Storing Cord Blood

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Published: Nov 25 2008

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Storing Cord Blood Video Description: After delivery, you can choose to store your baby's stem-cell rich umbilical cord blood. Deciding which cord blood bank is right for your baby is a decision you'll need to make earlier in your pregnancy though, so you'll be prepared when you give birth.
Transcript: If you’re pregnant, you may be wondering if you should store your baby's cord blood. There are actually two decisions which you’ll need to make in regard to your baby’s cord blood.  First, whether you’d like it harvested, and second, whether to donate it or store it in a private facility. The American Medical Association urges everyone to harvest their cord blood - most objections to this procedure are made on religious grounds, not medical ones. The more controversial decision is whether to store your cord blood at a cord blood bank or to donate it to a public bank. A publicly owned bank stows this blood for the general public, much like when you donate your own blood to the Red Cross. Whether you donate or not, the assumption is that if you or your baby should need cord blood that it will be available to you from a similar public bank. Meanwhile, a privately owned bank stores your cord blood for a fee, allowing it to be used solely by your own family. A private cord blood bank is not cheap. The average rate is a $2,000 collection fee with a $125 fee for annual storage. Proponents of this system say storing your cord blood privately is the best way to ensure that your family will have access to matching cord blood if it is needed. This debate will continue long after you have your baby. Make the choice that works for you and your family and feel good about it.
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