Baby born on I-43 during the morning rush

http://icanofdcpresents.eventbrite.com

ICAN of DC is pleased to present a free showing of the film, "It's My Body, My Baby, My Birth" on Sunday December 20, 2009 at 3:00pm at the Marting Luther King Jr Library (901 G St NW Washington DC) in room A-9. This excellent film tells the story of 7 mothers and their journey to natural childbirth.

The schedule will be as follows:

3:00pm:   Welcome
3:15pm-3:45pm:    Film
4:00pm-4:30pm:   Dicussion: Birth Choices in DC

To get a ticket to this free event please visit:

Space is limited, so please make sure you get a ticket.

The District of Columbia chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network provides an online forum for women seeking information about cesarean prevention, recovery and support for healthy and non-surgical birth after cesarean surgery(VBAC)

For more information about our monthly meetings or to join please visit our Yahoo! Group page:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/icanofdc/

#38

From: Laura Possessky <icanofdc@...>
Date: Wed Nov 4, 2009 11:32 am
Subject: Insurance

icanofdc

Offline

Last month, ICAN of DC hosted Peggy Robertson, a woman who was invited to testify before the Health Employment Labor and Pensions committee of the Senate. The hearings can be seen at : http://help.senate.gov/Hearings/2009_10_15/2009_10_15.html.

Senator Milkulski has made a call for more information. One of our group members posted the information on our list and I have attached the request below.

If anyone has had experience with discrimination in insurance coverage or knows some one who might be willing to provide information on their experience, please let us know.

If you have 5-10 minutes, watching Peggy's testimony is a real eye opener!

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: dcmigration <shelyons@...>
To: icanofdc@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, October 18, 2009 1:05:30 PM
Subject: [icanofdc] Request from ICAN Headquarters...

...

We have made this request before but now the stakes are really high. Senator Mikulski, the chair of the Senate HELP committee has asked for more stories similar to Peggy Robertson, the woman in CO who testified yesterday before the HELP committee about being denied coverage because of a previous cesarean, unless she could prove she had been sterilized.

ICAN needs stories about discriminatory insurance practices based on a previous cesarean. This can include but is not limited to demands for sterilization, restrictions on how soon you can have another pregnancy and be covered, higher premiums, restrictions on the total amount of benefits they will pay, excessively high deductables for maternity care. Even if all you have is your name, state, contact information (email is fine) and a description of the circumstances (with the name of the relevant insurance company(ies) if possible) we can use it. If you have written documentation, that would be pure gold. There is interest about this at the highest levels of the Federal Govt. and we can use this to open the discussion on other areas of discrimination (like VBAC bans, lack of transparency, etc)....so please, take a moment and get the information to ICAN. You can email me at advocacy@... or you can snail mail to ICAN of Ann Arbor, PO Box 48, Stockbridge, MI 49285.

Gretchen Humphries
Advocacy Director, ICAN
~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~
Shel Lyons
http://www.motherswork.org/childbirthclass.html

#37

From: "Janet" <jbrownlmt@...>
Date: Tue Nov 3, 2009 1:51 am
Subject: November ICAN of DC Meeting

jbrownlmt

Offline

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/icanofdc/

ICAN of DC November Meeting

"Midwifery Model of Care"

November 22, 2009

4:00pm-5:00pm

Healing Arts of Capitol Hill

320 G St NE Washington DC

Have you ever wanted to know more about the Midwifery Model of Care? How does it compare to the standard Medical Model of Care offered by most OB/GYNs? What are your options for midwifery in the DC Metro Area? Come learn more about this topic and meet other mothers who have used midwifery care for their births.

The International Cesarean Awareness Network is a non-profit organization devoted to cesarean prevention and healing. The DC Chapter works to educate and empower local women in their pursuit of their best birth. All meetings are free and open to the public.

Janet Brown, LMT Co-Leader

http://icanofdc.blogspot.com/

#36

From: "dcmigration" <shelyons@...>
Date: Sun Oct 18, 2009 5:05 pm
Subject: Request from ICAN Headquarters...

dcmigration

Offline

...

We have made this request before but now the stakes are really high. Senator
Mikulski, the chair of the Senate HELP committee has asked for more stories
similar to Peggy Robertson, the woman in CO who testified yesterday before the
HELP committee about being denied coverage because of a previous cesarean,
unless she could prove she had been sterilized.

