ICAN is excited to announce Jill Panunto as our newest Chapter Leader!
“I hope to ignite a drive to lower our cesarean rates, increase our VBAC success rates, and eventually, change legislation to allow VBACs outside the hospital setting.” – Jill Panunto, ICAN of Delaware
Please share a little about yourself.
I am a nature loving mother of four who chose to leave a career in real estate to stay at home. I enjoy doing most things outdoor including hiking and running. I try to meditate on a daily basis to keep myself sane around my four small children. I’ve also been practicing yoga on and off for about 10 years and I am a Yoga Nidra facilitator.
How did you find out about ICAN?
My first birth was a traumatic cesarean after transferring from a birth center to a hospital. While healing from my birth, I became better educated and completed my doula training to assist mothers who need help navigating the somewhat confusing world of hospital birthing. I found the organization while researching questions I had about vaginal births after cesareans and joined as a professional member. It wasn’t until I became pregnant with my second child that I really used the ICAN resources. While I never was able to make it to a support group, the mission of the organization and the women I was connecting with via email and social media made me fall in love with ICAN.
What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about cesarean/VBAC awareness?
I believe too many women are pushed or manipulated into having cesareans. I want more people to be aware of what really makes a cesarean necessary, how to avoid an unnecessary cesarean, and what options you have after a cesarean should you have subsequent pregnancies. I think too many healthcare providers are taking advantage of pregnant women by not providing them with correct information, withholding information and/or not providing them with any options and information outside their own scope of knowledge.
What area does your chapter serve?
The state of Delaware.
If you could change one thing about the birth climate in your area, what would it be?
I would like to see higher VBAC success rates and doctors accurately providing information to women seeking a VBAC.
When will your chapter meet?
Our first meeting will be on Monday, August 20th. Check out the event info here!
Congratulations, Jill!
