Buzz
A quick Google search for “cord blood” will show you numerous services eager to collect your child’s umbilical cord blood, asking for thousands of dollars in return. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics, in a recent policy update, recommends a different approach—one that’s completely free and potentially much more beneficial.
Free cord blood banks often fly under the radar due to their lack of advertising budgets. Nevertheless, these public banks are far more likely to be the life-saving option you might need for your child in the future.
Here's the distinction: private cord blood banks, the ones you see advertised frequently that charge hefty fees, operate much like a safety deposit box for your child’s cells. You store the blood, and theoretically, you could retrieve it at a later time. It sounds appealing at first glance, but there’s more to consider.
The primary purpose of saving cord blood is that it contains stem cells, which can be used in treatments similar to a bone marrow transplant. But here's the catch—if your child ever requires a transplant due to a serious condition, their stored cord blood may not be helpful. The reason? It will likely carry the same genetic flaw as their own cells.
In the past decade, there have been only around 70 transplants using privately stored cord blood, as reported by Parents magazine reports, with almost all of them going to close family members. The cord blood was not used by the child who donated it. Private cord blood banking is worthwhile only if you have multiple children, one of whom needs a transplant, and another whose tissue type matches.
However, with a public bank, the likelihood of the samples being used is much higher. Your child’s blood may be an ideal match for someone you don’t know, and vice versa. If you have a sick child and their newborn sibling has the right tissue type, you can still opt for a directed donation through the public bank.
Many children require transplants but lack a matching family member, which underscores the importance of public banks. These banks are especially in need of donations from underrepresented ethnic groups, including those of mixed-race heritage. The more diverse the bank’s collection, the greater the chances that someone with an uncommon tissue type will find a match.
If you’re considering banking your newborn’s cord blood, choose a public bank. Hospitals typically manage the collection and donation process, so be sure to speak with your doctor or midwife well in advance to make the necessary arrangements. You can find a list of hospitals and instructions on how to prepare here.