ICAN needs stories about discriminatory insurance practices based on a previous
cesarean. This can include but is not limited to demands for sterilization,
restrictions on how soon you can have another pregnancy and be covered, higher
premiums, restrictions on the total amount of benefits they will pay,
excessively high deductables for maternity care. Even if all you have is your
name, state, contact information (email is fine) and a description of the
circumstances (with the name of the relevant insurance company(ies) if possible)
we can use it. If you have written documentation, that would be pure gold. 
There is interest about this at the highest levels of the Federal Govt. and we
can use this to open the discussion on other areas of discrimination (like VBAC
bans, lack of transparency, etc)....so please, take a moment and get the
information to ICAN. You can email me at advocacy@... or you can snail mail to
ICAN of Ann Arbor, PO Box 48, Stockbridge, MI 49285.

Gretchen Humphries
Advocacy Director, ICAN
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shel Lyons
http://www.motherswork.org/childbirthclass.html

#35

From: "icanofdc" <icanofdc@...>
Date: Tue Oct 13, 2009 7:28 pm
Subject: URGENT! ICAN reps testifying need place to stay on Wednesday night

icanofdc

Offline

Hi everyone!  ICAN has JUST been invited to testify at a hearing on the hill
this Thursday.  The national advocacy director, Gretchen Humphries and another
representative have been invited to speak and need a place to stay Wednesday
night.

If anyone has an extra room/bed/space for both or either of them, please let me
know ASAP!  Easy access to public transport or space on the Hill would be ideal.
Call me on my cell at 202 550 8777.

Committee:   Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Title: What Women Want: Equal Health Care for Equal Premiums
Date: Thursday, October 15, 10:30 a.m.

http://help.senate.gov/Hearings/2009_10_15/2009_10_15.html

#34

From: "jbrownlmt" <jbrownlmt@...>
Date: Wed Sep 16, 2009 2:42 pm
Subject: Check out the New ICAN of DC Blog

jbrownlmt

Offline

I have started a blog for ICAN of DC. It will be another place to find out more information about upcoming meetings and birth-related events of note. It will also be a resource for information about pregnancy and cesarean prevention. Please contact me if you would like to link your own blog to the ICAN of DC blog.

ICAN of DC Blog

Be Well,
Janet

Janet Brown
Licensed Massage Therapist
Certified Prenatal Yoga Instructor
Integrative Health Massage Therapy
http://jbrownlmt.bravehost.com
http://integrativehealthmassage.blogspot.com
(703)863-3156

#33

From: "jbrownlmt" <jbrownlmt@...>
Date: Wed Sep 16, 2009 2:35 pm
Subject: Reminder: ICAN of DC Meeting (Location Change)

jbrownlmt

Offline

September 20, 2009
3:00pm-4:00pm
628 5th St NE
(Please note the Location Change)

Eating for a Healthy Pregnancy

Maintaining proper nutrition during pregnancy is key to a healthy pregnancy. But what to eat? How much of each nutrient do you need? This month we will look at what and how to eat to maintain a healthy pregnancy. We will talk about how nutrition and eating properly can prepare your body for a healthy and productive labor and birth. The talk will be led by Janet Brown, LMT a local licensed massage therapist, prenatal yoga teacher and holistic nutritional counselor.

The International Cesarean Awareness Network is a non-profit group
dedicated to cesarean prevention and recovery. All meetings are free and open to the public. For more information about ICAN of DC email: icanofdc @ yahoo.com or to join
our Yahoo Group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/icanofdc.
For more information about ICAN, pregnancy, VBAC and cesarean prevention please visit http://ican-online.org.

#32

From: "jbrownlmt" <jbrownlmt@...>
Date: Thu Sep 3, 2009 5:34 pm
Subject: September Meeting 9/20/09

jbrownlmt

Offline

Interested in learning more about childbirth and cesarean prevention? Come to a meeting of the DC Chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN). We meet on the third Sunday of each month. All are welcome to our free monthly discussions.

September 20, 2009
3:00pm-4:00pm
Eating for a Healthy Pregnancy

Maintaining proper nutrition during pregnancy is key to a healthy pregnancy. But what to eat? How much of each nutrient do you need? This month we will look at what and how to eat to maintain a healthy pregnancy. We will talk about how nutrition and eating properly can prepare your body for a healthy and productive labor and birth. The talk will be led by Janet Brown, LMT a local licensed massage therapist, prenatal yoga teacher and holistic nutritional counselor.

The International Cesarean Awareness Network is a non-profit group
dedicated to cesarean prevention and recovery. All meetings are held
at the Northeast Library 330 7th St NE Washington, DC. For
more information about ICAN of DC email: icanofdc @ yahoo.com or to join
our Yahoo Group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/icanofdc.
For more information about ICAN, pregnancy, VBAC and cesarean prevention please visit http://ican-online.org.

