View Full Version : Have you or would you donate your babies cord blood?
dreamer80
22-04-2007, 12:29
Afternoon,
My DH and I are having a first baby in a few months, we have read a lot of the benefits of storing his cord blood, and have decided to do it. Although we still haven’t decide with whom?
If you did bank your child’s cord blood whom with? Was it a drama free experience?
If you haven’t or never would? Why?
xxx
motherlylove
22-04-2007, 12:38
i had thought about the idea but hadnt really researched it so when i had my furst baby i didnt do it
I have kept and stored DD's myself through cellsense.:thumbsup: They were fantastic!! A woman came with me when I went into have dd, I had an elective c section. She was in the room when the cord was cut. It was handed straight over to her. She contained it and away she went. We got a letter saying where and how it was being stored and how to get hold of it. Completely hassel free. Very understanding about payment plans aswel. We had 3 payments of $1000.
I defo reccommend cellsense.
We couldn't afford to store it so we donated it.
kirstenriley
22-04-2007, 14:21
Both of mine were donated, i figured i could keep it in storage for the next 20 years for just in case, or i could donate it straight away to possibly help someone now.
Mrs Potts
22-04-2007, 14:29
We wanted to do it with both bubs - I would happily have donated it.
Unfortunately there's no cord blood bank in our city so we were unable to do it.
dreamer80
22-04-2007, 14:31
Both of mine were donated, i figured i could keep it in storage for the next 20 years for just in case, or i could donate it straight away to possibly help someone now.
That very nice thing to do for a stranger!!:yelclap:
We didn't donate Mitchell's, but will be donating our next bubba's for sure. We can't afford to store it for ourselves.
the_queen
22-04-2007, 14:35
I let the cord continue pulsating until all that goodness had gone into my baby :yes: And that's how I'd do it for any other babies I'm lucky enough to have.
pookiesossige
22-04-2007, 15:54
Donating cord blood wasn't an option presented to us at all. I would most certainly have considered it if it had been discussed with us.
But I didn't know about the benefits of leaving the cord attached to the baby until long after it stops pulsating- So I'm the same as Queenie ^^ and will leave it on for some time for any future children I have. Doubt they'd be much to donate after that!
Milliner
22-04-2007, 15:59
I wanted to donate DS' cord blood but at the hospital that I went to it could only be done in business hours. I have him at 10.31pm and they had gone home at 5pm.
I wanted to donate DS' cord blood but at the hospital that I went to it could only be done in business hours. I have him at 10.31pm and they had gone home at 5pm.
Same here. Jack was born at 5.24am. Next baby I will donate if we can
I prefer that my own baby has their own cord blood when they need it most, which is when they are born.
We wait for the cord to stop pulsing before its cut. Next baby we will be waiting even longer than we did this time.
I think its very nice that people choose to donate, but I think its far better to let your own baby have it when they are born rather than cutting the cord and storing it or giving it away.
I am also of the opinion that if you let the cord pulse then the likelihood of them ever needing cord blood in the future is lowered. Its full of goodness which is why its donated or stored, so why would you not let your newborn baby have it at the time of birth?
not with my son, but with my daughter, the hospital just took it anyway, to put in a public cord blood bank, for anyone who needs it.
I am also of the opinion that if you let the cord pulse then the likelihood of them ever needing cord blood in the future is lowered. Its full of goodness which is why its donated or stored, so why would you not let your newborn baby have it at the time of birth?
I would be really interested in any research that anyone knows of that backs your opinion. Very interesting stuff.
My first was born on a Saturday, so it wasn't possible. With my second, the lady was there ready to collect and there wasn't enough left.
kirstenriley
24-04-2007, 14:03
wow i have never heard of letting the cord pulsate? Did you have to ask for this to happen?
Mrs Potts
25-04-2007, 08:45
Shed - that would have been my first choice too. Unfortunately it's not possible to do with a c/s. They seem keen to get the baby out and sew you back up ;):)
the_queen
25-04-2007, 13:44
Mrs Potts - I have heard of Lotus Birth c-sections, where the placenta and baby are removed without the cord being severed. And in that case, the cord would be able to continue pulsating :yes:
Yes I did - same as Natasha. Living away from anywhere :laughing: they sent a box and the Dr did it all for us - it was picked up by a courier the next morning.
I figured that we pay $200/month for health insurance, so why not? Especially as there is a chance it could also be a match for DD if she needed it (didn't know when i had her that you could privately store cord blood and we can't donate it up here)
Nope, I waited for all the blood to drain into him before it was cut/clamped, it was about half an hour, till the cord was white, to ensure he got all the nutrient filled blood that he needs..
