What is Cesarean Awareness Month?
Cesarean Awareness Month is an annual event that takes place during the month of April and its purpose is to promote awareness about cesarean deliveries and their impact on maternal and infant health. The goal of Cesarean Awareness Month is to empower parents with information and support to make informed decisions about childbirth, reduce unnecessary cesarean deliveries, and promote positive birth experiences for families. It's a great opportunity to educate the public and healthcare providers about the appropriate use of cesarean delivery and the benefits of supporting vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) when appropriate.
Some of the key issues that Cesarean Awareness Month seeks to address include:
The high rate of unnecessary cesarean deliveries in many countries can increase the risk of complications for both parents and babies
The need to educate parents about the benefits and risks of different childbirth options, including vaginal birth and cesarean delivery
The importance of providing support and resources for parents who have had a cesarean delivery and are considering VBAC for subsequent births
The need to improve the quality of care for people during childbirth, including reducing unnecessary interventions
It’s important to note that Cesarean sections, in some cases, can be life-saving and should be performed only when it is medically necessary, or the absolute choice of the parent. Some common medical reasons for Cesarean sections may include fetal distress, breech presentation, placenta previa, or maternal health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. Cesarean sections may be recommended for these cases to reduce or avoid potential complications during delivery. However, each case is unique, and the decision to perform a cesarean section should be made on a case-by-case basis together by the parents and medical team.
ICAN, the International Cesarean Awareness Network, is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1982 by a group of mothers who had experienced cesarean births and wanted to provide support and education to other families. ICAN aims to improve maternal and infant health by reducing the number of preventable cesarean deliveries, supporting cesarean recovery, and advocating for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) as a safe and viable option for many parents. The organization provides a range of resources and support, including online forums, educational materials, local support groups, and a helpline. ICAN also works to raise awareness about cesarean delivery and maternal health issues through campaigns, events, and partnerships with other organizations. Cesarean Awareness Month and organizations like ICAN play an important role in promoting informed decision-making and improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
It's true that many parents may not be aware of their childbirth rights and options, and may assume that once they've had a cesarean, they have to continue having them for future births. However, VBAC can be a safe and viable option for many parents, and it's important to have access to information and support to make informed decisions about childbirth. Reducing the number of preventable cesareans can also help improve maternal and infant health outcomes, and promote more positive birth experiences for families.
There are several resources available for cesarean support, including:
International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN): As mentioned earlier, ICAN is a non-profit organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for parents who have experienced cesarean delivery or are considering VBAC. They offer online forums, educational materials, local support groups, and a helpline.
The Cesarean Recovery Network: This is another non-profit organization that provides information and support for cesarean recovery, including resources for physical and emotional healing after surgery.
Birth Without Fear: Birth Without Fear is a website and social media platform that provides support and education for all types of childbirth, including cesarean delivery. They offer resources for emotional healing and empowerment after cesarean delivery, as well as information on VBAC
Lamaze International: Lamaze is a non-profit organization that provides education and support for all types of childbirth, including cesarean delivery. They offer online classes, resources, and support for parents to help them make informed decisions about childbirth.
Postpartum Support International: While not specifically focused on cesarean support, Postpartum Support International provides resources and support for parents experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders after childbirth, which can be a common issue for parents who have had a cesarean delivery.
These are just a few examples of the many resources available for cesarean support. It's important to find a resource that meets your specific needs and provides the support and information you're looking for.