Stem Cell Banking

hi D., we did it with my 2nd and 3rd babies, i cant imagine not doing it if you can possibly afford it. we used viacord and have been very happy with them. they have a payment plan, no hidden fees, they really work with you and make it effortless for you. and as i understand it, they are the only ones that have their own research facility, so they are not just storage, they are really invested in the whole thing. my ob/gyn used them for his own babies, and that was good enough for me, i copied off of him :) best of luck, D.

Hi. I have 5 girls and with my last one (Aug 2007) I decided to bank her stem cells, mainly because breast cancer and skin cancer run in my husband's family. My OB/GYN told me more than 75% of her practice bank stem cells now.

I bank at Lifeline Cryogenics in Stamford, CT (866-967-2796) and they have a payment plan that helps if you can't afford the initial expense, around $1200. They were very nice and professional during the registration process and pick up and delivery of the cells went smoothly (except we nearly forgot to do it with everything going on after the birth of my child!) I feel a little better knowing it's there in case we, God forbid, need it. The good thing is you can use it for your other children or even your spouse, if needed.

Hope this helps you.

K.

Hi D.,

Congratulations and best wishes for a quick and painless delivery!

We donated my daughter's cord blood. Many blood banks are doing this now. It's a simple process to pick up the kit and bring it with you to the hospital. The hospital called the blood bank and they came to pick it up. Call the hospital you're delivering at or ask your ob to find out which banks will take your donation.

My understanding is unless there are specific genetic disorders in the family history the cost will most likely not outweight the benefits.

Hi-

We used LifeBank USA to bank our daughters cord. We were very happy with them. The customer service was wonderful and the pick up was so easy. My husband just called the number and they were there within minutes to pick up the cooler. I know the cost of banking is going up now that it is becoming a popular thing to do. We paid $1200 plus a yearly banking fee of $95 3 years ago. I am pregnant now and contacted LifeBank to have this baby's cord banked also. The cost is over $2000 and the yearly banking fee is $195 a year. LifeBank will also take cells from the placenta at more cost. This is something new they are doing.

GOOD LUCK!

Definitely do it. it's like a life insurance for you baby, his brother and probably you. it's not that expensieve but might save your children lives. We used Cord Blood Registry. It's the biggest company with most successful use of cord blood.

Hi D.!

I banked both my girls stem cells with Viacord. I did extensive research 4 years ago and was very happy with the "no hidden costs" and other items that Viacord had to offer. I also liked that they had a health care person come and pick up the package and transport it to the holding location. Everything I was told that would be done, was done. The cost matched what I was initially told without any hidden costs. The customer service is excellent.

I receive calls from Viacord throughout the year about updates to stem cell research and to find out if I am happy with their service. I feel that Viacord is definitely customer focused and provides information to keep me updated on news. I am VERY happy with Viacord so when my second daughter was born I knew I would go with them, as well.

Thanks,
S.

We banked both through Cryo-Cell. They seemed the cheapest but also b/c both of my OBGYNS used that very same company. It seemed like cheap yearly "insurance", plus one of my former students was diagnosed w/ lukemia during my 7th mo of pregnancy and I felt like it was a sign to do it (we were on the fence throughout)b/c that is one of the things it may help with. So, b/c it was affordable and super easy to do, we did it. Oh, your dr may charge a fee, but Cryo-Cell reimburses you part of the fee. Also, check w/ your health ins co, b/c they may offer coverage for it OR may work w/ a company and give a discount. Good Luck!

I am a grandmother of three, my daughter banked her first sons stem cell. I did encourage her for many reasons, we all have personal choices as to why. She used Lifebank. I don't think it matters what bank you use so long as they meet your needs and have a resource center for you to make informed choices. Check out all options and compare. I am sure with all the advances we are making stem cells will be vital to our families. . I was present for all of my grandbabies births all c-sections, I almost had to do the collection myself ( I would have ) and we planned way in advance, check with your hospital for planning this vital step. Good luck and Be Well

I have identical twins, so we banked the cord blood of one of them. We went through Cord Blood Registry (CBR). It was a very smooth process and I am very glad we did it. It gives me some peace of mind...

Hi. We did it through Cryo Cell or Cyro Cell, not exactly suire on the name...I'm at work and the paperwork is at home. All we had to do was pack the kit in my hopsital bag and once my daughter was born the hospital called the compmany for us and there was a guy at my door within a few hours. (At 11:00 at night no less!!) He was in and out in less than 30 mintes.

Good luck with the new baby!!