If this is your expectation, I highly recommend taking the time to think about the pros and cons of cord blood banks. I know there is so much to think about when it comes to your baby’s arrival, but that one decision can benefit your entire family in the future.
If you’ve already thought about cord blood banking, you’ve probably checked out Google and found that there is a lot of information out there. an almost overwhelming amount. Below is our simple breakdown of what you need to know!
What is cord blood banking?
Before we get into the pros and cons of cord blood banks, it is important that you understand what cord blood banking is and why so many parents choose it! According to the American Pregnancy Association, the blood that remains in the umbilical cord after your baby is born is high in stem cells. These stem cells can be collected and kept in a private bank for use by your family when needed, or they can be donated to a public bank.
These cells can be used to treat “leukemia and lymphoma as well as certain diseases of the blood and immune systems such as sickle cell anemia” (FDA, 2021). In addition, there is research into the future that there may be other types of diseases that umbilical cord blood can treat, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Cord blood banking pros and cons
This is a decision for you and your loved ones, but we hope our list of pros and cons for cord blood banks gives you some clarity.
Benefits of cord blood banking
1. Cord blood banks can potentially save lives for your baby and biological family members.
Cord blood, which can only be obtained at birth, is one of the richest sources of stem cells in the human body. Cord blood banking is your only chance to capture the powerful cord blood stem cells that are unique to your child. Amazingly, cord blood stem cells have been shown to be helpful in replacing and rebuilding diseased blood cells. You can benefit your baby yourself, a sibling or another family member in the future.
2. Cord blood stem cells can be used to treat diseases.
According to the Cord Blood Association, there are about 80 diseases for which bone marrow or cord blood transplants from a baby are accepted as standard therapy by the medical community. Some of these diseases – such as leukemia – are known, but others are rare diseases for which treatment options are limited.
3. The collection of umbilical cord blood is a simple and safe procedure.
The entire process takes place immediately after your child is born and usually only takes five minutes. If you plan to have a delayed cord clamp, cord blood can still be drawn.
It is important to note that when choosing where to store the umbilical cord blood, you want to choose an institution that is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).
4th There is potential for future medical breakthroughs.
There are breakthroughs in stem cell research every day, according to LifeBank, an umbilical cord bank, and banking your baby’s umbilical cord blood is an investment in the future. Researchers are already studying the effects of cord blood stem cells on things like spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, type 1 diabetes, and heart disease.
Cons of cord blood banking
1. There are significant costs involved when you choose a private bank.
Cord blood banks come at a cost if you choose to go the private route. You need to keep your baby’s cord blood in a private bank, which can be expensive. On average, the starting price is between $ 1,000 and $ 2,000, and then you pay storage fees of about $ 125 per year.
2. Cord blood does not have many stem cells.
This means that if your baby needs a transplant in adulthood, he or she will need cord blood stem cells from multiple donors.
3. Not all hospitals collect cord blood.
Cord blood collection is easy, but it requires the right equipment and a doctor / nurse who knows what it is doing. Not all hospitals have staff and equipment, so this is something you need to discuss with your doctor.
4th Not everyone can have it picked up.
If your baby is born with genetic disorders or any other disease, a cord blood bank is not always an option because the cord blood contains the same cells.
As a parent, you want to do everything possible to help and protect your child. Is umbilical cord blood banking worth it? You and your family decide. Hopefully our list of pros and cons for cord blood banks has given you some insight to help you make decisions!
* This post is for information and entertainment purposes only.
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