Cord Blood Banking.

Has anyone done this? My friends brothers child developed leukemia at 5 and they couldnt find a match for him so they just had another baby (which they had planned on doing before the illness) and are using the cord blood to save the 5 year old. Seems like a no brainer but I have no idea how to do it. I know there are public and private banks. I assume the public, which allow anyone to use the blood, would save some for the family but I dont know for sure. The private ones seem v expensive.

Googling just seems to bring up a whole bunch of private bank advertisements or articles saying that american pediatrics recommend public banks so everyone can have access. I appreciate saving someone else's child for sure but my first concern is having this should something happen to my kids.

It's an interesting question. The system might be different over here but I found this article about cord banking on the National Health Service website. It's not very well-promoted over here as far as I know -- I would happily have donated cord blood both times but had no idea it was an option.

Oh, I see the NHS actually only collects cord blood at four hospitals although they are all quite close to where we live.

thanks, Meg! This is what worries me about public banking:

"There is no charge to the donor but the product is not stored specifically for that person or their family."

the nurse actually stole "our" cord when no one was looking. FOR REAL. One minute it was there, the next the little tray & the nurse were gone. The midwife said that happens sometimes, apparently cosmetic companies will pay $$$ for that stuff.

woah

we took the plunge and have the 'kit' here ready to go when the kid is ready to go. try to make my kid sick will you possible future blood disorder?? I DONT THINK SO.

This actually turned out to be the easiest thing to do. Dr took care of everything.