Cord Blood Banking

How do you decide on cord blood banking? Many soon-to-be parents ask this very question. Saving your baby's umbilical cord blood allows it to be cryogenically stored, and then available if your child later becomes sick and needs a bone marrow transplant.

This type of transplant is would be 'autologous' and is different than the more common 'allogenic' transplants that might be done from a sibling or other relative or an unrelated donor. Our own blood is the best choice for a transplant.

Often times, cord blood banking can save a baby's life. But still, there are many things to consider. Price seems to be the number one roadblock, with the complete cost being around $3,000. So, should you feel guilty if you just can't bank your child's blood. Certainly Not. Should you even consider cord blood banking. That part will be up to you.

If you already have a child or family member that has a condition that can be treated with a stem cell transplant (such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, aplastic anemia, leukemia, metabolic storage disorders and certain genetic immunodeficiencies), then you defenitely should consider cord blood banking.

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