ICAN is excited to announce Mollie Madden as our newest chapter leader! She has completed training and will be leading ICAN of Hampton Roads!
What’s your chapter’s name?
ICAN of Hampton Roads
How did you find out about ICAN? What drew you to our organization?
My Bradley teacher and doula told me about it and invited me to join. I had just had a VBAC and knew how important educating myself about VBAC had been in avoiding a repeat cesarean.
What part of being an ICAN Chapter Leader are you most excited about and why?
Sharing my knowledge and experience with other women.
What do you wish other people knew about ICAN?
That it exists as a resource for all mothers and the birth community.
What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about cesarean/VBAC awareness?
That there isn’t enough education. Too many believe ‘once a cesarean…’ and that VBAC is very dangerous. I believe most women, per ACOG guidelines, should be given the opportunity to have a VBAC and can successfully VBAC with proper preparation and support.
How would someone describe you?
Research oriented.
Please share a little about yourself
I have a PhD in medieval history. My son is a VBAC Bradley baby. I love to travel, read, and sew.
If you would like to share personal birth “statistics,” feel free to list that information here.
1st birth was an induction due to blood pressure problems at 37wks with an epidural 18 hrs in, followed by a cesarean 42 hours after progress stalled at 4. 2nd birth was a Bradley birth and VBAC at 40wks 1 day. That labor we arrived at the hospital and checked in around 5:30AM and we were at 5; an hour later we were at 8. My son was born at 8:30AM. We also had a doula with the 2nd birth, and she was so helpful in getting us through a fast, hard back labor.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CHAPTER
Where is your chapter (region)? What areas does your chapter serve?
Tidewater Virginia
If you could change one thing about the birth climate in your area, what would it be?
I would have the nearest hospital to me allow VBAC–we had to drive 40+ miles for our VBAC.
What is the best thing about the birth climate in your area?
The women who generously share information and support each other.