Cord blood bankig vs donation?

I have been reading up a lot on this since signing up w/ viacord. From what I've read many places/doctors are discouraging private cord blood banking unless there is a known risk factor for centain cancers. Now I'm wondering if private storage is worth it or if we should just donate. Thoughts?

Re: Cord blood bankig vs donation?

We looked into it but found that there is so much more that it can't be used for than it can. I'd rather just donate it and hope for the best in life......I started to feel like a paranoid person obsessing about what my baby MIGHT get during its lifetime.... JMO

Re: Cord blood bankig vs donation?

As you know, I looked into Cord Blood banking and was really considering it. It was so hard to decide since you would hear the negatives and the positives of banking. It seemed that there was still so much research to be done and so many things that Cord Blood couldn't be used for. I have no family history of anything, and I just decided against it.
If I did have a strong family history of cancers or other illnesses, I might of considered it. It is so much money! DH was always against it. He felt that if it was really that important to bank Cord Blood, they would make it more affordable to all parents. Hopefully one day, they will just collect it from all babies.
I think the hospital I gave birth at might donate Cord blood, but I never asked.
It is really up to you! Sue banked her DD Cord blood.

Re: Cord blood bankig vs donation?

NY Times Article on Public vs. Private Banking

Here's a recent Times article I came across while trying to gather enough info to make a good decision. I don't know what we are going to do yet.

Re: Cord blood bankig vs donation?

just fyi...check with your hospital about donation. many on LI don't do donation.