Banking vs. Donating

[JTnMommy]

Hello everybody!  I just joined and I'm full of questions..*L*.  I wanted to donate the cord blood when I had my son, but the hospital I had him at didn't participate so I was too late in making arrangements.  Now I"m pregnant with baby two and know that I want to do something with it (donate or bank).  This is where my questions start.  I've done just a bit of research mostly on donating because we never thought about banking it.  I've read that family can also use the blood and I am wondering is that just my family or does that include my husband's family?  Does the blood types have to match like a regular blood transplant?  Please don't think I'm crazy here, but I'm very interested to learn more about all of this!!  We just found out that my husband's father was diagnosed with leukemia so I'm wondering if we should look more into banking than donating now, but I want to know if it's really going to be enough to help him and such.  Any information would be really appreciated!!  Thanks!!

[guccichic]

HI welcome to the group. I first want to say sorry to hear that your father in law is ill.  I know with me I wanted to bank it instead of donating it because I wanted it to be availaiable for my family incase we ever needed it..

I am not sure if you checked out this website to find out more about donating it might help. I will give you the info on banking and donating.  I hope this helps a little.  I know what an important decision it was for your family and it does help to talk to people just make sure you get he info you need.
Please visit www.marrow.org to learn more about cord blood donation. Once on the NMDP website simply click “how you can help” then “donate cord blood” for a detailed instructions on how to donate cord blood.  The website lists hospitals that accept public donations, which bank to contact to arrange for donation along with donor eligibility guidelines.
If you want more info on banking you can try Viacord 1888-758-5115 and they can give you info on banking that is who I used and I was real happy with them. mention #303 and they will send you are free info packet and also give you a special discount .

[Druiemia]

I agree whole heartedly with either donating or banking cord blood. The father and I have no one in our families that have had any diseases that have needed treatment. Personally, when I have my son, I'm going to donate. I would rather donate it for someone to be able to use when they need it, then to have it sit in a bank and not be used. On the other hand, if our families had some disease that the blood would help, I would keep it in a family bank.

[JTnMommy]

We've decided to just donate it since his parents have been very "uninterested" and almost rude about it.  I just spoke to my midwife at my last appt and she gave me the info to contact about it. 

[Druiemia]

Wow, I can't believe that they are being rude about it. I'm sorry to hear that. On the positive side you'll be able to help someone who will be so thankful for your donation.

[JTnMommy]

If you knew them you wouldn't be surprised about their behavior...*L*  I am all for helping somebody else that will appreciate it!!

Quoting Druiemia:

Wow, I can't believe that they are being rude about it. I'm sorry to hear that. On the positive side you'll be able to help someone who will be so thankful for your donation.