Public cord blood storage - an alternative to private

[sueb31]

Hi, As it happened we delivered at a hospital that does not allow private cord blood banking.
However they do allow public cord blood banking.
My obstetrician said this was a great alternative as:
a) its highly uunlikely we would ever need to use my son's sample (there is no current technology and leukaemia etc are rare)
b) if we did need it it would very likely still be available for us, as if it is ever used, the amount needed is not large and the chances of another child matching my son't type are also pretty uncommon.

So we banked publicly for free. We hope we never need it. But it makes us feel better that if someone else does it could help them, and if we do, our own sample is still likely to be available - all for free.

Just thought I'd mention it.

Sue

[little bean]

Thanks for that, Sue. What a great idea! I didn't even know this service was available.

[jackjudesmum]

Leukaemia may be rare but it happens.

I will always be a strong advocate for the storage of cord blood because of our own currumstances.

I am an eternal optimist... but having our son diagnosed with Leukaemia shifted something.

I am now currently trying to source ways and means of having cord blood for my son available if needed. I wouldnt be doing that if I had thought about it as a 'real' option when I was pregnant.

[abeckaj]

I also banked the cord blood from my DD publicly. This was done through the Angliss Hospital in Ferntree Gully, Vic.

We only just recently had a scare with DD where the doctors thought she had leukemia - thank god it was just a very starnge virus and has since gone away.

I urge all mums to try and bank the cord blood and i think that the public system is best as anyone in the world could receive your cord blood and use it. That opens up a whole lot more options for those with ill children.

[elise]

Hi,

Great advice, Sue, and I was all ready to take it up as the cost of private is too much for us. However, when I emailed and rung up, I was told that there is no option for public storage here in Western Australia.

This seriously sucks! Apparently, there isn't public funding here in WA for this scheme, so Rotary is trying to get things up and running--but won't be happening in the near future.

So we're back to square one now.

Elise:(

[theycallmemum]

I've donated it from my last two deliveries. I actually have to go and get the 6 mth blood test, paperwork is on the fridge!

[Luvmytum]

We are very interested in donating & did all the research which led us to donation vs private storage also. I used to work for McDonald's & our charity Ronald McDonald House Charities has a Cord Blood Bank Program so I've been hearing all about the positivity of Cord Blood for years.

It's a real shame though that we've discovered that our hospital doesn't participate in the pick up so we can't donate with this one. Will seriously consider delivering at a different hospital next time in order to donate as you just never know. I've met lots of kids staying at RMHC whilst they're getting treatment for Leukemia & if we can make one child's life better by the donation of Cord Blood, the world is a better place & particularly if that child is yours......

It's amazing what our own bodies provide us with with - Cord Blood, Breast Milk - 2 of the richest sources of healing in the world. If only we could utilise these to their potential......

[Lirael]

ok, this is how i heard it.

they take your cord blood in a public hospy anyway.
they bank it
anyone can use it if they 'match'
if you need it, you get whatever you 'match'
not necessarily your own

(by 'you' i mean your child or whoever)

[118]

:thumbsup: You are XLNT people to donate cord blood. I too will do the same for my 3rd child. The other 2 (12 & 16 years ago) I missed out on public donation options. Wisdome $ was a problem. Spread the news. You are a :angel:

[theycallmemum]

They only take your cord blood in a public hospital if you approve it. You have to go through a pretty detailed screening questionaire and blood test in hospital after the birth and 6 months later you have to go and have another blood test. If and when they ever need to use your blood they ring you and check you are still healthy and alive.

It can be sent anywhere in the world!