#30

From: "prudies" <prudies@...>
Date: Thu Jul 30, 2009 12:09 pm
Subject: Re:OB for a V-BAC

prudies

Offline

Hi Jessica,

She sounds great.  I'll see if she takes my insurance.  The hospital would
definitely be closer than Dr. Tchabo's office.

I've looked into home birth before but I'm not sure that it's for me.

Thanks,
Jenny

--- In icanofdc@yahoogroups.com, "Jessica B. Groves" <jess4tigrs@...> wrote:
>
> Whitney Pinger at Washington Hosp Center.  She's an excellent midwife that
> has a very high success rate for VBACs.  :)
>
>
>
> Homebirth is also a very wonderful option.  Until you research it, don't
> close the door on that one.  :)  if you need a list, just ask!
>
>
>
> Jessica
>

#29

From: Laura Possessky <icanofdc@...>
Date: Thu Jul 30, 2009 12:04 pm
Subject: Re: Hospital statistics in Maryland

icanofdc

Offline

Yes, Shel is right - she's worked on trying to get the numbers. Unfortunately, getting the stats in MD, DC is challenging. VA you have the records available from the public health office -but only c/s rates, not the VBAC Ban issue. I am not aware of any hospital in the washington Metro area that has an official ban policy.

Is there anyone who has experienced - or has heard of others who have experienced -a de facto ban?

A few years ago there was some murmuring at Sibley about possibly banning VBAC - but I don't think they implemented a policy on this - however, I wonder if there has been a tacit agreement made there on the issue. Their legal counsel was putting a lot of pressure on the docs with privileges there for a while and I don't know whether this has resulted in a decrease in VBAC rates.

From: Michele R. Lyons <dcmigration@...>
To: icanofdc@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 9:45:30 PM
Subject: Re: [icanofdc] Hospital statistics in Maryland

Best of luck! It is difficult to get this information. The best source is http://www.thebirth survey.com/ dev/Results/ learn_state. htm and it's incomplete for Maryland. If you are able to get the information, however, *please* pass it along!!!

Shel

--- On Wed, 7/29/09, sedjenanehardin <sedjchang@gmail. com> wrote:

From: sedjenanehardin <sedjchang@gmail. com>
Subject: [icanofdc] Hospital statistics in Maryland
To: icanofdc@yahoogroup s.com
Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2009, 5:05 PM

I will be moving to the Bethesda area towards the end of the year and I would like to get information on c-section and vbac rates of local hospitals. My chapter here in CA had this info and I was wondering if is possible to get info for MD.

I would like to also know if there are VBAC bans and what hospitals have them. And, if there is not a VBAC ban, I would like to know what the hospital policy/restrictions are for a VBAC.

I am going to write a little essay on why I am going to do an HBAC next time around. I want to have all the info in place so that when I do get preggo again, I can hand this out to my family. the VBAC part will be easy, the homebirth part will be the part that will be scary for everyone.

Any recommendations for a midwife? :)

Thanks!
Sedjenane Chang

#28

From: Laura Possessky <icanofdc@...>
Date: Thu Jul 30, 2009 11:54 am
Subject: Re: OB for a V-BAC

icanofdc

Offline

Hi! Looks like you got into see Tchabo, great! - I see Tchabo. A few months ago I asked him about it. The rumor started because a few years ago he stepped down from his management of the medical student program and moved his office to a different floor so things were hectic for a while and he had put the brakes on new patients until the transition was done.

I had a VBAC at Virginia Hospital with Tchabo. Usual hospital experience so it is always a good idea to consider a doula, especially if it is someone who knows the drill there. An out of pocket expense well worth the investment.

I've also heard good things about Wendy Pinger so you might consider a visit to see which way you want to go.

Last I checked the policy at Birth Center was still that you had to have a "proven" vagina, i.e. at least one prior normal/natural birth before cesarean.

From: prudies <prudies@...>
To: icanofdc@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 12:39:21 PM
Subject: [icanofdc] OB for a V-BAC

Hi there,

I had a c-section with my first birth and am now trying again and hoping to have a vbac. I would like to find an ob/ob practice in the area (preferably in the district if possible) who is v-bac friendly prior to getting pregnant.

I am assuming Birth Care in Alexandria will not take someone who hasn't had one successful VBAC, but if anyone knows differently, please let me know!

Thanks in advance!

