January 2015 Volunteer of the Month
The International Cesarean Awareness Network is powered by the selfless efforts of our numerous volunteers. We cannot thank our dedicated volunteers enough for their cooperation and service in assisting ICAN with accomplishing its mission.
In an effort to acknowledge some of our amazing volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to offer support, education, and advocacy for the mothers in their area, the International Cesarean Awareness Network is pleased to announce Brianna Barker as the January 2015 Volunteer of the Month.
Brianna Barker, this month’s honoree, is a chapter leader with ICAN of Huntsville. Although it was started only a little over a year ago, her chapter has already made a significant impact in North Alabama. Brianna’s chapter hosted a successful Mom Prom in the summer of last year, the funds of which they are planning to use in the implementation of an assistance program for mothers seeking professional labor support. In addition to being a chapter leader, Brianna is also in charge of graphics for the larger ICAN organization.
Get to know our January 2015 Volunteer of the Month:
How long have you been an ICAN member?
I’ve been a member since the summer of 2013.
How did you first find ICAN?
I first looked into ICAN when preparing for the birth of my 2nd child in 2010. I was disappointed that there was no chapter in my area and that is about as far as I looked into ICAN at the time. I ended up doing all of my own research; piecing things together here and there where I could from credible sources on the internet to arm myself and advocate for my desire to VBAC.
What motivates you as a volunteer?
A big motivator for me is that I vividly remember the feeling of fighting for my VBAC and I remember how alone I felt in that fight. I literally had recurrent pregnancy nightmares that I was in a dark, empty, maze of a hospital laboring all alone and I could find no one to help me.
First off, we should not have to fight like this to birth our babies how we choose. This motivates me to be active in working to change our local birth climate so that there isn’t the need to fight for our rights as childbearing women. But if we must fight for the time being, we should NOT have to do so alone. This is why ICAN is so important to me. Women supporting women, listening, understanding, and empowering. This is a vital need that should not go unmet.
Do you have a profession or any other passions outside of ICAN?
I am a 29 year old wife and stay at home mother to three children ages 9, 4, and almost 2, as well as step-mother to two wonderful children ages 20 and 14. I love to spin yarn, knit, sew, cook, and all sorts of random crafty weird side hobbies. I love babies… If you’ve ever heard of the 5 love languages and they mention a ʺlove tankʺ that needs to be filled, I’m pretty sure that I have a ʺnewborn love tankʺ that needs to be filled by snuggling little fresh babies. They are just so precious!
What was your proudest moment as an ICAN volunteer? What about your hardest?
My proudest moments are when someone comes up to me or contacts me to say how much ICAN has helped them, whether it be help to achieve their VBAC, getting the courage to leave their provider, or receiving support for their physical or emotional healing from a birth that didn’t go as planned. It makes me feel like the work we put in as leaders is so worth it.
A super proud yet equally hard moment was planning our first large scale fundraiser for ICAN of Huntsville, Huntsville Mom Prom. It was a lot of work, and we learned so much. When it all came to fruition that night I felt very proud that we had done it and it was successful. I was also proud that there were so many women having such a good time!
One of the hardest parts about being an ICAN leader is witnessing heartbreak and loss. Empathy is very important, but it is not always an easy thing, nor is it comfortable; which is why perhaps many women don’t feel that they get the support from their families or friends that they need during their grieving. Although it is hard, I’m honored to sit in the space of pain, grief, anger, and whatever feelings a women has because we shouldn’t have to sit alone.
Thank you Brianna for all that you do to support birthing women!
