I was going through my papers yesterday from what we received in our childbirth class and came across the Cord Blood Recycling info. I had completely forgotten this subject we briefly talked about in class.
It's pretty amazing actually. As some people have heard, cord blood banking is a new thing where they "bank" your baby's cord blood for a pretty hefty price and it can later be used to help treat cancers in your child, such as lukemia if ever needed. There's a lot more too it, but I haven't actually read up too much on it b/c it's never been a thought of mine to bank it. I find it entirely too expensive personally.
Anyways, here in Texas, we have a program that we are allowed to actually donate our cord blood to a public "bank" so that if there is a child in need, and are a match, your cord blood can save their life. After your baby is born, they take the cord blood and that's basically it. You don't have to worry about anything else. Just sign a consent and rest easily knowing that your donation may save someone life.
Derek and I agreed immediately after hearing about this that we would do it. There was no thought to it really considering we wouldn't have to pay anything and it's completely harmless. Not to mention, they would just throw it away anyways. So we're going to recycle ours!
I just thought I'd blog about this b/c I find it pretty great.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
7 comments:
I think that is an amazing thing that you are doing!!! It will definitely bless others. Not just the one in need but their entire family.
I never really heard much about it when I was pregnant esp. since my oldest is almost 9. (wow, how it really been that long!!) I listened in on a webinar a couple a weeks ago of the surgeon that did Bentley's open heart surgery and one thing they are researching in CHD is rebuilding hearts from stem cells. Pretty amazing stuff. I am not sure how that might be related to the cord. I know there are stem cells in the cord but not sure if they are the same used for the rebuilt heart. Regardless, if someone does not actually receive the cord blood, it will surely go to research and that is just as amazing.
Glad you shared this!!!
I'm glad you're going to do this! As you probably remember, we plan on paying the big bucks for the private cord blood banking. I posted about awhile back: (http://mishapsandmusings.blogspot.com/search?q=cord+blood)
We like the 'insurance' of knowing it will be there for any of our kids (or us) if needed. But, we have been saving for it for quite some time in order to do it.
I wish the word would get out more on cord blood donations, though, because it's a great program - and like you said, free and harmless!
Wow that's cool! I read about that stuff when I was preggo but I agree it's too expensive! I didnt know about the free donation tho. We'll have to do that next time!
That is such an amazing thing y'all are doing. Zach and I came across a brochure at the fertility clinic about keeping/donating it and we briefly talked about either keeping it or donating it; we of course haven't researched into it, nor do we know how much it cost...but I think it would be an amazing thing if your not able to keep it then to put it in a bank where it could help many others.
This article made me reconsider what I should do when my child will be born. I will most surely follow your example and I will use a cord blood bank
That is wonderful girl, what a great idea!! :)
Good for you guys.
Just to let you know if you change your mind and want to keep it for your family - They have payment schedules (We are doing the 6 month no interest schedule) and also people can donate to your registry instead of giving a present. We are going through CBR.
That is awesome that you can donate it though - what a GREAT program!!
Post a Comment