-Jenny

#27

From: "Michele R. Lyons" <dcmigration@...>
Date: Thu Jul 30, 2009 1:45 am
Subject: Re: Hospital statistics in Maryland

dcmigration

Offline

Best of luck! It is difficult to get this information. The best source is http://www.thebirthsurvey.com/dev/Results/learn_state.htm and it's incomplete for Maryland. If you are able to get the information, however, *please* pass it along!!!

Shel

--- On Wed, 7/29/09, sedjenanehardin <sedjchang@...> wrote:

From: sedjenanehardin <sedjchang@...>
Subject: [icanofdc] Hospital statistics in Maryland
To: icanofdc@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2009, 5:05 PM

I will be moving to the Bethesda area towards the end of the year and I would like to get information on c-section and vbac rates of local hospitals. My chapter here in CA had this info and I was wondering if is possible to get info for MD.

I would like to also know if there are VBAC bans and what hospitals have them. And, if there is not a VBAC ban, I would like to know what the hospital policy/restrictions are for a VBAC.

I am going to write a little essay on why I am going to do an HBAC next time around. I want to have all the info in place so that when I do get preggo again, I can hand this out to my family. the VBAC part will be easy, the homebirth part will be the part that will be scary for everyone.

Any recommendations for a midwife? :)

Thanks!
Sedjenane Chang

#26

From: "sedjenanehardin" <sedjchang@...>
Date: Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:05 pm
Subject: Hospital statistics in Maryland

sedjenanehardin

Offline

I will be moving to the Bethesda area towards the end of the year and I would
like to get information on c-section and vbac rates of local hospitals.  My
chapter here in CA had this info and I was wondering if is possible to get info
for MD.

I would like to also know if there are VBAC bans and what hospitals have them. 
And, if there is not a VBAC ban, I would like to know what the hospital
policy/restrictions are for a VBAC.

I am going to write a little essay on why I am going to do an HBAC next time
around.  I want to have all the info in place so that when I do get preggo
again, I can hand this out to my family.  the VBAC part will be easy, the
homebirth part will be the part that will be scary for everyone.

Any recommendations for a midwife?  :)

Thanks!
Sedjenane Chang

#25

From: "Jessica B. Groves" <jess4tigrs@...>
Date: Tue Jul 28, 2009 11:43 am
Subject: A VERY inspiring birth story - vaginal birth after cesarean

mdtigergirl

Offline

One like you’ve never read before!!

Jessica

Baby born on I-43 during the morning rush

By Erica Perez and Sharif Durhams of the Journal Sentinel

Posted: July 27, 2009

Annmarie Schulte cradles her hours-old baby, Cecilia, during a news conference after the birth on I-43 Monday.

William J. Lizdas

Annmarie Schulte cradles her hours-old baby, Cecilia, during a news conference after the birth on I-43 Monday.

The baby's name was supposed to be Cecilia Violet Marie Schulte.

But "supposed to be" doesn't work for a child born in the front passenger seat of a 1998 Toyota Corolla driving through rush hour on I-43.

Her mother, Annmarie Schulte, delivered the baby herself at 7:28 a.m. Monday, moments after she reached down and felt the little head in her hands.

One contraction later, the baby slid out into her mother's arms: pink, still sleeping and - her mother knew instinctively - healthy.

"She's here!" Annmarie exclaimed to her husband, Matthew, who still sat behind the wheel.

By the time they got to the hospital, they would christen their daughter with a new middle name befitting her special birth.

But the story of how the newborn got her name began months ago.

Annmarie, 34, a stay-at-home mom, and Matthew, 39, a teacher who is looking for work, have three older daughters - Megan, almost 7; Millie, 5; and Libby, 2.

For each of her three previous childbirths, Annmarie had gone to the hospital too early and had to have a Caesarean section because of failure to progress. This time, Annmarie wanted a natural childbirth. Some doctors told her it shouldn't be done. Vaginal births after two C-sections are considered risky because they can cause uterine rupture. She was due Aug. 4. Two doulas - Wendy Kogler and LaNette McQuitty - worked with her during pregnancy, and a physician and a midwife worked with her at Aurora Sinai Medical Center, where she planned to give birth.

Wait until you know for sure the baby is coming before you go to the hospital, Annmarie was told.

At about 1 a.m. Monday at the Schultes' Muskego home, Annmarie woke up Matthew. Her labor pains had become more intense.

By 3:30 a.m., contractions came about two minutes apart. She and Matthew called the doulas.

They came over and monitored Annmarie's progress. She got in the bathtub. She changed positions. Around 7 a.m., she was fully dilated. They called the midwife. It was time to go to the hospital - now.

