CordBlood Banking

I banked my 2 year old's cord blood and am planning on doing the same with my 2nd child's (due in March). It is a very easy process and requires little on your part (except money!). We used CBR in Tucson- great service, quick response time, and they came highly recommended from my OB/GYN office. We felt it was a valuable insurance policy for the ever present "what-if". And with the strides they are making in cell use, it will only be more helpful in the future.

Dear V.-
I did it for both of my children and don't regret it one bit. I have been lucky enough to not need it at this point, but it is a great relief to know that it is available. Check out the companies closely, and I would recommend going with a LARGE company. My doctor warned that if I went with a smaller company, if they went out of business, what would happen to our supply?? I also read online about some people who were duped, by this guy who was charging enormous amounts and keeping it in his DEEP FREEZE!!!! Just be careful, but if you can afford it - I would highly recommend it!!! Thanks and good luck!!

Dear V.,
First of all, congratulations on your baby! I don't have a personal experience to share with you although you struck an interest and I went to look it up and found some information. WOW...I didn't realize that cord blood can save a life in certain circumstances. I did however read that chances are very slim that you will have to use it. But, you just never know. Let me know how it goes with going thru this process. When I was pregnant, I only heard about this briefly and never really looked into it. Are there any chances you might become a stay at home mom? Sometimes I miss working, but then I look at my son and realize how much I could have missed if I was working. I think it's amazing that Mom's can work and be a Mom too and I admire those who do so. Me, I don't think I have that talent. :-) Being a Mom is a lot of work. Take care, Best wishes, G.

Hi V.,

I also used Cryo-Cell and the process was very simple. We did in 2001 when my daughter was born and we don't regret it. i don't remember how much we paid for the kit, but I know we spend $90 every year for storage. I think this is the best way to spend our money and I hope I'll never have to use the blood.
My husband lost a sister in her very early years due to cancer, and having our daughter's blood cord saved, just gives us some peace of mind. Good luck w/your new baby.

Hi V., I did CBR and it was great. I got the kit from my dr.'s office and I registered by email and fax. There is a person that is assigned to you to answer questions and follow up that all his been taken care of before the big day. After the baby was born that rep contacted me by phone and sent a certificate that the cord was delivered. Also, I received a $250 off coupon. I think they offer it online. You must inform your dr beforehand and remind him/her again at delivery. Bring your kit to the hospital. Pretty much the dr and nurse will take care of everything after that. CBR informed me that my husband or someone from my family would have to call to inform CBR that blood cord was ready for pick up, but once we were at hospital they (nurse) took care of everything. When you contact CBR that blood cord is ready, I believe they come w/in 2 hrs for pick up and drive it to Tucson where they are located which is great for you since you live in Tucson. I live in Phx. Good luck. Contact me if you have anymore questions. They also give discounts for referrals.
N. Metzger

Hi V., I banked my sons cordblood with CBR and I have $300 in coupons for new members. Thank god I haven't had to use it yet, but it is kind of nice knowing it's there for emergencies and they are coming out with new things that it will cure all the time, it is pricey though. So if your interested you can have these coupons. Just let me know.

Yes, I stored my daughter's cord blood when she was born in July 2004. I didn't do it with my first child because my stupid doctor never told me about it. I am with cryo-cell. Their website is www.cryo-cell.com. If you decide to go with them, they'll send you the kit and you give it to your doctor in the hospital when you go to deliver and your doctor will collect it and send it off to the cordblood bank. Cord blood, as you know, has great potential with many ailments. I think it's worth having. I just really regret I didn't do it with my first child!

Hi V.-
We actually stored my Daughters cord blood in 05 and the process was great..You just need to tell the OB/GYN that you are doing it and she will store it (they give you a kit to bring to the hospital) and then the tech comes to your room within 24 hours of you calling them to tell them you had your baby and they pick it up..I forgot who we went thorough though it was a big company?? If you want you can email later tonite and I will look for the certificate?? We are in the process of moving so I have to find the folder...I defintly recomend it .. I worked in a PICU and after seeing so many kids with cancer that need bone marrow transplanst and everything else no amount of money could keep me from potentially saving one of my children..It is a great investment..Good luck with your decision..
M.
____@____.com