“I am most excited about supporting women who are crushed by their cesarean experience, whether primary or CBAC. These women are often not well supported. Having been there, I know how it feels.” – Diana Snyder, ICAN of Eastern Massachusetts
Please share a little about yourself.
I am a lawyer and also a doula. I have a 3 year old son, born by cesarean after a homebirth transfer. I am a former collegiate athlete (track & field). I am an avid music fan.
How did you find out about ICAN?
I had a homebirth cesarean (HBC) and so I did attend meetings once I felt able. However, I knew about ICAN for around 6 years before that, since I have been involved in birth work a long time. I enjoy how ICAN raises awareness about the disparity between evidence/guidelines and actual practice.
What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about cesarean/VBAC awareness?
That it is important to respect each individual person’s limits. Just because someone could push harder for better care, or switch providers, or decline something, doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for them. Not everyone will avoid a cesarean, and that’s not our fault.
Where is your chapter (region)? What areas does your chapter serve?
Eastern MA. We hold meetings in Arlington, MA (north of Boston). We mostly get attendance from the greater Boston area; unfortunately none from Western MA, NH or RI.
If you could change one thing about the birth climate in your area, what would it be?
More midwifery practices that practice real midwifery. All hospitals here have CNMs, which is great, but they are all academic medical centers (Harvard teaching schools) with rigorous standards of care. Even at the hospitals with great ‘natural birth’ and VBAC stats, there is a lot of Pitocin, a lot of questioning if you refuse things, etc. The midwifery practices are more obstetric than they are midwifery. Also, it’s hard to have a VBAC after more than 1 cesarean….VBAC after 1 cesarean is common (at least in the metro area) but VBA2C or 3C…not at all.
Where can we find out more about your chapter?
Our public chapter Facebook page is here, and we also have a private group for support and discussion here.
Thank you, Diana, for all you do!
