Hi all

We have decided to store the cord blood with a private co and the total cost is just under $3000 which includes 18 years of storage, after which it's the property of the child and they have to consent if it is to be kept for longer. My understanding is that the stem cells are not just used for bone marrow transplants, but are used in the treatment of some cancers, like leukemia, and that is for both the child and any siblings who are a match. As this is new technology there isn't really much understanding yet of how extensively it may be able to be used. Our hospital also gave us a form to donate the cord blood to a public bank if we didn't want it ourselves.

The company we went with also offers payment plans up to 12 months if you can't afford it up front, or for when the baby bonus is paid. It is worth mentioning though, you have to get consent from your ob and have at least a deposit paid before the birth (around 35 weeks they indicated was normal, but we are paying at 37-38 just 'cause it took me too long to fill out all the paperwork!). They send you a box with all the collection stuff in it that you have to take along with you to the hospital. Makes no difference, by the way, if it's c/s or vaginal birth, and you can do it for twins as well (doesn't cost twice as much).

Last thing is if you have other children they give you a discount down the track if you collect the cord blood again. Also, they do have some kind of a refund scheme if the blood can't be used for some reason when you need it. Our ob also gets a small payment for every collection he makes (but it's only $50 and he volunteered this information, I'd check if you thought your ob was pushing a particular company and they were more expensive though).

Hope this helps!