Welcome to ICAN of Louisville, a proud member of the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN). ICAN is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC).


Founded in February of 2007, ICAN of Louisville plans to bring cesarean prevention and education back into the greater Louisville area, while offering post-cesarean support, and VBAC education and advocacy. In its most recent report, the Center for Disease Control lists Kentucky's cesarean rate at 34.6% - the 7th highest in the nation. One in three babies is born in Louisville by C-section. We have a higher surgical birth rate than the national average (31.8%). With WHO (the World Health Organization) estimating that half of all cesarean sections performed in the U.S. are unnecessary and many Louisville mothers questioning the necessity of their cesarean births, we have work to do.


ICAN of Louisville offers Educational Meetings open to the public, as well as Support Meetings for local mothers. Our meetings are held at 7pm at Louisville Family Chiropractic, at 8117 New LaGrange Road, in the Lyndon area. Our educational meetings are free to attend, and we encourage new and expectant parents to join us at these informative meetings. Members of the community who would like to learn more are, of course, welcome!


For meeting information and announcements, join our email announcement list and visit our blog.


2009 Meeting Schedule

* ICAN meetings are always free to attend and open to the community.
* Meetings run from 7 - 8:30pm
* Babes-in-arms are welcome to attend. Child-care is not provided.
* Support meetings are geared towards women in the community who have experienced a traumatic or disappointing birth experience.


Monday, January 5: Support Meeting
Monday, February 2: BirthRight: The Body Heals Itself - with a Little Support
Guest Speaker: Pamela Yenowine, CranioSacral Therapist, LMT, & ICAN membe
Monday, March 2: Support Meeting
Monday, April 6: Our 2nd Birthday! Cesarean Awareness Month in our Community
Monday, May 4: Support Meeting
Monday, June 1: Using a Labyrinth to Meet Your Inner Birth Warrior
Guest Speaker: Jessica Farquhar, Birthing From Within Mentor

Monday, July 6: Support Meeting

Monday, August 3: Staying Low Risk: Diet, Exercise, & Optimal Fetal Positioning

Guest Speaker: Angela Garvin, Bradley Method childbirth educator, doula, and ICAN member

Monday, September 7 – Labor Day: No Support Meeting

Monday, October 5: Hypnobirthing: Prepare Your Mind & Body for an Easier, Safer, and More Comfortable Birth. Guest Speaker: Kathy Markham, Lamaze and ICEA childbirth educator, doula, and ICAN member

Monday, November 2: Support Meeting

Monday, December 7: “Meet the Professionals Night” & Holiday Party

Meetings canceled when JCPS closes due to inclement weather.

 

If you would like handouts or information presented in one of our past meetings, please contact us.