Banking Cord Blood???

Has anyone banked their baby's cord blood or thinking of doing this? The brochures I've gotten make a really strong case for it (of course they would!) But I think I remember reading somewhere that it isn't as beneficial as it seems. Any thoughts?

Re: Banking Cord Blood???

we havent' decided......I would love to hear opinions from BTDT mommies!!!

Re: Banking Cord Blood???

We use Cryo-Cell. I had no problems with the company and they were the cheapest by far at the time. Their prices have gone up since they now store two vials- each in a separate storage facililty. I think this doubled the storage fee to almost $100/year.

Re: Banking Cord Blood???

One of the reasons I'm hesitant is the cost. Although the storage fees are low, it seemed the initial fee was pretty steep (a couple thousand?) I don't mind paying, but I'm wondering if it is worth doing.

Re: Banking Cord Blood???

What is the reason behind doing this? I have heard of it before but just wasn't sure why it's done...thanks!

Re: Banking Cord Blood???

What is cord blood storage?
Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following child birth and is routinely discarded with the placenta and umbilical cord. Now a process called cord blood banking allows you to have your newborn baby's cord blood saved for potential medical uses.

Your newborn baby's cord blood is a rich source of stem cells, which are genetically unique to your baby and family. These valuable cells can only be collected in the minutes after child birth.

Collecting the cord blood poses no risk to your newborn and collections can take place after vaginal or cesarean births. The collection procedure, which takes only a few minutes, is simple, safe, and painless.

Why is cord blood storage important?
Preserving your baby's stem cells is considered to be a type of 'safeguard,' or biological resource for your family. Already, these cells have been used in thousands of lifesaving medical treatments, and many doctors and scientists believe that in the future, stem cells may be used to repair brain or spinal cord damage, or regenerate heart tissue in patients who have suffered a heart attack.

Re: Banking Cord Blood???

We banked Sean's cord blood w/ Viacord. The cost was $1550 + $95 storage fee + $200 withdrawal fee which my OB charged. The courier picked up the blood within 4 hours of Sean's delivery.

I think if I hadn't been aware that this was possible (neither of my sister's did this with their 5 children) it wouldn't have mattered. Since I did all the research, I felt as though what if I *didn't* do it? Would I regret it? Probably. The money is spent. Every year, one of Sean's birthday presents will be the $95 storage fee.

I posted on this subject when I was pg, you may be able to do a search.

Good luck in your decision.

Re: Banking Cord Blood???

I wanted to donate the cord blood since I knew someone who lost their child to a disease and we felt that the blood could make a difference for another child but only a few blood banks are doing this right now. They said in the future it will be an option.

we have decided against banking the cord blood.

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We've also been very interested in this and have read up and requested all the brochures.

I believe that we will be banking the cord blood. I think now that the opportunity is available, it's worth it, IMO.

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I would like to do it, but we can't afford it unfortunately. I just hope we'll never regret it!

Re: Banking Cord Blood???

I only paid 300 something dollars for the initial fee and this included the first yr. storage fee. I then also had to pay to for the courier to get the blood to the storage facility. I do not remember the exact cost, but I know it varied based on weekday, weekend, holiday, etc. The birth was on a weekend so I think it was about $150 and the range was $39-$200?.

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Wow... from the info I was given, the initial fee is close to $2000??? That's a big difference?

Re: Banking Cord Blood???

Melissa,

Here is a link that might be useful.
The company we used was cryo-cell and they show the price difference beteen the current storage companies. They are the cheapest. Way below $2K


Cord Blood Bank Storage Fee Comparison by Cryo-Cell

Re: Banking Cord Blood???

Briar Rose, Thanks so much for this info!!