Is Cord Blood Worth It?

Is Cord Blood Worth It?
Cord blood banking is becoming more and more popular among families who are expecting babies in the near future. Though the process has been around for decades, people are waking up to its benefits and advantages. However, a question that almost every family considering whether or not to bank their baby’s stem cells is whether cord blood is worth it? At AlphaCord, we’re huge advocates of the process for obvious reasons, but it’s crucial you make the decision that’s right for you and your family. After having the honor of serving tens of thousands of customers, we’re sharing some key information and considerations that may help you draw a conclusion.

What Is Cord Blood Banking And How Does It Work?

Cord blood banking is the process of harnessing the resources of your baby’s umbilical cord blood for future medical use. This blood is rich in stem cells, which has particularly powerful capabilities of treating certain chronic and life-threatening conditions. Many families are turning to cord blood banking as a way to increase the chances of their child enjoying a healthy and vital life. The cord blood banking process is relatively simple:
  • You’ll choose the best cord blood banking company for you. At AlphaCord, we walk our clients through the process step-by-step so you know how to prepare before your baby’s delivery.
  • After delivery, your doctor or midwife will implement the procedure of collecting the cord blood and depositing it in the provided collection kit. The process is safe and painless for both mom and baby.
  • Once the cord blood is screened for quality, it’s then sent to a state-of-the-art stem cell storage facility where it can be stored for potentially decades.
Potential uses for cord blood include:
  • Treatment of certain diseases and medical conditions, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia.
  • Regeneration of damaged tissue, such as in the case of a spinal cord injury.
  • Development of new medical treatments and therapies.
The question of whether banking cord blood is worth it is often connected to wondering “what if my baby never needs it?” It’s true that not every baby who’s cord blood is banked will need their stem cells. However, as a parent that’s the scenario you want. Should an undesirable health condition arise that could be treated by stem cells, you’ll be eternally grateful to have access to them.

Is Cord Blood Banking Safe for Both the Baby and the Mother?

One of the most common concerns about cord blood banking is whether it's safe for the baby and the mother. Here's what you need to know:
  • Cord blood collection is a safe, noninvasive, simple and 100% painless procedure for the mother and the baby.
  • Cord blood banking itself is also safe. The collected cord blood is tested for quality and screened for infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis, to ensure it's safe for future use. Cord blood banks, including AlphaCord, follow strict guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety and quality of stored cord blood.
Overall, cord blood banking is a safe and painless procedure that can provide potential health benefits for both the baby and potentially the whole family.

Is Cord Blood Banking Worth the Cost?

While cord blood banking can provide potential health benefits for your family, it's important to consider whether it's worth the cost. Ultimately, the decision is a personal choice but after speaking with thousands of customers world-wide, we’ve found the following considerations to be common among potential parents.

Cord Blood Banking Pros & Cons

Benefits:
  • Cord blood banking provides a rich source of stem cells for potential future medical treatments. This can be particularly beneficial if your family has a history of certain medical conditions, such as certain types of cancers or blood disorders.
  • Cord blood banking also provides peace of mind, knowing that you have a source of stem cells available if your child or another family member needs them in the future.
  • If you choose a private cord blood bank like AlphaCord, you'll have exclusive access to your baby's stem cells. This means that you can be sure it's available if and when you need it.
Drawbacks:
  • Some families may find the price prohibitive. Look for a cord blood banking company with affordable pricing options without sacrificing standards of care.
  • Your baby may never need their cord blood.
Ultimately, the decision of whether cord blood banking is worth it for your family depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. By considering the potential benefits and drawbacks, as well as alternative options, you can make an informed decision that's best for you and your baby.

Getting Started With Cord Blood Banking

At AlphaCord, we’re passionate about helping families just like yours access the benefits of cord blood banking. We’ve put together a helpful resource to help you decide whether cord blood is worth it, and our team is available to answer any questions you might have while taking this step. Get started and download your free cord blood banking information kit here.