Banking the umbilical cord blood when your baby is born is a relatively new idea, the first operation using it to help cure a child with Leukemia was only done a little over 10 years ago.
However, just because it is a new idea it doesn't mean it is a bad one.
Here are some things to consider to help you decide whether you want to take the opportunity that is open to us in the 21st century and store your baby's cord blood for possible future use by yourself (or someone else) in the event that the unthinkable happens and your child needs it.
1 - Cord Blood Banks Are New The science behind them isn't particularly complex but as with any new business model not every company that is involved in it will last.
If one company is undercutting the others continuously there is a good chance they will not have the income needed to develop the process and keep the banks going long term.
2 - Expertise Counts While the science isn't complicated it is worth taking into account that you only get one chance at this.
You only get one umbilical cord per birth so if they mess it up you have to wait a while for the next chance.
At least nine months! 3 - Better Safe Than Sorry It's better to be safe than sorry, the time to wish you had spent a bit more money is not when you get told your child has leukemia and the cord blood could help them be treated.
Money is important and it will always be short for most of us, but consider the long term benefits of using a cord blood bank and you will see it is a wise investment.