Tips and Advice on Cord Blood Storage
Cord Blood Storage is often described as a good investment or a type of insurance for your child in case he or she may need some type of cord blood transplantation in the future. For many parents, the fees associated with Cord Blood Storage are considered reasonable for the potential good this service may provide.
The procedure is not without risks. Cutting the umbilical cord too soon, or too late may cause complications for the newborn - such as anemia, from too much blood being collected in the umbilical cord due to being cut too soon after birth.
Cord Blood Registry services can be cost effective for many families. Cord Blood Storage firms charge around $100 dollars a year in addition to start up fees that average around $1000. When taking into account the fees from several Cord Blood Registry firms, you can expect to pay around $3800 to store an umbilical cord until a child reached adulthood.
There are some free Cord Blood Storage resources available, such as the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute which offers a Sibling Donor Cord Blood Program that allow families to store their infant’s cord blood in the event of a transplant-treatable disease. If your child is able to pass the pre-screening process, the program has been highly regarded and is an excellent, free alternative to private a Cord Blood Registry.
Cord blood storage, whether done through a private or commercial bank, may give your family a sense of security and/or satisfaction in giving to another through donation.