ICAN of Syracuse

Press Release 4/2006

A National Movement that was born in Syracuse is now being threatened. In June 1982, Esther Zorn conceived the Cesarean Prevention Movement at her dining room table in Syracuse, NY.  She was credited for bringing the overuse of cesareans to national prominence – and for successfully challenging the long-held “once a cesarean, always a cesarean” dictum.  Her organization was named the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN), and today is in over 75 communities around the nation working to help women recovering from cesareans or working towards vaginal births after cesareans (VBACs).

Unfortunately, the strides made by Zorn’s organization in opening the door to VBAC are now being threatened by the obstetric profession.  In an effort to protect their members from the fear of lawsuits, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has issued strict guidelines for VBAC, effectively limiting access to this kind of birth.

Twenty-four years after the inception of Zorn’s organization, Lisa Carguello of Syracuse was planning a VBAC after two cesareans.  In the 36^th week of her pregnancy, her doctor’s office called to tell her that they changed their minds and did not want to offer support for a VBAC.  “It was then that I got in contact with ICAN,” said Carguello. “I learned that many women all over the country are coerced into cesareans late in their pregnancy.  This is a hidden battery of women.”

“Talking with Esther Zorn was so inspiring, especially knowing that I was seeking a VBAC in the birthplace of the Cesarean Prevention Movement,” said Carguello. She was so inspired that she went on to find supportive care providers, deliver her 10 pound 14 ounce baby naturally, and join with other women to re-ignite the alpha chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network. “I want to continue to carry the torch lit by Esther Zorn, “ she said.

“You can lower your chances of a cesarean with the choices you make around pregnancy and birth,” said Carguello, Syracuse chapter leader. “Educate yourself, find out the risks and benefits of the different options - then make your decisions. For example, hiring a doula to support you in labor cuts your chance of a cesarean by 50%.”

Around the same time Carguello was looking to ICAN for VBAC support, Michelle Sun was researching VBAC while processing her recent unplanned cesarean.  “When I found ICAN and was connected with Lisa Carguello, it didn’t take long for me to realize that the re-ignition of the Syracuse chapter would be beneficial to women in so many ways, especially now that VBAC opportunities have become limited,” said Sun, another ICAN of Syracuse chapter leader.

Consumer Reports has named cesarean section number 3 on its list “12 Surgeries You May Be Better Off Without”. The recommendation from Consumer Reports Medical Guide comes on the heels of the Centers for Disease Control Report showing that the cesarean rate in the U.S. has reached a historical high of 29.1% in 2004. This is far higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended rate of 10 – 15% and is a major health risk for women, says ICAN.

Cesarean surgery carries all the risks of any major surgery: blood loss, clots, anaesthetic reactions, infection and other complications. Babies run a higher risk of lung problems, prematurity and injury. Future babies are at risk for miscarriage, serious placental problems and stillbirth.  Cesarean can be a life-saving surgery, but we have to be very sure that the benefits of doing one outweigh the risk to the mom and all her future children. An unnecessary surgery exposes the mom to all the risks and none of the benefits.

ICAN of Syracuse can help women make the choices that are right for them. “We have a reference library, research studies, and lots of cesarean information,” said Michelle Sun.  “We also provide support for recovery from cesarean and resources for planning VBAC.” All are welcome at the monthly meetings, including caregivers working with childbearing women.  April is Cesarean Awareness Month.  The first meeting is planned for April 18, 2006.  Esther Zorn will be speaking!

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