A Pennsylvania breast-cancer survivor, who gave birth to a healthy girl in September, had just one request for her hospital staff before going into labor – allow her to have a breastfeeding zone.
Meghan Koziel, a Pittsburgh resident, requested that she be allowed to post a ‘No Breastfeeding Zone’ sign over her bed before giving birth to daughter Kendra Jane Koziel, on September 15.
Koziel had undergone a double mastectomy in 2015 when she was just 26.
Meghan Koziel, a Pittsburgh resident, requested that she be allowed to post a ‘No Breastfeeding Zone’ sign over her hospital bed
She gave birth to daughter Kendra Jane Koziel on September 15
Along with the statement, she included a poem on the pink post instructing nurses that the baby would be formula fed.
Koziel had undergone a double mastectomy in 2015 when she was just 26. But the mother has been forthcoming about her journey
She said, at the time: ‘We do indeed have a mommy-to-be who had breast cancer and a mastectomy which means, without boobs in the houseeeee!
‘Got the banner raised just in case people are confused at why we are NOT going to be breastfeeding our little bundle of joy. Yes I have foobs, no I do not have boobs (or nipples) therefore… my body is incapable of breastfeeding:) -sign was made by me!!!!!)’
Koziel has been forthcoming sharing her journey as a survivor while pregnant, often including photos of her bump and her ‘foobs.’
Following Kendra’s birth, her mother posted photos of the infant drinking formula.
Koziel also posted photos in October showing her and Kendra in what appears to be a latching position.
Following Kendra’s birth, her mother posted photos of the infant drinking formula
Koziel also posted photos in October showing her and Kendra in what appears to be a latching position
The mother has been extremely vocal about her journey, sharing her story with more than 18,700 followers. She’s shared her struggle with egg retrieval as well as complications she had with IVF and reconstructive surgery.
Koziel, an occupational therapist, had considered getting breast milk from a milk bank but struggled with the fact it wasn’t covered by her insurance. Milk from donation groups had ‘no way of being tested,’ she explained to Parents.com.
Koziel added that she was being strong for her own mother, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer as well (pictured with her hus
‘All survivors who are wanting to be moms, never ever give up hope,’ said Koziel. ‘Doctors cannot guarantee fertility, but if you think about it… fertility isn’t guaranteed for anyone in life!
‘Miracles happen, and whether you can conceive naturally, through IVF, or adoption… there is ALWAYS a way to become a mom! You just have to find the path and trust in it once it’s found.’
She shared that she was diagnosed on October 15 with breast cancer which was hard for her as it was also Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Koziel added that she was being strong for her own mother, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer as well.
Approximately 1 in 8 United States women will develop an invasive form of breast cancer throughout their lifetime, according to Breastcancer.org.
In 2018 alone, there are going to be an estimated 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnoses.
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