Natasha Cauchi was 29 when she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. As part of her treatment she had a double mastectomy with implant reconstruction. Three years later Tash and her husband decided to try for a baby.

 

Chemotherapy can affect fertility and Tash was in early menopause. She had IVF, which was unsuccessful. Then she became pregnant naturally!

 

While the arrival of baby Oliver is joyous, Tash shares how she feels grief and sadness that she can’t breastfeed. Tash also talks about how she needed to advocate, especially when a nurse in hospital told her to ‘put him on the boob’ to breastfeed.

 

Tash also shares her story of:

• Treatment and fertility preservation
• Ovarian tissue freezing
• Trying for a baby after breast cancer
• What IVF was like
• Oliver’s dramatic arrival!
• The pressure to breastfeed in hospital
• Using donated breast milk

 

Thank you, Tash, for sharing your story with us. And welcome to this wonderful world, Oliver AJ, it’s so much more wonderful knowing that you’re in it!

Links for this podcast:

• Natasha's Instagram page
• Ovarian tissue freezing
• Mother's Milk Bank

Where you can find Luan:

•  Instagram
•  Website
•  LinkedIn

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If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.

The information in this podcast does not constitute medical advice. For personalised medical advice you should seek a consult with a FRACS qualified surgeon.

 

Post-production ‘shine’ by Paddy @ Goosing Sounds Ltd (UK)

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