When my babies are born, the cord is not cut until well after the placenta is birthed, and the cord is white and limp. I want that precious blood in my babies body. It makes up around 10% of babies blood volume, and very much decreases the liklihood of baby becoming anaemic in the first year.
I mean, it is the babies blood...I can't imagine having it go anywhere BUT into the baby..seems like a no-brainer to me.. :)
Read this:
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/lateClamping.html
mumofcaleb
25-04-2007, 17:11
We donated :yes:
robinson
25-04-2007, 21:08
we donated and will do again with this one..
Hmmmmmm this is an interesting thread!:thumbsup:
We couldn't afford to store it so we donated it.
WHAT A LOVELY PERSON YOU ARE!!!:hugs:
I prefer that my own baby has their own cord blood when they need it most, which is when they are born.
I think its very nice that people choose to donate, but I think its far better to let your own baby have it when they are born rather than cutting the cord and storing it or giving it away.
I am also of the opinion that if you let the cord pulse then the likelihood of them ever needing cord blood in the future is lowered. Its full of goodness which is why its donated or stored, so why would you not let your newborn baby have it at the time of birth?
I think the point to donating or having it stored is so they can use t when its need such a lukemia (sp?), or other types of cancer etc. It may one day be able to mend broken backs etc
I have had cancer so the likelyhood of her getting what I had it very possible....
I just think that they would prefer to be cancer free or be able to walk than receive the small amount of blood from the cord.:thumbsup: JMO
Afterbirthing the plactenta there is often so little blood in it that some collections are void so I didnt see it as being a neg!
I say go for it lovely! It could one day save your bubs or someone elses bubs life :)
PunkyDiva
08-05-2007, 21:47
Can I please ask why people decided to store babies cord, what reasons were you given by these companies?? Thankyou
katherine
08-05-2007, 21:50
i wanted to donate it.. but the only option we were given was to store it for ourselves and it cost heaps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :(
katherine
08-05-2007, 21:52
Can I please ask why people decided to store babies cord, what reasons were you given by these companies?? Thankyou
.. cant rmeember what... but when you need certainthings donated... some stuff is already there.... argh sorry i cant remember any of the info!
maybe when you need certain cells or soemthing... i dunno.. someone help me out!
dreamer80
08-05-2007, 22:04
The information below is from Cryosite
http://cordblood.cryosite.com/overview.asp?id=5
Why is cord blood so valuable?
While radiation and chemotherapy treatments are often successful in destroying cancer cells, they may also destroy the patients' healthy cells and bone marrow. Bone marrow may also be affected by disease. Bone marrow is essential for the production of blood cells and if diseased or depleted a stem cell transplant is necessary. If successful the transplanted stem cells will re-populate the bone marrow thereby replenishing the body's supply of blood-forming cells and immune function.
Cord blood stem cells continually grow and turn into the cells of the blood and immune systems and are regarded as a real alternative to stem cells collected from bone marrow or circulating blood. Cord blood stem cells represent a perfect match for the baby that they were collected from so the risks of rejection are eliminated. Furthermore, cord blood has an excellent record of being a perfect or suitable match for a sibling. Therefore, cord blood could be suitable for the treatment of other family members.
Why should I store my baby's cord blood?
For most families the likelihood that a child will ever need his or her own blood are very low. According to research in the Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology the probability that a child will need to use his or her own stem cells by age twenty-one for current treatments are about 1 in 2700 and the odds that a family member would need to use those cells are about 1 in 14001. However, these estimates do not take into account emerging therapies and new data, such as the fact that cord blood contains enough stem cells to treat adults2. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RANZCOG) find that this is a rapidly progressive area of clinical medicine and that it is possible that future advances may attach considerable value to these cells, in the event of childhood or adult-onset disease in the individual from whom the stem cells were obtained3.
However, while cord blood may never be used, many parents see the storage of their baby's cord blood as a worthwhile investment for potential future treatment of disease. The knowledge that their baby's stem cells are stored and readily available if ever required may give enormous peace of mind and makes their decision a highly satisfying one.
Adding to all of this is the fact that stem cell research is a developing and promising area of medicine. Almost daily reports present the latest research findings, in what is a highly dynamic and progressing field.
What about the future?
Worldwide, the number of research projects on the use of stem cells in fighting a wide-range of diseases is considerable, as leading medical and research talents at many major hospitals, institutions and universities recognize the potential that stem cells offer.
