Welcome to the Portland Chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN)
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 Brth After Csarean (VBAC) http://icanofportland.org/VBACBan.aspx 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. Monthly Support Meetings for ICAN of Portland are held on the 3rd Monday of each month Contact ICAN of Portland "Imagine what might happen if the majority of women emerged from their labor beds with a renewed sense of strength and power of their bodies, and their capacity for ecstasy through giving birth." Christiane Northrup, M.D., "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom"
ICAN is not anti-cesarean. There are times when a cesarean is a life saving necessity. Unfortunately, in the U.S. many cesareans are done for reasons other than the health of mom and baby. Cesareans carry very significant risks and ICAN is dedicated to informing women of these risks. ICAN Statement of Beliefs ICAN of Portland and The International Cesarean Awareness Network, Inc. ("ICAN") maintain this website as an online information and communications service. Use of this website is at your own risk. The information contained on or provided through this website is intended for general consumer understanding and education only, is not intended to be, and is not provided as a substitute for professional medical advice. Read ICAN's Full Disclaimer
| April is Cesarean Awareness Month  About the Cesarean Awareness Ribbon The Cesarean Awareness Ribbon debuted in April of 2004 for Cesarean Awareness Month. The burgundy color of the ribbons represents birth and the wearing of the ribbon upside down symbolizes the state of distress many pregnant women find themselves in when their birthing choices are limited. The loop of the inverted ribbon represents a pregnant belly and the tails are the arms of a woman outstretched in a cry for help.
|