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, we have created a Volunteer of the Month announcement to highlight our supporters.
ICAN is pleased to announce Anastasia Stone, ICAN of Santa Barbara
as the November 2017 Volunteer of the Month!
What led you to ICAN?
I found ICAN when I was pregnant with my second child and seeking a VBAC in Santa Cruz, CA. I have been a member for 2 years.
What motivates you as a volunteer?
I long to see all women have access to evidence-based care no matter what their socio-economic status is. I am passionate about seeing a cultural change where I live and in the broader community. Looking back over the last two years, I am encouraged by the stories of victory from planned family-centered cesareans to Vaginal Births After Cesarean in-spite of the VBAC ban at our only hospital.
What are your other professions and passions outside of ICAN?
I am a passionate mother of five children and wife to my husband Dustin. Two of my children came to me by birth and three through adoption. One of my other biggest passions is adoption, specifically through the foster care system. My close friends and family are never surprised to hear me advocating for evidence-based care in birth and encouraging someone to consider adopting in the same conversation.
What moment makes you proudest as an ICAN volunteer?
My proudest moment is when we had a maternal health panel and actually had a local OBGYN show up and sit on the panel!
What moment was hardest for you?
My hardest moment was when I watched a mother attempt to deny a repeat cesarean at the hospital. Instead of the doctor respecting her choice, I sat on the phone with her while they bullied her to the point of consenting to the repeat cesarean.
Thank you for all you do, Anastasia!
