ICAN of Southern Nevada

International Cesarean Awareness Network

ICAN of Southern Nevada meets the first Friday of every month from 9:30am to 11:00am at Pinkpeas.

ICAN Chapter meetings are open to the public but we encourage you to join and support your ICAN chapter at the local level so that all women in your area will have access to the resources and support of the ICAN organization. A local chapter is invaluable in assisting women seeking information about caregivers or hospitals in her area and creates opportunities for women of like minds to meet in a safe place to share their experiences and make changes in their community.

ICAN’s Mission Statement
To improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC).

ICAN’s Vision Statement
A healthy reduction of the cesarean rate driven by women making evidence-based, risk appropriate childbirth decisions.

ICAN’s Statement of Beliefs
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 opportunity, 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 is respected.

For monthly topic and guest speaker information please visit the ICAN of Southern Nevada website:
http://ican_snv.webs.com/meetings.htm

Families are always welcome at Pinkpeas.  Contact Natalie @ 439-5099 for more information.