Blood stem cells have now been shown to change into liver, nerve, skin and heart cells and in just one of the many clinical trials taking place worldwide, they have been used to successfully treat angina. These advances are hugely important in understanding the potential that these stem cells offer and in the future these advances could be applied in the treatment of numerous diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal ford injury, heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
I also belive from memory the cost for 18 years of storage is $2900. I think that not bad for peace of mind!!:yes:
the_queen
08-05-2007, 22:05
That info is from the company whom you pay to store the cord blood, correct? Just clarifying. :)
dreamer80
08-05-2007, 22:08
That info is from the company whom you pay to store the cord blood, correct? Just clarifying. :)
Yes it is:yes:, The information is referenced to medical journals, it all can be found on the site listed!
PunkyDiva
08-05-2007, 22:12
Thanks for that:thumbsup:
I can't say too much but I posted a thread recently about paying to store cord.
It is a personal choice/decision but with inside info I can't share, I would encourage you to think long and hard about other uses for the money they charge you and to donate instead.
xxx
I am interested in a lotus birth so no I wont donate the cord blood unless they want it after if I choose to have it clamped sooner? Not sure w\how that would work.
I was interested in donating with my kids but it seemed hard to do - depends on what time of the day you have bub.
Can I please ask why people decided to store babies cord, what reasons were you given by these companies?? Thankyou
My oncologist actually told me to do it - cryosite was my choice.
I also belive from memory the cost for 18 years of storage is $2900. I think that not bad for peace of mind!!:yes:
I agree.
I was interested in donating with my kids but it seemed hard to do - depends on what time of the day you have bub.
Cryosite pick t up at any time of the day - tere is a storage box delivered to the hospital so it doesnt matter what time yu have bubs. :thumbsup:
littlepickle
08-05-2007, 22:31
I would have liked to have donated the cord blood when I had dd but unfortunately I couldnt because I had been working in the UK between certain dates which meant that they didnt want it. A bit like the fact that I cant donate blood any more for the same reason. Nevermind, maybe next time I will just store it for bub with cellsense instead
I would have if the facility existed in our country area but it doesn't.
I donated DD;s to a worldwide public registry. It was easy as - i filled in some paperwork, had an interview and answered some questions about our family history etc., had my DD, they took the cord blood witihin a few minutes and had a blood test the next day, reanswered some questions and had a blood test 6 months down the track.
I want to do it again this time but am not sure if it as easy to donate with twins!
luckymama
10-05-2007, 17:47
I let the cord continue pulsating until all that goodness had gone into my baby :yes: And that's how I'd do it for any other babies I'm lucky enough to have.
I had thought about storing, but we are doing the same as the_queen, seems like a much better option :yes:
My oncologist actually told me to do it - cryosite was my choice.
I agree.
Cryosite pick t up at any time of the day - tere is a storage box delivered to the hospital so it doesnt matter what time yu have bubs. :thumbsup:
No I wouldn't store it - too exy. I was planning to donate (I feel it may have been wasted in storage) but I am interested in keeping it for bub for at least 20 minutes as this would be its greatest benefit from what I have researched.
whatwasithinking
10-05-2007, 18:05
Donated both of the girl's cord blood through Box Hill Hospital (also known as Birralee Maternity).
Wanted to donate this baby's but they apprently don't do it at Calvery Public (Canberra).
Very hassle free.
Hope the cord blood helps someone or two in their time of need.
I'm donating ours. Hopefully it will help someone.
Hokey Pokey
22-05-2007, 11:08
Donate :thumbsup:
I wasn't allowed to for my first two bubs, because I lived in the UK during the Mad Cow Disease outbreak! For my third baby I did lots of research and decided that I would let her have all of her cord blood for herself, so the umbilical cord was cut once it had stopped pulsating. And this is what I will do if, and when any more babies come along!
I think the point to donating or having it stored is so they can use t when its need such a lukemia (sp?), or other types of cancer etc. It may one day be able to mend broken backs etc
I have had cancer so the likelyhood of her getting what I had it very possible....
I just think that they would prefer to be cancer free or be able to walk than receive the small amount of blood from the cord.:thumbsup: JMO
I understand what you are saying. I am of the opinion that it lessens the chances of leukaemia happening in the first place. I can't remember where I read that, someone might be able to help me, but since leukaemia is cancer of the blood then it makes sense that this precious cord blood would be better off inside the baby for its whole life rather than waiting till something went wrong, if you know what I mean. Especially if there is a genetic predisposition.
As for mending broken backs etc, I am not sure about that, I thought that was stem cells, which is something else? could be wrong.
but I do think that the baby having its own cord blood is of an immediate and definite benefit, rather than banking on a tragedy in the far off obsure future for the baby or a stranger.
