The International Cesarean Awareness Network is powered by the selfless efforts of our numerous volunteers. We cannot thank our dedicated volunteers enough for their cooperation and service in assisting ICAN with accomplishing its mission. In an effort to acknowledge some of our amazing volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to offer support, education, and advocacy for the mothers in their area, the International Cesarean Awareness Network is pleased to announce Linda Crownover-Inch as the May 2017 Volunteer of the Month. Linda is a dedicated volunteer out of ICAN of the Quad Cities who’s been with ICAN for seven years. We appreciate the work she does!
Katy Kujala-Korpela from ICAN of Milwaukee has completed training!
ICAN is excited to announce that Katy Kujala-Korpela from ICAN of Milwaukee has completed training!
Tell us about the birth climate in your area.
We have two consistent meetings a month, in Bay View and Wauwatosa. We will slowly start adding meetings throughout the city as our community grows. There are lots of positive birth options in the Milwaukee area. We have two out of hospital birth centers, as well as a large community of doulas and midwives to provide support in hospital settings. It would be wonderful if the birth professionals in our area were advocates for giving birth vaginally to breech babies.
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Authentic Birth Center, May 10th 10:30-12:30
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Well Rounded Maternity Center, June 3rd 10-noon
Check out our Facebook page for more details for these events: https://www.facebook.com/ICANofMke/
CAPS for VBACS
In 2014, I was led down a path that I later learned often resulted in a C-Section. I knew I wanted to have a vaginal birth after a cesarean before I even knew what a VBAC was. Not even a couple months postpartum, I searched to learn what my options were for my future births. While searching, I came across the term “VBAC”. I became hopeful since it was not only a real thing but also a very safe option for women to choose. Some people I had spoken to suggested that I familiarize myself with ICAN. It meant so much to me that there was an organization working to help women in situations such as mine.
In September 2016, I had a very smooth VBAC and delivered my second baby boy. I was so overwhelmed with appreciation towards those who helped me that I thought: How can I contribute? Being near Chicago, I love to spend the winter inside crocheting. With a bunch of yarn to use up and an intent to make newborn hats to donate. I started working on a design for a hat to raise VBAC awareness. Typically, when I told people I was trying for a VBAC, I also had to include an explanation of what a VBAC is, along with some reassurance that it is a safe and worthwhile option. I would like to make things a little easier on pregnant women planning a VBAC by making the public just as aware of VBACs as they are with repeat cesareans. In doing so, women who have a cesarean will know right away that a VBAC is an option for future births.
The hat has a simple design to it with a lot of meaning. The single stripe represents the scar of a past cesarean birth, as well as a vaginal birth by the way the stripe crowns a baby’s head when the hat is worn. Most importantly, the stripe signifies having a complete knowledge of your birth options and the ability to make an educated choice. The hat design also recognizes that all births are unique – whether it be from one woman to the next or one pregnancy to the next – by encouraging the use of any combination of colors so long as the single stripe is present. It really is a lot of fun getting creative with different colors to use.
I started a project group on Facebook called “CAPS for VBACS” and it has been generating a lot of excitement. Many people have joined the group and are eager to help! Since the beginning of Cesarean Awareness Month this April, we have been crocheting VBAC hats and donating them to our local hospitals for all newborns to wear! You don’t need to have had a cesarean or a VBAC to help raise awareness! Doulas have been gifting their clients the hats in beautiful postpartum packages and some photographers are making sure to have a hat on hand for photos! If you are interested in helping this cause, you can join “CAPS for VBACS” on Facebook, start crocheting, share your pictures, and share the meaning the hat with others!
By Brandi Timko
ICAN introduces Emily Smith of Northern Virginia!
ICAN is excited to announce Emily Smith as our newest chapter leader! She has completed training and will be leading ICAN of Northern Virginia!
Tell us about the birth climate in your area.
Currently, the chapter just serves Northern Virginia, but we’re expanding to DC. We have so many options here, but I wish that women could receive judgement-free support from their entire team.
What drew you to ICAN?
When I was a new doula I attended my first ICAN meeting with a client who was hoping to have a VBAC. I’m excited for women and families to have this option available. I believe that one of the best ways to improve rates for women and babies is to work with care providers as a team.
Please share a little about yourself!
I have been a birth doula, postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and placenta encapsulator in the DC metro area since 2008. I live in Northern Virginia with my husband, three energetic children, a tiny old cat, and a rescued Catahoula Leopard dog. When I’m not doula-ing or with my friends and family you’ll find me enjoying coffee or wine (is it morning or evening?), hiking, and traveling when I can!
Congrats, Deborah! We can’t wait to see what you and your chapter get up to!
You are not alone. ICAN support is for all women.
Are you having a hard time finding women who support your desires for your birth? Do you think nobody understands how you feel? Have you had an undesired cesarean, necessary or not? Are you trying to decide if VBAC is right for you and your baby? Does a repeat cesarean feel like a safer option for you? Did you have a cesarean after trying for a VBAC? Wherever you are in the process, trying to conceive your first baby or ready to deliver your fifth child by cesarean, ICAN is here to support you!
When women gather together it is a powerful experience.
ICAN’s mission is three-fold and encompasses all women who desire to give birth. Those of us who lead and the ladies who come for support are working together to create a space to encircle and empower women through the birthing journey. When women gather together it is a powerful experience and everyone benefits from the open communication that ensues. Each woman’s experience is unique yet it brings a familiar connection that is relatable to us all. As Marcie Macari (author of She Births: A Modern Woman’s Guidebook for an Ancient Rite of Passage) has said, “Birth is a rite of passage of women. Their journey should be honored, their rights should be fiercely protected, and their stories should be shared.” When stories are shared, people find healing. That is the heart of ICAN: healthy, whole and confident women.
Sometimes the journey to birth and beyond can feel lonely. Many women don’t have supportive family members or friends who understand their desire to birth in a particular way or avoid unnecessary interventions that can be commonplace these days. ICAN helps to bring women together to facilitate a safe place for anyone needing understanding and support. We all desire the community of a non-judgmental place to discuss questions, fears, and experiences. You’ll find, as Stephen Gaskin once said, that “the wisdom and compassion a woman can intuitively experience in childbirth can make her a source of healing and understanding for other women.” You are not alone.
ICAN supports your right to choose how you will give birth.
Through Facebook groups, monthly meetings and blog posts, there are many avenues to connect you with the latest evidence, and encouraging stories to help you heal. Please know that we are not exclusive. While VBAC is a popular topic these days with more women choosing that route than in previous years, the fact remains that there are risks with any delivery method, and most women who have had one cesarean delivery will choose a repeat cesarean for subsequent births. ICAN supports your right to choose how you will give birth. Each of us processes our cesarean experiences differently. Some women find comfort in the process of planning for their cesarean, while others do not. We at ICAN respect both of these valid perspectives. Our desire is to support you in the way that is best for you. Our hope is that you will have the correct information to make the best choices for you. We want you to know that we truly care and are here to help you along the way.
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Written by: Melissa Mathewson, former Chapter Leader of ICAN of Jackson, MS
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