International Cesarean Awareness Network

Education, Support, & Advocacy for Birth Justice & Healing

I am feeling very upset about my cesarean. How can I find help?

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If you feel so upset that you fear that you might harm yourself or your baby, please seek professional help immediately by calling 911 or contacting your doctor.

ICAN believes that everyone needs support after birth, especially if they consider their birth experience to be traumatic.  Your feelings are valid. ICAN chapters facilitate peer-to-peer support through building a community of maternity care consumers in local environments. Different ways that ICAN can support can be found under the “Support” tab.

Local chapter leaders provide support through online, and in-person meetings. Find a local chapter using the “Find A Chapter” tab.

What does the burgundy ribbon stand for?

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ribbon2The burgundy color of the ribbons represents birth and the wearing of the ribbon upside down symbolizes the state of distress many pregnant women find themselves in when their birthing options are limited. The loop of the inverted ribbon represents a pregnant belly and the tails are the arms of a woman outstretched in a cry for help. The shape also signifies the uterus and fallopian tubes. The Cesarean Awareness Ribbon debuted in April of 2004 for Cesarean Awareness Month.

How do I find a chapter near me?

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Visit our “Find A Chapter” tab to search for a chapter near you. If you cannot find a chapter close to where you live, we have a general ICAN group that may be helpful: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ICANOnline/. You may also be interested in starting a chapter. This information can be found at “Starting a Chapter”.

How does ICAN fulfill its mission?

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There are currently over 100 ICAN chapters throughout the world. Volunteer chapter leaders do most of the work in supporting families in their communities through in-person meetings, email, social media, local events, and fundraising. In addition, ICAN utilizes online support and educational webinars.

What is ICAN?

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The International Cesarean Awareness Network is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve maternal-child health by reducing preventable cesareans through education, supporting cesarean recovery, and advocating for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).