Storing cord blood?

Question

Has anybody decided to store their baby's cord blood? And if so, how did you decide on a cord blood bank? We are trying to decide if this is something we want, mostly because there is a family history of leukemia and lymphoma. But the banks seem terribly commercial and expensive so far. Not sure if it's worth it.

Answer

You should look in delayed cord clamping instead. Storing cord blood literally steals 1/3rd of the babies blood supply from the baby.

Answer

Thank you! I did actually read about delayed cord clamping, too, and if we decide not to store cord blood I will probably ask for that. Just trying to decide if storing cord blood is worth it. From what I have read only extremely few cases are known where someone actually went back to use theirs. And some articles also said that the frozen stem cells may only last 10-20 years, while most people in my family didn't have cancer until at least their 40s. It makes me wonder how helpful it can actually be, and to be honest the cost is an issue, too. But if my child were to have something I would probably always wish I had done it. 😕

Answer

http://midwifethinking.com/2011/02/10/cord-blood-collection-confessions-of-a-vampire-midwife/

Or you could let the cord blood go into the baby. Babies who's mothers delay cord clamping have higher blood volume than those who clamp  right away. That said, if you have a family history of lymphoma and leukaemia I understand your thought process for sure. Tough decision.

Answer

I've spoken to a few hematologists about this topic. One who now has a two year old and did it, said the insurance is worth the price, the other that thought donating it to the national cord bank was the better option. The later is older without young children so it wasn't an emotional decision for him but he thought donating it would provide value at a higher rate and give you access, heaven forbid your child needs it to the bank without the associated cost. With all that being said, if I personally had a family history, I would probably store it, you never know if someone in your family could benefit from it, nonetheless your own child.

Storing cord blood?

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