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Is Cord Blood Banking Right for You?
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by: Alli Ross
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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. Umbilical cord blood was discarded
until the 1970's, when researchers discovered that umbilical cord blood
could save lives under certain circumstances.How do you decide on cord
blood banking? Many soon-to-be parents ask this very question. Here are
some things to consider when deciding on whether or not to bank your baby's
umbilical cord blood.
This type of transplant 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 other factors to consider. Price seems to be the number one
roadblock, with the complete cost being around $3,000. So, you should
certainly not feel guilty if you cannot bank your child's cord blood.
Should you even consider cord blood banking? That part will be up to
you.
However, 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 banking your child's umbilical cord blood. However, the average
baby without risk factors has a very low chance of ever needing his or her
cord blood.
On the other hand, some doctors and researchers support saving umbilical
cord blood as a source of blood-forming stem cells in every delivery. This
is mainly because of the promise that stem-cell research holds for the
future. The majority of people would have little use for stem cells now,
but research into the use of stem cells for treatment of disease is ongoing
- and the future looks promising.
You may also want to donate your baby's cord blood. This is possible
through non-profit cord blood banks that use it for research or to save the
life of another child.
Overall, cord blood banking looks to have a promising future. It's
defenitely an option you should look into. After you've studied the facts
and your family history, you should be able to make a much more informed
decision on what's right for you.
About the Author:
Find out more about
Cord Blood Banking at the Baby
Names Box.
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