The topic of conversation among pregnant moms and their families these days is cord blood. Should you store your baby’s cord blood in case of a future health crisis in which one of your children might benefit from it? What if someone finds a cure for cancer by using cord blood? Will the expenses of paying to store it be outweighed by the slight chance of saving your child’s life with it someday? Here are some thoughts to take into consideration when making this decision.
Cost. Obviously, cost is a big factor in the decision of whether or not to store your baby’s cord blood. According to americanpregnancy.com, the initial fee for collecting and storing cord blood ranges from $900 to $2100. After that, the cost to store the blood is upwards of $100 a year. The price really isn’t very high in my opinion, especially the yearly cost. However, having the extra inital $2000 after you’ve just paid the doctor and hospital bills might be a problem. Obviously, this consideration depends on your family’s budget.
Family History. Take a look at your family history. For conditions like breast cancer, there is a genetic link that increases the chances of whether or not your child will develop it. If your family is at high risk for a condition that can currently be treated with stem cells (which are taken from cord blood), it is definitely worth it to store the cord blood. Unfortunately, inherited genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis cannot be treated with that person’s own cord blood stem cells because those cells hold that genetic condition. However, the stem cells from a sibling without the condition could be a perfect match.
The What-ifs. If you are someone who looks towards the future and sees the road paved with “what-if” situations, than storing your baby’s cord blood could give you peace of mind. There are many childhood conditions, including cancer, that are currently being treated with stem cells and having that in your back pocket may ease any anxiety you may have about the future health of your children.
Saving Other Lives. Another option for you, if cost is a factor or even if it isn’t, is to donate your baby’s cord blood. If you donate, the costs are waived. Nearly 75% of people who need stem cells to save their lives have to look outside of their families for a match. The Be The Match Registry program offers hope to such people through cord blood donation.
As a parent of a child with a genetic condition, I am trying to make the decision of whether or not to store our second child’s cord blood in case a cure is found for Maggie in the next 20 years through the use of stem cells. I am planning to speak with her team of specialists before making the final decision, but even if I don’t save it in a family bank, I will definitely donate. You never know who will need it or what life you can save through this simple act.