Flameful or smart

[lauren170]

So we've been assuming the cost of cord banking will be coming out of our savings, around $2,000. Today my doctor really gave us a good case of why it's not worth it. She was offered it free for her kids and still didn't do it.

I've wanted to do it emotionally, because I just lost my dad, who had leukemia. She explained that it wouldn't be used to treat adult leukemia, only in a child, and that even then it doesn't make sense to introduce the kid's own stem cells because they likely have a faulty chromosome.

So...with that $2,000 I could spend $895 on the most awesome newborn photographer. I want to, I just feel somehow guilty about making the *fun* purchase over the cord banking. 

Thoughts?

[Deleted]

I think your dr has legit points. I would look at it from a logical point of view, not emotional. You are not forgoing cord blood banking to get newborn photos. You are foregoing it because of x, y, z (including the reasons your dr explained) and then you are getting newborn photos. Separate things imo.

[changedname]

We went back and forth on it too but have ultimately decided not to do it. PP has a good idea RE: donating.

[kershnic]

I have not talked to a single doctor who recommended cord banking, nor to a single person who's doctor recommended cord banking. The whole industry seem corrupt to me.

[SJ]

Jan 14, 2014 14:35:51 GMT -5 kershnic said:

I have not talked to a single doctor who recommended cord banking, nor to a single person who's doctor recommended cord banking. The whole industry seem corrupt to me.

Same here.

[amaristella]

Jan 14, 2014 14:21:42 GMT -5 MNH2013 said:

What if you donated the cord blood instead of banking it yourself and got the pictures? I don't see anything wrong with using money that was earmarked for that for something else. The pictures are also a good investment.

Donating would still be a good thing as you would possibly be able to help others with that blood.

^ Exactly what she said if public banking is available in your area.

[ilikedonuts]

Can you donate it?

[speckledfrog]

We donated our cord blood for the reasons your doctor stated.

[indylady]

Although cord blood donation is not available in my area, I'm still able to donate to a cord blood bank in NC. I found them via www.bethematch.org. I have the kit waiting for when I deliver and the process to sign up was very easy. My doctor was totally supportive too, which helps.

[CrazyLucky]

$895 for baby pictures?!?! Wow.
We didn't bank the blood either. It kind of annoys me that the doctors will advise against it, but still hand out the advertising in their office.

[runblondie26]

Our hospital just started a cord blood donation program, so I had them collect DS' when he was born. I like knowing it is going to good use for either sick patients or research. Is there any way to go that route?

No way would I pay the thousands it costs to collect and store it privately though.

I'd go with the pics.

[picksthemusic]

I'm actually opting for delayed cord clamping.

www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/cord-clamping-delaying-cord-clamping

[bananapancakes]

Jan 14, 2014 18:24:37 GMT -5 picksthemusic said:

I'm actually opting for delayed cord clamping.

www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/cord-clamping-delaying-cord-clamping

Jan 14, 2014 19:15:49 GMT -5 namasteak said:

IMO the benefits of delayed cord clamping outweigh the small chance of benefits of banking.

I just had this discussion with my midwife today. Although, she maintained a mostly neutral stance and wants it to be my decision, this is the sense that I got from her as well. I need to talk it over with my H but I'm pretty sure this is the route we are going as well.

[curbsideprophet]

I would go with delayed cord clamping. I have heard mixed things on if you can still donate if you delay.

I would spend the money on the photographer and not feel guilty.

[stealthmom]

Smart.

I donated the cord blood w/ ds1 but everythibg I've read says banking isn't worth it.