Why I Wanted to Create the Baby Formula Grant

I was 21 years old when I found out I carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, giving me a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer upwards of 80%. Once I turned 25, I started undergoing breast cancer screening with MRIs, mammograms, and ultrasounds every 6 months. While this became a part of my routine, I knew at some point I would likely undergo risk-reducing surgery to lessen the anxiety associated with each of these appointments.

Shortly before my 31^st birthday, during my final year of Obstetrics and Gynecology residency training, I went in for what I thought was my standard screening MRI appointment. This time, however, a suspicious lesion and biopsy-proven disease led me to undergo further invasive testing, specialist visits, difficult discussions, and the challenging decision to undergo a no-longer prophylactic bilateral mastectomy.

I always knew I wanted to have a family. Given my genetic predisposition, my husband and I decided early on to pursue fertility treatment with preimplantation genetic testing to prevent transmission of my BRCA mutation. I had envisioned a stepwise process of having my children, feeding them in what many consider the “traditional” way and undergoing preventative surgery thereafter. Life, however, had other plans.

When I got pregnant with my first son about a year and a half after my surgery, the realization of not being able to breastfeed became more tangible. Despite my initial excitement surrounding pregnancy, I couldn’t control feelings of apprehension. I found myself at baby and maternity stores trying to explain why I wouldn’t need a breast pump or nursing wear. This further trickled into conversations on both the labor and postpartum floor. Once I gave my son his first bottle of formula, however, he took it right away. Almost two and half years later and he is doing great. Just a few months ago we were fortunate to continue this journey by welcoming our second son who is also thriving on baby formula.

Becoming a parent can be stressful, let alone in this context. Formula feeding my children was not my initial choice, but I am so grateful that I was able to be proactive with my health, knowing that I have done everything I can to be around for my children. I hope to empower other people impacted by breast cancer to do the same and to make the experience of formula feeding more accessible through the Baby Formula Grant with Rethink.