July is Cord Blood Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to learn how something once discarded at birth can now be a lifeline for your family and broader community. But here’s the catch: many expecting parents, especially in underrepresented communities, still don’t know that cord blood can save lives.
This week’s featured article breaks down what cord blood is, how it works, and why informed decisions around public or private banking matter, especially for communities of color. With just a few minutes and a little planning, cord blood donation could be the bridge to healing for someone else.
Make it a great week!
Featured Resources 🙏🏾
Mindful Moment 😌
Pause, follow the guide below, and observe 3-5 DEEP breaths. Bring your awareness to where your body meets the ground or your seat, noticing the pressure, texture, and temperature beneath you as a way to anchor yourself in the present moment.
Mindful Movement 🙆🏾♂️
This week's practice helps enhance balance by strengthening stabilizing muscles and cultivating greater mind-body awareness. Do this routine 2-3 times this week and notice any changes to your sleep quality.
Mindful Reflection ✍🏾
What does rest look like for me, and am I giving myself permission to experience it regularly?
Share your responses with us on Threads, and be sure to #balanceperiod
Affirmation 🗣️
Say this silently, or out loud, to yourself:
"Rest is my right, and I deserve it without guilt."
Upcoming Health/Wellness Events 🗓️
Mind and Meal – Minority Mental Health Month
Join us for Mind and Meal, a powerful and uplifting afternoon dedicated to celebrating Minority Mental Health Month with community, connection, and care.
Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch while engaging in activities designed to nourish the mind and soul.
- Saturday, July 25th, from 12:00 to 3:00 PM EDT
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Hope Park (3304 Forest Manor Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46218)
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Mocha Girls Read Book Discussion of "Hood Wellness"
Meet Tamela J. Gordon, author of "Hood Wellness", as Mocha Girls Read discusses her book - expect insightful conversations and good vibes!
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Sunday, July 27th, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM EDT
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Ujamaa Community Bookstore (2424 Dr MLK Jr St, Indianapolis, IN 46208)
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Understanding Cord Blood (What Expectant Mothers Should Know)🤰🏾🩸
Two decades ago, nearly 9 in 10 Black women said they would donate cord blood if only they knew they could. Fast forward to today, and that awareness gap still exists. That’s why this volume is focusing on what cord blood is, how it works, and why informed choices around it matter deeply, especially in underrepresented communities.
What Is Cord Blood, and Why Is It Special?
Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born. Once considered medical waste, it’s now recognized as a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells—powerful cells that can become red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
These cells have been used in treating:
- Blood cancers
- Genetic disorders
- Certain immune system diseases
And the list keeps growing.
How Is It Collected?
The process is simple and painless for both mother and baby. After the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, a healthcare provider inserts a needle into the cord to draw the remaining blood into a collection bag. The entire process takes just a few minutes and doesn’t interfere with childbirth.
What You Should Know as an Expecting Parent
Here are some essential facts about cord blood:
- It’s completely safe and doesn’t affect delivery.
- You should start the conversation with your healthcare provider between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.
- Not all hospitals offer cord blood collection; check with yours early.
- Cord blood can be an alternative to bone marrow in transplants.
- When properly stored, cord blood stem cells can last for decades.
Is Your Baby’s Cord Blood a Match?
Cord blood transplants require matching human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), and even family members aren’t always a match. That’s why public donations are so important. It builds a diverse registry and increases the chances for patients from all backgrounds to find matches when they need them most.
Public vs. Private Cord Blood Banking
- Public banking is free and makes your donation available to anyone who’s a match, or for medical research. It’s a powerful way to support health equity.
- Private banking stores your baby’s cord blood exclusively for your family. It comes with upfront collection and annual storage fees but offers guaranteed access if needed.
Both options have pros and cons. The right choice depends on your family’s priorities, values, and budget.
Why Community Participation Matters
Approximately 70% of patients who need a stem cell transplant don’t have a fully matched donor in their family. These individuals rely on unrelated donors, and the likelihood of finding a match improves significantly when donors share their ethnic background.
That’s why increasing cord blood donations among Black families and other underrepresented groups isn’t just about personal benefit; it’s a step toward health justice for all.
Let’s Talk About It
Start the conversation with your provider. Share what you’ve learned with friends and family. The more we know, the more we can change lives—not just our own, but our entire community’s.
Want to learn more? Check out this week's featured article.
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