Misconceptions Parents Have About Cord Blood Banking

Cord blood banking is a process of collecting and storing the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of a baby. The blood contains stem cells that can be used for medical purposes, such as treating certain diseases and disorders. Despite its benefits, there are still misconceptions and myths surrounding cord blood banking that prevent some parents from considering it as an option. In this article, we will be debunking some of the most common misconceptions parents have about cord blood banking.

Myth 1: It can hurt my baby

Many parents worry that cord blood banking may harm their baby. However, cord blood collection is a safe and painless process for both the mother and baby. After the baby is born and the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, the healthcare provider will collect the remaining blood in the cord and placenta using a sterile needle and a collection bag. There are no nerves in the umbilical cord or placenta. The procedure is quick, and there is no harm or discomfort to the baby or mother.

Myth 2: It is expensive

Another misconception about cord blood banking is that it is expensive. While cord blood banking does involve some initial costs, such as collection and processing fees, many banks offer financing options to make it more affordable for families. Additionally, some banks also offer discounts or free banking for families with a history of certain medical conditions or those who are expecting multiples.

How Anja Health makes cord blood banking accessible to everyone?

At Anja Health, we are driven by a personal mission to make cord blood banking accessible to the general public, and we are proud to say that we have succeeded in achieving this goal. By offering affordable payment plans and a variety of options tailored to fit the unique needs of every family, we have made cord blood banking more accessible than ever before.

We offer flexible payment plans that cater to a wide range of budgets, including monthly installments starting at just $49/month or a one-time fee with a 10% discount. Our three plans - Bean™, Bud™, and Bloom™ - are designed to give parents the freedom to choose a plan that best fits their needs. We believe that every family should have the opportunity to bank their child's cord blood, and we're committed to making that a reality through our affordable pricing and flexible options.

Myth 3: It is only useful for my child

Many parents believe that cord blood banking is only useful for their own child, and if their child doesn't need it, the banked cord blood will go to waste. However, cord blood stem cells may be used to treat not only the child from whom they were collected but also potentially siblings and other family members. Both biological parents are always a partial match, and siblings have a 75% chance of being a match for cord blood transplantation. (25% chance of being a perfect match, 50% chance of being a partial match, and 25% chance of not being a match.) Other blood relatives, such as grandparents and aunts and uncles, also have a potential of being a match.

Myth 4: Banking is only for families with a history of medical issues

Some parents believe that cord blood banking is only necessary for families with a history of medical issues. And while a family history of disease or inherited disorders can be a reason parents choose to bank, cord blood stem cells have the potential to treat a wide range of diseases and disorders that are not inherited, including certain types of cancer, blood disorders, and metabolic disorders. While having a family history of medical issues may increase the likelihood of needing cord blood stem cells, many families bank for any future potential need.

Myth 5: Finding a donor is easy

While cord blood stem cells can be used to treat many diseases and disorders, finding a matching donor can be challenging. The chances of finding a matching donor within a family are much higher than finding one in the general population. Therefore, banking cord blood can be especially useful for families who have a child with a condition that can be treated with stem cells or have a family history of such conditions.

Data shows your ethnicity may also affect your ability to find a match. According to our friends at Be the Match, your chance of finding a donor stem cell match based on ethnicity is:

• Black or African American - 29%

• Asian or Pacific Islander - 47%

• Hispanic or Latino - 48%

• American Indian & Alaska Native - 60%

• White - 79%

Myth 6: Your chances of using banked stem cells are extremely low

Finally, some parents may believe that the chances of actually using their banked stem cells are very low. Stem cells from cord blood and placenta have been used to treat over 80 different diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders. Additionally, cord blood stem cells have the potential to be used in regenerative medicine for conditions such as spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy. While the chances of using banked stem cells may be low, it's important to consider the potential benefits and the peace of mind that comes with having a backup plan for your child's health, because having banked stem cells can be life-saving. Additionally, advances in medical research and technology show great promise for new treatments and therapies that can utilize cord blood stem cells in the future.

In conclusion, cord blood banking is a safe and potentially life-saving option for families to consider. By debunking some of the common myths and misconceptions surrounding cord blood banking, we hope to provide parents with a better understanding of the benefits and importance of this process. It's always best to talk to your healthcare provider and cord blood bank to get all the information you need to make an informed decision about cord blood banking for your family.

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