About ICAN of Central Iowa
The Central Iowa Chapter of ICAN was founded in March, 2004 by a group of local women who were frustrated by the VBAC ban that was in place at that time at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines & other Iowa hospitals, and wanted to make sure that women had access to a whole range of birthing options such as VBAC, births attended by doctors or midwives, at homes, birth centers, or hospitals. They also wanted to provide a place for women who had birthed by cesarean to share their feelings & recover emotionally as well as physically.
Current Board of Directors
Kelly Sorensen: Co-Leader
Lisa Houchins: Co-Leader
Sarah Reid: Secretary
Sherry Brooks: Webmaster
Molly McGreal-Stence: Librarian
ICAN's National Organization
ICAN of Central Iowa is affiliated with the International Cesarean Awareness Network, an international nonprofit organization.
The International Cesarean Awareness Network, Inc. (formerly Cesarean Prevention Movement), is an international, nonprofit organization that was founded by concerned parents and professionals in June 1982 led by Esther Booth Zorn. Governed by an elected Board of Directors, ICAN has grown rapidly with supporters in every state of the U.S., as well as many foreign countries. Many chapters provide information and support on a one-to-one basis. ICAN also has a distinguished Advisory Board of birth professionals. Since ICAN's inception, the vaginal birth after cesarean rate has doubled, yet there remains much to be done to prevent initial cesareans, as well as promote VBAC. ICAN's Statement of Beliefs summarizes its philosophy.
Rights and Responsibilities
ICAN helps women to realize that they have both rights and responsibilities regarding birth which they need to accept. By doing so, they can regain control over their bodies and their births. ICAN works to insure that women have easy access to accurate information about pregnancy and birth. That information needs to include the risks and benefits of a cesarean, vaginal birth, drugs during labor, and other procedures. ICAN also promotes legislation that requires hospitals and physicians to reveal statistical information so that women can make informed decisions about where they wish to give birth.
Information and Research
The Clarion, ICAN's quarterly newsletter, is widely recognized as authoritative yet accessible. An excellent source of up-to-date information, coverage ranges from breech birth to malpractice, combining current research with personal stories and letters. ICAN's Cesarean Facts card alerts consumers to the myths and realities of cesarean section. Its recommended reading list provides the motivated parent or professional with a starting point for further research. ICAN is compiling consumer-based VBAC information nationwide and hopes to support research studies which will contribute to the further understanding of vaginal birth after cesarean(s). This information also assists in linking people with common needs.
Emotional Support
A birthing woman's emotions can profoundly affect the birth outcome - which in turn can affect her life. Women need to feel free to express all their birth-related feelings. Chapters provide a safe place where people can explore and share their feelings, become aware of birth options, and learn new information. In this supportive environment men and women begin to realize they are not alone. The staff and volunteers respond to inquiries with information compiled from up-to-date books, medical journals, and other childbirth resources. Women are then networked through our own computer listings, to chapters, supporters, or other information sources in their area for support and local information.
Three-Fold Purpose
- To lower the rising cesarean rate through education,
- To provide a forum where women and men can express their thoughts and concerns about birth, and
- To provide a support network for women who are healing from past birth experiences and for those who are preparing for births.
Mission Statement
The International Cesarean Awareness Network, Inc. (ICAN) is a nonprofit organization whose 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).
Newsletter Subscription
Help support ICAN's initiative by subscribing to ICAN's newsletter, the Clarion, today. ICAN exists solely by the support of numerous private citizens who recognize the need for an organization like ours. Subscribe today!
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