As expectant parents, you want the very best for your little one. One option to consider for your baby’s future health is newborn stem cell banking. By storing your baby’s umbilical cord blood and placenta, you could gain access to valuable stem cells with the potential to treat various diseases. Is it worth it? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of this decision to help you make an informed choice.
Let’s start by addressing the benefits of newborn stem cell banking:
- Medical Treatments: Newborn stem cells can potentially offer over 4,000 treatments, including certain cancers and blood disorders. Cord and placental tissues contain mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that hold promise for regenerative medicine. With over 1.5 million transplants conducted worldwide for hematopoietic cell transplantation, the potential for medical treatment is vast.
- Family Health Protection: Storing stem cells from one child could provide treatment options for compatible siblings or other family members. Read the amazing story of a young Emirati boy who saved his brother’s life using his stored stem cell.
- Future Medical Advancements: Stem cell research is advancing quickly, promising exciting new therapies and treatments. Banking your baby’s stem cells today could lead to future breakthroughs including promising treatments for disorders like Ischaemic Bowel Disease.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have stored stem cells as a potential resource for your child’s future health can give you peace of mind.
Let’s address some potential drawbacks and considerations
- Initial Cost: The upfront investment might seem significant at first, so it’s essential to weigh this against the potential long-term benefits for your child and family.
- Ongoing Storage Fees: Some plans offer lifetime storage with one payment, while others may require regular payments for long-term storage.
- Uncertain Outcomes: Not all potential uses for stem cells have been fully realized yet, so it’s worth keeping this in mind as research continues.
- Compatibility: While stored stem cells will always be a 100% match to the baby, if the family is storing stem cells for treatment for another family member, there is a possibility of no compatibility. This can be determined through an HLA matching test, and consulting a healthcare professional can help you understand the compatibility aspect.
After weighing the benefits and potential cons of newborn stem cell banking, it’s clear that there are significant advantages for you to consider. The chance to potentially protect your child’s health and the future of your family is an opportunity worth evaluating.
Let’s look into some Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re thinking about storing your baby’s stem cells, you may have a few questions about the process and what to expect. Here are some common questions we receive:
- Q: How long can stem cells be stored?
A: Properly cryopreserved stem cells can remain viable for many years, providing long-term medical resources. Stem cell banking has been around since 1988, and the minimum storage provided by stem cell banks is typically 30 years to ensure the viability of the cryopreserved stem cells.
- Q: Is stem cell banking safe for the baby and mother?
A: Yes, the collection process is safe for both mother and baby when performed by trained professionals. The stem cell collection process takes 2-3 mins after birth.
- Q: Can the stored stem cells be used for other family members?
A: Potentially, yes. However, compatibility depends on genetics and other factors. To confirm compatibility, it’s essential to undergo an HLA matching test. Be sure to consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
- Q: What are the chances of needing the stem cells in the future?
A: While the immediate chances may be low, stem cell research is rapidly evolving, which could increase the potential uses in the future.
Understanding the ins and outs of newborn stem cell banking is crucial for making informed decisions about your child’s future health. By addressing common questions and concerns in this FAQ section, we hope to have provided clarity and reassurance. Remember, the decision to bank your baby’s stem cells is deeply personal, and our team at CellSave is here to support you every step of the way. If you have any further inquiries do check out our FAQ page for more detail,
CellSave Stem Cell Banking Payment Plans
In the UAE, we offer flexible payment plans for newborn stem cell banking, making it easier to manage the cost of banking your baby’s stem cells. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose from several options:
- CryoAdvanced: This option secures stem cells from cord blood, cord tissue, and placental tissue, providing multiple potential treatment options. The upfront payment is AED 21,500, or you can opt for a 12-month payment plan starting as low as AED 1,125 per month.
- CryoUltimate: This package provides a comprehensive selection of stem cells from cord blood, cord tissue, placental tissue, cord vessel, and amnion tissue, ensuring full family protection. The upfront payment is AED 26,500, or you can choose a 12-month payment plan starting as low as AED 1,458 per month.
- CryoInfinite: CryoInfinite provides you with access to an infinite supply of cord tissue stem cells for potential future therapeutic uses. The upfront payment is AED 37,500, or you can choose an 18-month payment plan starting as low as AED 1,306 per month.
Newborn stem cell banking offers significant potential benefits for your child’s health and future medical needs. While there are costs and other factors to consider, storing your baby’s stem cells might be a wise decision to ensure their future wellbeing.
To find out more about stem cell banking and payment plans, reach out to our team today. We’re happy to answer any questions you have and help you make the best decision for your family.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before making any decisions related to stem cell banking or medical treatments.