Each to their own, definitely. I will be waiting for longer next time before we cut the cord. We waited last time but next time we will wait longer. I feel like it was a bit of a token gesture by the hospital because we asked for it to be done.
subaruforestermum
03-06-2007, 09:38
We couldn't afford to store it so we donated it.
This is exactly what we did. We looked into storing it, and as much as I would have loved to for that "just incase" factor, we just couldnt afford to store it. So we felt more than happy about donating it!
As for mending broken backs etc, I am not sure about that, I thought that was stem cells, which is something else? could be wrong.
They harvest and store stem cells from the umbilical blood
http://www.abc.net.au/am/stories/s595275.htm - a story on the difference between embroyonic and umbilical stem cells
justtwogirls22
10-06-2007, 21:55
sorry dont have time to read all the other posts but we saved (well DP's brother paid for it) our baby's cord blood with biocell - DP's nephew has CF so we are hoping it will help there - the process was completely painless cept for all the paperwork!!
I wanted to but my hospital didn't offer it as a choice (they dont have the facilities)
mysonroger
10-06-2007, 22:06
Nope, I waited for all the blood to drain into him before it was cut/clamped, it was about half an hour, till the cord was white, to ensure he got all the nutrient filled blood that he needs..
gawd - i didn't know about any of this. all i know is that my hospital didn't collect cords. my obsty was anti cord storage, just in so far as the storage techniques are unproven at this point and the cord is no good for congential conditions, so there will be very limited use for it. not that my obsty would have talked me out of it, but she voiced her opinion, as i would expect.
i think, if i'm lucky enough to have another gorgeous baby i'll do what jodiee and the queen have said. wish i had known about this with my previous two.
i will be spreading the word to my pregnant friends
Chlo-Bo's Mummy
13-06-2007, 13:16
I really wanted to donate mine when DD was born, had planned to throughout my whole pregnancy.
She was born on a Sunday afternoon, and it was only then I found out at the hospital I was in you could only donate Mon-Fri 9-5!!!!
I didnt realise something like this was business hours only!
wa mum of 4
23-06-2007, 22:01
I wanted to but it was unavailable at the hospital I delivered at.
little mermaid
24-06-2007, 21:42
My sister and BIL have got my nieces cord blood stored with cellsence. It was my Dad's baby present to them. He said its a bit like an insurance policy, hopefully you will never need it but you would be kicking yourself if something happened and you decided not to store it.
MissBrightside
24-06-2007, 21:52
I didn't really know anything about it until after I gave birth to both sons. It was something that was never mentioned to me during both pregnancies. If I was given the option I would definately have donated the blood and I'm kinda sad that I didn't have the choice to.
We really wanted to donate. Although our hospital is one of the only 4 in NSW that offers that service... it wasn't available at the time I gave birth.(12.25 am)
RaryGirl
27-06-2007, 20:39
We agreed to donate, signed all the forms and DS was delivered during the collection hours ...... unfortunately they didn't get enough blood. :no: So we agreed they could use what blood they did get for research.
We did it. Our hospital offered it, they collected it and there was no drama's.
You do have to go back for a follow up blood test - but other than that, it was all done while we were there.
I let the cord continue pulsating until all that goodness had gone into my baby :yes: And that's how I'd do it for any other babies I'm lucky enough to have.
That's what I'll be doing too. :yes:
christen
24-07-2007, 13:28
We donated dds cord, we couldnt afford to keep it in a bank, and thought it could be used to help others.
Like many of you that have posted in this thread, i didnt know that you could wait until all the blood had gone into baby, maybe with the next one we will do that. Do you have to ask when you go into the hopspital??
Yes, just ask when you get there or just tell your partner to tell them not to clamp it till you say so or until it stops pulsing.
LittleBoysRock
24-07-2007, 16:04
I researched donating the cord before DS was born and basically at the time WA did not have the facilities to store cord blood. I would have really liked for it to have helped somebody but it was disposed of.
secondtimearound2
26-07-2007, 16:11
No.........It went to my babies!!
The middies were fantastic at the Birth Centre, they waited till the placenta was delivered (drug free) before clamping the cord and explained, showed us how the placenta works and where the baby was laying (the bag) reminded me of a liver (hubby was a bit disgused LOL). Hope I haven't put you off your dinner LOL
Im with you!!
We had our little one at B.C. and he got all his blood about 7ml (approx) and then clapped and cut.
Great to see a post highlighting the NO reason.
I understand the benefit for donation though by your baby getting it, it reduces the effect of jaundice, not to mention all the other great things that come with getting the boost of blood .
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.1.9 Copyright © 2013 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.