Our Cord Blood Banking Experience

After my first visit to the OB when I was pregnant, my husband and I immediately decided we wanted to bank our baby's cord blood.  We had received a pamphlet on the topic and looked through it.  Right away we said "let's do it".  We knew it would be expensive, but to us it was well worth it.

I know the topic is a little controversial for some.  Some people do it, some people don't.  People feel strongly about it one way or the other and I respect each person's opinion and decision.  To us, we thought that if we didn't do it and something happened, that we would never forgive ourselves.  It couldn't hurt.  I mean, who knows, it may even end up being a waste of money.  But, it was something that was important to us.    

We researched and researched and we found a place that does it for significantly less money than most.  We read reviews and everything we read was positive.  In the end, we decided on M.a.z.e Cord Blood.  They store the blood for 20 years and don't charge a yearly fee like most banks, it is just a one time payment.  The cord blood can be used if Liam were to ever become ill with some kind of horrible disease or sickness.  And from what we understand it could help any of our children down the line.  It is really only recommended to bank one child's cord blood since it can be used for any of our children and that is what we will do.  Plus, it would get very expensive.   

The process went as follows:  we received a collection kit in the mail that we had to make sure we brought with us to the hospital.  While waiting for Liam to be born, we told the nurses and the doctor that we were planning on banking our baby's cord blood.  The doctor knew just what to do when Liam came out.  He drew the blood from the umbilical cord and it was then placed in the collection kit box.  We called the agency and they came and picked it up within a few hours.  After the blood was picked up, it was processed to make sure that everything was okay with it.  A few days later we were called and told that all was well and that Liam's cord blood would be stored 20 years.

Of course, I don't ever want to have to use it.  Because that would mean that something would be wrong.  But, it's there for us, just in case.