Storing Cord Blood

[x]   Tags: cord blood bank, umbilical cord blood banking, storing cord blood, cord blodo banking pros and cons, cord blood, pregnant cord blood, pregnancy cord blood, cord, blood, cord blood registry, cord banking, umbilical cord blood, umbilical cord, stem cell: umbilical cord, stem cell research, birth, fetus, labor and delivery, pregnancy health, pregnancy choices, delivery advice, labor and delivery tips, giving birth, fetus health, fetal health, pregnancy information, pregnancy help, pregnancy guide: Health, Health Video, Medical Videos, Medical, Video

[x]   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.

[x]   Bio:

Dr. Marsha Silberstein is a board-certified anesthesiologist, who began practicing medicine in the early 1970s, after receiving a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Silberstein has a broad range of experience, including patient care, running a successful medical consulting practice, and serving as a vice president with the insurance company CIGNA. Today, in addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Silberstein is pursuing a rabbinical degree and volunteers as a hospital chaplain.