/104855/smiling-baby-laying-small-hat-americord_f74d41bb98e84bbff612ea6b50f9ea91.jpg)