Mission Statement
Profile
Goals
Cesarean and VBAC Support
Meeting Information
New VBAC Support Group in
Calgary
Edmonton VBAC Support Association
An ICAN Chapter International Cesarean Awareness Network
MISSION STATEMENT
The Edmonton VBAC Support
Association is a non-profit group, founded in February
1986 and formally registered under the Societies Act of
Alberta in May of the same year. The goals of the
Association are:
-
To Provide information
about vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) to women
and their families.
-
To provide emotional
support to women and their partners who are planning
a VBAC.
-
To increase public
awareness of VBAC as a safe option.
-
To represent and promote the interests
of VBAC parents, as health care consumers, to health
care professionals and to various levels of government.
The Edmonton VBAC Support Association
is a non-profit organization registered in 1986. Also
known as ICAN of Edmonton , it is a chapter of the International
Cesarean Awareness Network, Inc. (ICAN). It exists to
improve maternal child health by preventing unnecessary
cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean
recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
(VBAC). There are almost 70 chapters of ICAN worldwide
Return
to Top
Profile
We are here to support women
and their families who have recently had a cesarean, women
who are interested in having a VBAC and women who want
to prevent a cesarean. We come together in a informal gathering
to share birth stories, answer questions and support one
another. Periodically we have guest speakers come and talk
on issues relating to pregnancy. The Edmonton VBAC Association/Ican
of Edmonton is for every pregnant woman, even first time
mothers. You don't need to have had a cesarean in the past
to participate. Avoiding the first cesarean is crucial
to your future reproductive health. We invite you to browse
our site and participate in our chapter. There is strength
in numbers, and the more voices that are out there raising
awareness to the high cesarean rate , the more likely we
are to be heard.
Edmonton
VBAC Goals
The Association achieves
its objectives through the following activities:
(1) Monthly public
information / discussion / support meeting; periodic presentation
of audio visual material (including a VCR film on VBAC),
a lending library; information from surveys of Edmonton
area obstetricians and all Alberta hospitals; telephone
counseling; distribution of information packages; information
updates.
(2) Monthly meetings
provide and emotionally safe, accepting and supportive
place for women to discuss their feelings and listen to
others; telephone support is also provided to those unable
to attend monthly meetings.
(3) Displays at health
conferences; notices in community newsletters; articles
and letters in local newspapers; appearances on local radio
and television stations.
(4) Surveys and letters
requesting policy changes to Edmonton area hospitals; in-service
presentations to hospital staff; representation on the
Edmonton Area Birth Educators Committee; written submissions
to the Department of Hospitals and Medical Care, the Alberta
Advisory Council on the Status of Women, the Alberta Health
Care Utilization Committee, the Premier's Commission on
Health Care Costs and the Alberta Medical Association.
Cesarean
and VBAC Support
Meeting Information
Free meetings
Fourth (4th) Thursday of every month
7:30 – 9:30 pm
Le Soleil Clinic #15, 9353- 50 Street
(South of Capilano Mall, look for the blue neon sign of "Johnson
Controls")
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Please RSVP
Fathers, and babies are welcome.
Prenatal Class "Art of Avoiding a Caesarean"
Same date and location, earlier time 6:00 - 7:20 pm
Cost: About $25 for the mother and her birth support person
Calgary and Red Deer meeting dates are available upon request.
For More Information Contact Us At:
Claudia Villeneuve (780)444-3041
Connie Banack (780) 962-1846
E-mail: edmontonVBAC @ yahoo.ca
Online support group:
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/EdmontonVBACsupportassociationICANofedmonton/
Return to
Top
|
