Private Cord Blood Banking? What do you think?

[Toposlonoshlep]

With my first, I was almost sold on the cord blood banking, and we had a family member willing to pay for it. Then at almost the last second I didn't do it because I wanted to delay cord clamping with DS, which wouldn't have worked. Now that I'm on my second, I am thinking about it more because 1. the cord blood stem cells are more likely to be compatible with a sibling and 2. there are more and more developments in the medical community in regards to stem cells. My own good friend is working on a study in her lab which will (hopefully) reverse MS with the use of stem cells. Oh, and 3. my children have a very unlikely genetic makeup (I am Russian, DH is is afro-Carribean with Indian and British ancestry...), which makes me think that if God forbid they ever needed a transplant it would be hard to find a donor who is compatible.

Has anyone researched private banking? What made you decide for or against it?

My mom, who is a phd research biologist seems to think I am better off doing delayed cord clamping again to benefit my child immediately, as opposed to planning for the "what ifs". But she was totally of the other opinion with my first.

I would love any advice on how to approach this decision. Oh, and it IS a very expensive one for us. I don't want to make it sound as if money isn't an issue.....It IS!

[cameragirl]

I think that for us, unless we had another c-section where delayed clamping isn't an option, we'd pass. We are primarily European, though, so the donor base is larger.

[Autumn Breeze]

Do you have a family history that would give you cause to bank the blood? If not, then I would let the baby keep their blood, and delay cord clamping as long as possible.

[Toposlonoshlep]

Thank God, nothing has reared its head yet in the genetic risk department. DH has some Alzheimer's in his family, but it is late onset... 

I have some heart issues on my side, but it's more lifestyle related than genetic, I am certain.

I am leaning towards delaying cord clamping as well. Thanks for your advice!
 

Originally Posted by Autumn Breeze 

Do you have a family history that would give you cause to bank the blood? If not, then I would let the baby keep their blood, and delay cord clamping as long as possible.

[cameragirl]

If you're concerned, DNA testing can turn up risk factors for common diseases (and some not so common.) DH and I had our DNA sequenced for ancestry and health reasons. Not much surprised us, but for some, it can turn up quite a few surprises. Of course it won't catch everything, but it is pretty affordable now. It might be a consideration before spending the money on collection and banking.