If you\u2019re half way through your pregnancy, we don\u2019t need to tell you just how exciting, nerve-wracking and hectic this time can be \u2013 all at the same time.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Section 1 – Intro Para” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: (If you\u2019re half way through your pregnancy…)” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”0px|10px|5px|10px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
Your life, and that of your partner, is going to change for ever. In a good way, of course.<\/p>\n
Therefore, announcing the birth is going to be high up on your agenda, no doubt. After all, giving birth deserves some recognition!<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Section 2 – (Let\u2019s Start Early)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: Let\u2019s Start Early” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
The key \u2013 as in almost everything in life \u2013 is getting organised. And, if you can, being prepared early. For example, you don\u2019t want to have your baby, and nobody know about it now, do you? Or, just generally, worry about something you\u2019ve not done?<\/p>\n
Sorting everything ahead of time makes things easier, enabling you to look forward to the arrival of your little one.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve put together this essential checklist, with top tips and advice to keep you on track; including something you may not yet actively have considered \u2013 although as you\u2019re reading our blog, it could well be on your radar \u2013 some guidance and food for thought about family cord blood banking, and on stem cell storage in general, also known as stem cell preservation. <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ admin_label=”Section 3a (How to Plan Your Birth Announcement)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: How to Plan Your Birth Announcement” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
It\u2019s worth jotting down a template of sorts; if you\u2019ve elected NOT to know the baby\u2019s sex, you\u2019ve got some still-to-come facts to fill in, and the following will make sure you don\u2019t forget anything:<\/p>\n
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If there\u2019s space, depending on the media you\u2019re using, you could even include a photograph.<\/p>\n
Where to put the announcement?<\/p>\n
Formerly just in newspapers, the answer now is: anywhere you so choose. Social media is of course de rigeur, but email is more private. And, did you know that you can now buy birth announcement stationery in the form of cards? Rather classy, we think.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s best to get the good news out before the baby is 3-4 months old, otherwise everyone will know, but not know, if you see what we mean.
There are other ways to get ahead, too:<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Section 4 (1. Do Your Research)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: (1.\tDo Your Research)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
There\u2019s a plethora of useful information out there, there really is.<\/p>\n
From breastfeeding (and why you should do it) through to sharing the parental load, understanding the changes to your body, how to look after yourself \u2013 anything and everything.<\/p>\n
Forewarned is forearmed. Plus, it gives you an excuse to put your feet up for a good old read.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Section 5 (2.\tStart Collecting the Things You Will Need for Your Baby)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: (2.\tStart Collecting the Things You Will Need for Your Baby)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
We\u2019ve written about this before in a recent blog, which you can read here. As you\u2019ll see, it\u2019s NOT an extensive list. Buy decent quality things, but don\u2019t go overboard.<\/p>\n
Firstly, your baby will grow extremely fast and within what seems like minutes will no longer fit into his or her baby grow. Second, you\u2019ll want to avoid accumulating new- born-related \u201cwhite elephants\u201d; must-have things that sit around gathering dust that seemed like such a promising idea at the time.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Section 6a (3.\tKit Out the Nursery)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ admin_label=”Section 6b (3. Kit Out the Nursery)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: 3. (Kit Out the Nursery)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
Now THIS will be a joy, and could bring out your pregnancy nesting instinct.<\/p>\n
Again, there\u2019s plenty of advice available. This site is particularly useful:<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.johnsonsbaby.co.uk\/preparing-for-baby\/preparing-a-nursery<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/cells4life-assets\/images\/nursery_2_gausian.png” url=”https:\/\/www.johnsonsbaby.co.uk\/preparing-for-baby\/preparing-a-nursery” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Section 7 (4.\tMake a Birth Plan)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: (4.\tMake a Birth Plan)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
Once you go into labour, it will be, to coin a phrase \u2013 all systems go. If you have specific wishes about one of the most important days of your life, we\u2019d advise that you document the following:<\/p>\n
A major part of the above birthing plan, arranging for family cord blood banking could be one of the most worthwhile things you ever do \u2013 bar none.<\/p>\n
Your baby could live a long life; much longer than you, in fact. So, to help him or her maintain their wellbeing for as long as possible is, in our view, paying it forward for a potential long-term health investment of a lifetime.<\/p>\n
The rich source of stem cells found in your little one\u2019s umbilical cord can be stored, and used highly effectively in future stem cell therapies.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Section 9 (The Time is Now \u2013 Or It Will Soon Be)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: (The Time is Now \u2013 Or It Will Soon Be)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
In the moments immediately after giving birth, your chance has come.<\/p>\n
Cells4Life will organise for a phlebotomist to extract everything they need for immediate stem cell storage. It\u2019s discreet, painless \u2013 and done and dusted.<\/p>\n
The cells harvested just after birth contain many stem cells. These are special cells that go through various stages of division to become cells with specialised functions \u2013 for example, brain cells, heart muscle cells, or blood cells.<\/p>\n
No other cells in the body have the natural ability to generate new cell types, thus making them super heroes. Why? Because they can grow to become new tissue for use in transplants or any other regenerative medicine.<\/p>\n
The uses are extensive.<\/p>\n
The potential for healing, even with previously incurable conditions, is outstanding.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Section 10 (Is Cord Blood Banking Expensive?)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: (Is Cord Blood Banking Expensive?)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
If you\u2019re defining expensive<\/em> as a considered purchase, then yes \u2013 but only to a degree. Stem cell storage can cost the same as a family holiday, ensuring a brighter future for your children, and your future children.<\/p>\n Not a great deal to consider, perhaps.<\/p>\n If however, you\u2019re keen to see the bigger picture, with all the astonishing capabilities associated with stem cell preservation \u2013 then no.<\/p>\n