The Benefits Of Insception Lifebank Cord Blood Service

Having a child is such a special moment in your life and one we have experienced twice. With our first, Josiah, he was born without issue, was happy, healthy and came home from the hospital shortly after delivery. Liam's birth, on the other hand, was a little more complicated. He was born 5 weeks early and his lungs were not fully developed. This caused a variety of issues and set the scene for what was to come in his life. Since then he has been diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis, brain tumors and may cause a variety of other issues in his future.

Of course, you never expect anything like this to happen to your own family. Before this, we'd never thought about banking cord blood, but now that Liam has gone through so much, this is definitely a consideration when having our next child. The viable stem cells found in cord blood can be used to treat 75 conditions and medical experts are working to find more ways cord blood can be used to help families like our own. 

Yes, banking cord blood can get expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Doing our research, we found that Insception Lifebank is offering a $100 off coupon for cord blood services for Canadian residents. The amazing thing about the cord blood service is that you can reserve your spot just by entering your baby's due date and your name. Then, when your baby is born you have 10 days to use the coupon and save the cord blood with Insception. 

If you are wondering about how this effects your baby, there is nothing to worry about. This is a noninvasive procedure, which in no way effects the birth or health of your baby. However, the cord blood is there if ever needed in the future. For example, cord blood has been used to treat a variety of issues, from autism and diabetes to spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy. 

Of course, we hope nothing like this will ever be needed, but wouldn't you rather take this step now than wish you had later on? We never knew what we would go through with our little Liam and, with all of the new treatments using cord blood, we are positive this may be able to help his diagnosis in the future. 

Have you used a cord banking service or do you plan to after having your child?

Disclosure: I was compensated for this sponsored post made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. Coupons for this promotion are available to Canadian residents only. American registrations are welcome but unfortunately do not qualify for the coupons. 

Five health tips for children

No matter a child’s age, special attention must always be given to their health and overall well-being.  It is a parent’s job not only to ensure the health and safety of their child, but also to teach that child about healthy habits and why such habits are so important.  Here are five health tips for children that will help.

#1 Eating right

It is no secret that a healthy, well-balanced diet is the key to growing up strong and healthy.  Maintaining healthy eating habits is important far beyond childhood and can help ensure a long, healthy life.  First and foremost, parents need to learn what a balanced diet is before they can teach their kids.  Healthy diets include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, plenty of protein, and lots of fluids.  

Once parents know what a good diet consists of, get the kids involved.  Start each day with a healthy breakfast that will refuel the body and provide plenty of energy.  Then, let the children help plan at least one meal each week.  This is a good way to let kids learn what foods are healthy and which ones aren’t.  And remember, kids learn by imitating their parents, so set a good example by eating right!

#2 See the doctor regularly

Routine medical check-ups are essential for staying healthy.  Often, parents make the mistake of only taking their child to the doctor when he or she is sick – that’s a big mistake.  Regular medical, dental, and vision examinations will identify any potential problems and help children to stay healthy.  Vaccinations are also a good idea, as they help save lives through the prevention of many diseases.  Parents concerned about the possible risks and side effects of having their children immunized should talk to their doctor and never be afraid to ask questions.

#3 Banking the baby’s cord blood

Banking a baby’s umbilical cord blood isn’t a frequent presence on “top health tips for kids” lists, but it should be.  Unfortunately, cord blood banking isn’t as universally known about as doctors would like and many expectant parents just don’t know how critical a matter it actually is. A baby’s umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells, which can be used to treat a number of diseases including cancer and Sickle Cell Anemia.  Even when there is no obvious indication that a child is sick or will become ill at some point, the cord blood could ensure its survival at some time in the future. It can be carefully stored and preserved for future use by that child or any relative.  Parents may also opt to donate the cord blood for public use by suitable recipients.  If parents want to learn how umbilical cord banking works they should consult their doctor before the baby is born.

#4 Healthy choices do matter

Good personal hygiene and making healthy choices often means the difference between getting sick or hurt and staying healthy.  Parents need to help their children develop good personal hygiene skills and encourage making healthy choices everyday.  Parents should emphasize things like proper hand washing before eating or handling food, coming in from outside, and after using the restroom.  Other healthy choices include not touching the face and avoiding close contact, wearing a helmet when cycling and a safety belt in a vehicle, applying sunscreen, and brushing their teeth.  The list is endless and the more a child is taught, the healthier he or she will be.

#5 Staying active

An active lifestyle is a healthy lifestyle.  Parents should lead by example and include children in their exercise activities.  That means taking the kids on a walk or bike ride and other similar outdoor activities.  It is a good idea to get between 30 and 60 minutes of physical activity every day, or several smaller sessions equaling that time.  Parents can encourage more activity by limiting television and computer time and encouraging the kids to play outside at least once a day.