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ICAN’s mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). ICAN Vision Statement A healthy reduction of the cesarean rate driven by women making evidence-based, risk appropriate decisions.
We, the International Cesarean Awareness Network, Inc., believe that: 1. The inappropriate over use of cesarean surgery is jeopardizing the lives of mothers and babies. 2. When a cesarean is necessary, it can be a lifesaving technique for both mother and baby, and worth the risks involved. 3. Birth is a normal physiological process. Research shows that with emotional support, education, and an honest opprotunity, the vast majority of women can have a healthy vaginal birth. 4. A healthy birth incorporates emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. 5. Research shows that VBAC is reasonable and safe for both mother and baby. A repeat cesarean should never be considered routine- it is major abdominal surgery with many risks. 6. It is unethical and unenforceable for hospitals to institute VBAC bans. Women have the right to refuse any procedure, including a cesarean. 7. Women have the right to true informed consent and refusal, which entails full knowledge of the risks and benefits of all tests, drugs, and procedures. 8. It is incumbent upon every care provider and institution to facilitate the informed consent process. 9. Women must be allowed to express all their birth related feelings in a safe and supportive environment. The emotions of a pregnant and birthing woman have profound effects on the birth outcome and recovery. 10. It is unethical for a physician to recommend and/or perform non-medically indicated cesareans (elective) . Women are not being fully informed of the risks of this option in childbirth, and therefore make decisions based on cultural myth and fear surrounding childbirth. 11. The trend of "elective cesareans" is being significantly overstated through distortion of research and data. 12. We as women must now assume more responsibility for our own births. 13. It is critical that women's choice of care provider and location of birth be respected.
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Maryann Combs, West End Leader
Maryann is the mother of five children. Her first two children were born by cesarean while her next three were VBAC's. Maryann's first child was born in 1997 and it was this journey to motherhood when she began to understand the challenges that face childbearing women and our families in the Commonwealth. It was when she was preparing for her VBA2C that she became involved with ICAN in 2004. Since then Maryann has been leading her children and apple pies through the General Assembly, writing letters to campaign for change and better access to evidence-based care and helping out whenever possible with issues dear to her heart. Through ICAN, Maryann hopes to inspire women to be informed and empowered, to feel heard and heal, and ultimately take that strength with them on their journey into motherhood.
Mary Callender, Southside Leader
Mary is mother to Brian and Megan. Brian was born by cesarean due to his breech position and Megan was an unmedicated VBAC- big baby too! Mary is a labor and postpartum doula and loves to support women in trusting their bodies to birth. She has a a degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Mary has been serving Richmond area mothers as a doula since 1997 and began her midwifery studies in 2006. She began her midwifery apprenticeship with a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) in 2008.
Past leader, Sara Fariss Krivanec, can be reached at doulabelly@yahoo.com.
For further info contact us at icanofrichmond@yahoo.com