To pulse or to store???

Hi Ladies,

I know I have a while to really think about this, but just wanting to know what you all thought about stem cell collection. Do you think it is better to let the cord pulse at birth or take the stem cells for storage. I am really struggling with this as I want a drug free / natural birth - but I wonder how I would feel about decision if my baby got sick down the line and I could have used his / her stem cells...

I am probably making this into a bigger deal than what it needs to be but I am really torn about this issue.

I have heard that taking the stem cells turn the birth into a very clinical experience and can really affect the way you feel about the birth...

I thought a lot about this and never finished researching it. We were going with delayed cord cutting/letting it pulse.

Someone mentioned to us that though the stem cells may be useful, in cases of childhood leukemia (sp) for example, they may be useless because the precursor to the disease may already be in the stem cells. The child's stem cells may be more useful if one of their parents gets ill. Don't quote me on that, because we never looked further into it. You'd need to ask a paeditrician I think.

I was going with delayed cord blood because it gives all the oxygen and nutrients bub needs for the first few weeks. A downside can be too much blood needs processing by the liver and they end up with jaundice.

Stem cell collection is not done by all hospitals - you'd need to check. I don't think public hospitals offer private collection. If it's going into a public bank, they may allow it.