ICAN is excited to announce Vanessa Morales as our newest Chapter Leader!
“Our local ICAN chapter has been a huge part of my healing journey and an invaluable resource for additional help and knowledge on how to make more informed decisions during pregnancy and birth.” ~ Vanessa Morales, ICAN of Central Florida
Please introduce yourself to ICAN:
I’ve enjoyed learning about anatomy and physiology for as long as I can remember, which lead me to study exercise science, then radiology. I really enjoyed my career in a patient care environment, but for now, that energy has been switched to caring for my kids. Our family loves to be silly, bake (including conquering dietary challenges in some recipes), dance, and spend time together.
My first birth took place after going into spontaneous labor on a holiday weekend. Several interventions and complications later, I was coerced into a non-emergent cesarean that led to a very traumatic birth and recovery experience due to additional complications that arose during the procedure. My second birth was a homebirth transfer that although it resulted in an emergent cesarean, it was an empowering experience.
What led you to join ICAN?
I initially found the ICAN website while searching for VBAC information online, but didn’t start attending the meetings until many months later because I was nervous about sharing my birth story. I knew that I needed to find additional support for how I felt about my son’s birth and before I could have another child.
How do you share ICAN as an organization with others?
My strongest belief is that there’s not nearly enough conversation happening about potential risks and benefits of both cesareans and VBACs, primarily between women and their providers. Thus, it seems that many women feel they have to go on either path alone because they may think that the support isn’t there, regardless of her choice. I wish others knew that ICAN is a great resource of information and support, not only for those recovering from a cesarean but for those seeking VBAC and/or CBAC information and for first-time mothers too.
Where will you be serving families through ICAN?
ICAN of Central Florida currently serves the areas of Orange, Volusia, and Lake Counties. The best thing about the birth climate in our area right now is having the ability to chose from some different birthing options, including homebirth. But if I could change something about the current birth climate, it would be to have hospitals respect and treat cesarean births as the family-centered event that they should be (whenever safely possible!), instead of just another cold, disconnected surgery.
Please share your upcoming Chapter meeting:
Our meetings take place on the 1st Tuesday of each month at Infusion Tea, 1600 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, Dec 5, 2017.
Congratulations, Vanessa!
