Why I banked my son's cord blood with Viacord

Why I chose to privately bank my newborn son's umbilical cord blood

- by Melody Kisor, Perinatal Health Educator, Pediatric Researcher and Mother (updated 1/08)

Introduction: Birth is expensive. Between medical expenses and getting ready for baby (who knew someone so little could need so much?!?!?), the bills were really piling up. Factor in that we were about to go from double-income-no-kids, to single-income-one (expensive!!!)-baby, we were not in a position to be spending on anything unnecessary. That said, we gladly jumped at the opportunity to bank our son's umbilical cord blood, despite the cost.

Peace of Mind: I'm not a risk taker. I like statistics and I don't like to gamble or take chances. I like security! Home owners insurance...life insurance...medical insurance...car insurance....air bags...smoke detectors! Hopefully I'll never need any of them, but I'm really glad I have them!
There is a sense of security in privately banking your newborn's umbilical cord blood. As a mother, it feels good to know that should we need this blood (for our own children or for other relatives), it's there. There are enough things that keep me up at night...this helps me sleep a little better.
(Sidenote: When I banked my son's cord blood in 2002, the statistics showed that there was a 1 in 2,700 chance that it might be needed. A recent study shows that the stats are actually closer to 1 in 100 chances that someone in my family might develop a disease treatable with the stem cells from cord blood by the age of 50.)

Make an informed choice: As with any choice surrounding the birth of your baby, it's important to make an informed choice. Private banking may or may not be the right choice for your family. Ask around. Do the research. Find out if your family is at higher risk than average for needing to a stem cell transplant. Check with your friends who have banked. Make the best choice for YOUR family.
IMPORTANT: When asking your healthcare provider for advice, make sure that he or she has the most current statistics and information. This is a rapidly-advancing field of science and some practitioners may have formed opinions based on old data.

Why I chose Viacord: After doing all of my homework, I personally chose to bank with Viacord. The other companies were purely storage banks; Viacord (and ViaCell) are part of the cutting-edge science and research. That, plus their great customer service, made it the right company for my family.

Take Home Message: The potential medical uses are unlimited, but the chance to get these cells is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for each child.
Given how easy it is to collect the cells (it's painless to mother and baby, and they would be discarded otherwise) and the huge potential for use in the future, I recommend that all of my clients strongly consider private umbilical cord blood banking.

4/20/04 - Update: After writing this article, a very close relative of ours was diagnosed with a form of leukemia that can potentially be treated with the stems cells from umbilical cord blood. Although she chose not to treat the cancer, it was reassuring to know that the cord blood was available to her if she changed her mind.
1/1/06 - Update: Our thoughts and prayers go out to 4 year old J.D. in Alexandria in his battle with leukemia. We're praying for you, buddy!