Stephanie Shumaker named ICAN’s November 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 Stephanie Shumaker as the November 2016 Volunteer of the Month.

Stephanie is a dedicated volunteer out of ICAN of Tulsa who’s been with ICAN for seven years. She serves as the Midsouth Regional Coordinator. She is open to helping with any problem or issue that comes about in her area. She tries to help at her level as much as she can before taking it higher. She manages this while being an active chapter leader with a full-time job. We appreciate the work she does!

Get to know our Volunteer of the Month:

How did you first find ICAN?

I sought out ICAN while planning a VBAC with my last baby. I spoke to the current chapter leader, but the chapter was closing. When that birth ended in a cesarean, I needed support, and 2 years later I helped re-open our chapter.

What motivates you as a volunteer?
When a mom tells me “thank you”, I am humbled and grateful. Hearing a mother describe her empowered birth or her journey on her own healing path, or how she is developing a strong bonded relationship with her baby is so uplifting.

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Do you have a profession or any other passions outside of ICAN?

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What was your proudest moment as an ICAN volunteer? What about your hardest?
Our proudest moment was when the state’s largest malpractice insurer reversed a 10-year VBAC ban for their insured physicians. The hardest moments are supporting moms through pregnancy loss and very difficult health situations. Our chapter strives to provide a space for moms dealing with trauma and grief.