If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

Just seems like a lot of money for something that may never be used. But, I guess it is good to have just "in case". We are really torn on whether or not we are going to do cord blood banking...would love to hear your thoughts.

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

I'm doing it for my dad who has heart problems....

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

I cant afford it.

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

Would you not get car insurance if you've never been in a car accident or had your car stolen before?????

It's a nominal fee that could potentially save the life of someone in your family.

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

we didnt do it...I ended up just donating to the hospital.

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

It's a good idea to ask your OB's opinion on this. I was surprised at what my group said about it....

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

We did our own research and made our decision based upon that...make sure you research articles/studies in journals and not just the information given by the companies...

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

It is my understanding that you have just as good a chance of using a public bank. In other words, should you need the cord blood you can go to a public bank - it doesn't HAVE to be your child's. In the meantime, your child's may save someone else's life if put into a public bank and used.

On the other hand...I've also read that a lot of the cord blood gets disposed of as it isn't deemed worthy of saving.

I guess that didn't answer anything, huh??

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

I never knew you could donate it. Do I have to let them know in advance or just when I go in for my c/s?

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

I did not. There were way too many cons for us to do it.

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

We are still on the fence about it. It's a lot of money.

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

This is a very personal decision. I have written the same thing on numerous posts over the past year and a half.... There is no right answer on this one..

If you deliver at Northshore Manhasset, they have a public bank that you can donate your cord blood . That is what we decided to do... Not all hospitals have it so you need to check..

This debate can go on and on... Go with what yout think is best for your family...

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

Aside from the cost, we did not see a need for us.

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

We didn't pay even close to 2K for the set-up fee and the annual charge is around $125 a year..... I don't think that's a lot considering the significant benifits the stem cells can potentially have for ALL family members, including extended family. And you should actually research the diseases that stem cells can cure....it's not just cancer. I think you'll be surprised to learn that the odds are against us......and comparing it to a car accident is not that far off.....if at all.... To be honest though that wasn't my intention.....I was trying to allow her to make the decision for herself by asking the question just b/c something hasn't happened to us in the past, does it mean that it will not happen in the future??? My husband actually works in the biotech industry. I know more about this then I should.

Message edited 2/20/2007 11:49:39 PM.

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

I really want to do this and I am in the process of researching now. My doctor is a huge fan of this for me. For one, I am only recommended to have this baby. If I get pregnant again, it could mean even bigger health problems than I have now. Cord blood could potentialy save my life one day, or a possible sibling. How it can help extended family is another reason to do it.

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

DH and I decided to do it b/c we have some health issues on both sides of our families. But I actually read an article yesterday that they are putting more $$$ and effort into the public bank to promote it and for those that dont want to or can't afford the private banks. I've spoken to a bunch of people, including dr's, and they all have different opinions. It is a personal decision and you have to do what you feel comfortable with.

Jus saw that Leighla actually posted the article I was talking about:

http://www.lifamilies.com/chat/topic-128347-1.html

Message edited 2/21/2007 7:01:26 AM.

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

I am still researching, but I have to say like any other decision you make with your family this is an incredibly personal decision & can be based on fact, religious beliefs, economic situation etc, so ladies please let's keep that in mind when offering our opinions

If we decide not to bank we will donate.

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

It's something that you can't decide later to do. If you could swing it, I think it's worth it for just peace of mind.

There are so many more advances being made in stem cell research. Today, it might not be huge, but with states passing propositions to fund more research, 5-10 years from now there can be 100x more uses

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

I am doing cord blood banking. I know it is expensive, but for peace of mind I think it is nice to know that it will be available, if one day my child or someone in our family ever needs it.

My husband and I look at it as if its an insurance policy... we are paying for it, but hope that we will NEVER have to even use it. I wouldn't want to kick myself one day for not getting it and then needing it.

Its totally a personal decision, and there is nothing wrong with deciding for or against it, as long as you are comfortable with the decision you are making.

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

Re: If I don't have birth defects, etc. in my family does it still make sense to do cord blood banking?

My pediatrician made an interesting point- what happens to your blood if the private bank you choose goes out of business? He asked a rep from one of the big companies, and the rep said, "We won't go out of business" which IMO isn't a real answer. Yes, maybe business is great now, but it's hard to predict the future. And with an investment like that, it would be better if they had some sort of backup plan.

I found good info on Marrow.org which helped me make my decision. I'm keeping in mind that their focus is donation so the info will be slanted that way, but it was still useful to me.