Cesarean awareness month Toolkit

#CesareanAwarenessMonth
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What is Cesarean Awareness Month?

  • April is Cesarean Awareness Month (CAM)
  • CAM focuses on all topics surrounding cesareans, including reducing preventable cesareans, supporting cesarean recovery, and advocating for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
  • ICAN was founded in 1982 as a grassroots movement to serve these needs
  • We need your help to grow Cesarean Awareness! Download the infographics, start a fundraiser, wear your CAM T-Shirt!

Cesareans…

Why the Need

For Awareness

  • Researchers estimate that almost half of the cesareans performed could be safely prevented.
  • If families don’t know these options exist they can’t advocate for them.
  • Cesareans can be more or less “family friendly” depending on the practices and protocols at a facility and provider support.
  • Preventable Cesareans may be responsible for up to 20,000 major surgical complications a year, including sepsis, hemorrhage, and organ injury.
  • Often the future risks to birthing people, and their future pregnancies and children are not even mentioned.
Advocacy Membership

Brianna Barker and Justen Alexander, former ICAN President and Vice President speaking to care providers about the health and emotional impacts of Cesarean and VBAC
Elizbethton, TN 2019

Press Release: 2023 Cesarean Awareness Month

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Call to Action

Key Messages

  • Lowering the rate of preventable cesareans is vital to improving maternal-child health.
  • Policies do not override a persons’ right to informed decision making.
  • VBAC bans are unethical and unenforceable for hospitals to institute. People have the right to informed refusal, which includes declining a cesarean.
  • For most people, VBAC carries lower risks than a repeat cesarean.
  • A healthy birth incorporates emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
  • When a cesarean is necessary, it can be a lifesaving technique, and worth the risks involved.

Thank you

for supporting Cesarean Awareness Month!

Cesarean Awareness Month Profile Frames

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Dismantle the disconnect w/ awareness
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