Cord blood banking can be an intimidating process - and many people don't realize how much goes into it. Before I signed up for cord blood banking services, there were five things I wish I'd known about the process.

First, I wish I'd known about the two different types of cord blood banks: private and public. With a private bank, you pay a fee to have your baby's cord blood stored. You can then use it to treat your family or donate it if you choose. With a public bank, you donate your baby's cord blood, and it becomes part of a public network of cord blood available to any patient in need.

Second, there are different costs associated with cord blood banking. Private cord blood banking can cost upwards of $2,000 dollars, while public banks will store the cord blood for free. It's important to consider the cost of cord blood banking when deciding which type of bank to go with.

Third, cord blood banking isn't always successful. The success rate for transplants using cord blood is around 20%, so it's important to consider the odds before deciding to bank. The success rate also depends on the type of cord blood banking - private banks tend to have higher success rates than public banks.

Fourth, cord blood banking has certain ethical implications. One of the most prominent issues is the potential for misuse of cord blood. Private banks are more likely to be misused, as they offer the opportunity to use cord blood for financial gain.

Finally, I wish I'd known about the potential long-term benefits of cord blood banking. The long-term benefits of cord blood banking include the potential to treat many diseases, including:

• Leukemia
• Other blood disorders
• Diabetes
• Parkinson's
• Alzheimer's

These are five things I wish I'd known about cord blood banking before I signed up. It's important to research the different types of cord blood banking and the potential costs, success rates, and ethical implications before making a decision. Understanding the potential long-term benefits of cord blood banking can also help you make an informed decision. With an understanding of what cord blood banking is and how it works, you'll be able to make an informed decision that's best for you and your family.