Birth tissue is a unique way for expectant mothers to give the gift of healing through tissue donation. Mom and her little bundle of joy will be heroes to those in need of therapeutic tissue grafts. Birth tissue, which includes the placenta and umbilical cord, provides nutrients and protection to support fetal development in the womb and is normally discarded after birth. These birth tissues, made up of components that promote the body’s own healing mechanisms. They can be donated to benefit patients who have a variety of medical needs. They help reduce pain and speed up the recovery process.
Donated birth tissues have been used for many years in various medical procedures and therapies including, but not limited to, difficult-to-heal wounds, ophthalmic procedures, spinal surgeries and sports injuries. Numerous areas of medicine currently use birth tissue grafts, such as dental, general surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, spinal medicine, urology and wound care.
The benefits of using this healing gift are incredible! Here are just a few:
-
Anti-microbial: lowering the number of bacteria that can cause infections while healing.
-
Anti-inflammatory: reduction of inflammation or swelling, decreasing the pain felt in the transplanted area.
-
Anti-scarring: scar tissue is less visible in comparison to a transplant of tissue grafts from other sources.
-
Anti-adhesion: acts as a barrier during internal surgery, reducing internal adhesions.
-
Anti-immunogenic: birth tissue grafts lack antigens that would cause a recipient’s immune system to react and attack the transplanted tissue, making rejection of these grafts rare.
Here are some more interesting facts related to birth tissue donation:
-
Birth tissue donation is safe for both mother and baby. These tissues would otherwise be discarded after delivery.
-
Birth tissue grafts used as wound coverings or internal barriers can range in size from 15mm to 6cm x 8cm.
-
The amniotic membrane of the placenta is very thin and like the surface of the eye, allowing it to be used as a healing bandage in ophthalmic treatments when the surface of the eye has been injured.
This type of living donation is an extraordinary way expectant mothers can share the ultimate gift.
Meet the Hamrick family. Veronica decided to give back by donating her birth tissue after her son, Judson, was born. Her and her husband, Doug, have been incredible partners of Nevada Donor Network through their tattoo studio, Angel Hands Ink.
Watch more about their connection to our mission:
Inspired? Learn more about birth tissue donation here!