What Did You Do About Cord Blood Banking?

We banked child #1's with LifeBank USA. Did not bank child #2 (& now he's Type 1 diabetic...if we had, he could be currently undergoing treatment using his own stem cells...darn!) About to give birth to #3. Want to bank her cord blood, but would like recommendations. There are so many more choices now than 6 years ago. What company did you use? If you've researched it recently, who has the best prices? If you are a doctor or industry insider, what are the questions I should ask that I don't know to ask (yet) about the fine print. Eventually someone will do a trial for Type 1 diabetics using a siblings stem cells, so this is a very practical decision for us, not just insurance. Thanks!

Respond to Question

What can I do next?

Add your own comment
Ask your own question
Join the Mamapedia community
Report this as inappropriate
Share this with your friends

Write C.S. a private message
Read more that C.S. has written
Browse local questions
Is this helpful? Yes | No

More Answers

L.M. answers from Dallas on March 01, 2009

Hi, we used Cord Blood to bank our 2nd daughter's. We chose them because they stored everything here in the USA (other didn't, I can't remember exactly, but I think France) and they weren't involved in embryonic stem cell research. That was very important to us. At the time, I think the prices were all about the same. If you choose this company, let me know because I think if you have a referral from an existing customer you get a discount. A friend of mine just did it and I called them and got a discount. not huge, but every bit helps! good luck with your decision.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

K.H. answers from Dallas on March 02, 2009

Please, everyone, make the selfless decision to bank your childs cord. there is not one single reason not to.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

C.P. answers from Dallas on March 02, 2009

Hey there C., we are using CBR (cord blood registry.) I found them to be super helpful with our first and now we will be using them for our second also. Here is a little info from one of their brochures, just in case it may help you to decide. They are the largest and most experienced cord blood bank, banking for more than 230,000 newborns. They are the leader in regenerative medicine, largest number of transplants and most samples for use in new treatments for brain injury and juv. diabetes. They save more cells, they have a 99% recovery rate of cells using their system. They are in a highly safe location, Tucson, Arizona, historically free from airport delays and natural disasters. They have a proven track record of stability, processing cord blood since 1992. Prices for CBR are high but probably about average, one time payment $1,875, shipping service $150, and then the annual storage fee is $125. Hope this helps some, I have a great rep that I talk to with any questions that come up. If you would like any more info, let me know.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This Share

R.R. answers from Dallas on March 01, 2009

I think it is a joke and heavily marketed as a savior for all diseases that you know.

If you read closely, it does NOT give ANY concrete claims and NEVER makes any solid statements as to the effectiveness of it.