Yes, the obstetrician removes stem cells from the umbilical cord and they get sent for freezing - with the idea (touch wood) that if they may be needed for a medical emergency in the future and with the progression of medical research in the area that they could be invaluable for your child. Realistically they will likely never need to use them - and I'd be happy with the outlay in that case.
Not for everyone, but I'm happy with the decision.
Interesting! We never even got offered this. No mention of it at any of our appointments, in hospital or anything else.
I'm not surprised with child the second, but child the first was a private hospital baby with about 100 OB appts so if it were ever going to come up...