Leaving their other girls with neighbors, Annmarie and Matthew rushed to the car. In their hurry, they grabbed towels but forgot everything else at home - a change of clothes for them, the baby's clothes, the car seat.

They drove toward Aurora Sinai, Annmarie still in her black-and-white striped nightgown and Kogler and McQuitty following behind in separate cars.

Matthew remained calm, driving below the speed limit and soothing his wife when she felt a contraction.

Kneeling on the passenger seat, Annmarie felt between her legs and cupped her baby's head.

"She's coming!" Annmarie screamed.

"Do you want me to stop?" Matthew asked.

"No! Keep going!"

With the very next push, the baby entered the world. She didn't cry; she slept peacefully.

"She's here!" Annmarie said.

Annmarie looked at the baby and experienced a deep feeling that everything was all right. Unconventional, but all right.

Matthew was not so sure. He looked at the baby and felt the deepest sense of terror he has ever known. He let out a primal scream. He pulled over into the distress lane at the Plainfield Curve on I-94/43. The doulas pulled over after him.

He ran from the car, still screaming. Words finally came. He frantically waved and yelled for the doulas to come out of their cars.

Kogler called 911. McQuitty checked on the infant. The baby turned a bit purple.

McQuitty gave her a breath and rubbed her back. The newborn turned pink again, letting out a tiny mewl.

Everyone cried. Annmarie wrapped her daughter in a towel and held the 7-pound, 4.8-ounce baby to her chest.

Emergency responders arrived, giving the baby a clean bill of health. Matthew clamped the umbilical cord and cut it.

People driving by on their morning commute, having heard about the freeway birth on news radio, rolled down their windows and yelled: "Happy Birthday!"

The emergency medical technicians joked: "You should name the baby 'Plainfield' or 'Freeway' or 'Shoulder.' "

"Her name is Cecilia," Annmarie said.

Matthew and the doulas followed behind Annmarie and the baby in the ambulance to the hospital.

"We freakin' did it!" Matthew yelled when they got to Aurora Sinai.

"I think we really should make her middle name 'Freeway,' " he said.

Well, Annmarie thought, this child has a free spirit. And the name certainly fit the occasion.

So it was agreed. Cecilia Violet Marie Schulte would be Cecilia Freeway Schulte.

"Each one of my kids is an amazing blessing, but this baby, I delivered - not only vaginally but on my own," Annmarie said. "With the help of my husband and the doulas, I did it. I feel awesome."

#17

From: "jbrownlmt" <jbrownlmt@...>
Date: Thu Jun 18, 2009 7:42 pm
Subject: ICAN of DC Meeting this Sunday at 3pm

jbrownlmt

Offline

International Cesaren Awareness Network (ICAN)
DC Chapter

Midwifery Model of Care

June 21, 2009
3:00pm-4:00pm
Northeast Library
330 7th St NE
Washington, DC 20002

Have you ever been curious about how having a midwife is different for a birth? Come to this free meeting to learn more about the Midwifery Model of Care and how it differs from the Medical Model of Care. Lean how midwives handle your birth experience in the hospital, birth center or home birth settings. We will talk about the care you will receive from prenatal visits to birth to postpartum.

This meeting will be held at the Northeast library meeting room. The room is located on the second floor next to the Children's Library. It is convenient to the Red Line (Union Station) and has ample street parking.

International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to cesarean prevention and recovery. ICAN of DC is dedicated to providing resources for women and their families in the DC Metro area. All of our meetings are free and open to the public. We encourage partners and children to attend. You can learn more about ICAN at http://www.ican-online.org or by joining the ICAN of DC Yahoo group.

Be Well,
Janet

Janet Brown, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
Certified Prenatal Yoga Teacher
DC ICAN Co-Leader

#16

From: Laura Possessky <icanofdc@...>
Date: Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:54 pm
Subject: Nurse in for Breastfeeding promotion act 10am June 11

icanofdc

Offline

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Laura Possessky <lpossessky@...>
To: ICANOFDC@...
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 5:14:15 PM
Subject: FW: Sorry for the late notice. Join us at 10am tomorrow/Thursday in DC?

From: Dionna, MomsRising [mailto:momsrising@...]
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 3:30 PM
To: lpossessky@...
Subject: Sorry for the late notice. Join us at 10am tomorrow/Thursday in DC?

Dear Laura,

We just found out that there's a "Nurse In" at 10am in the morning/Thursday at the U.S. Capitol in D.C. (see details below), and Representative Maloney really could use your help.

*Can you be there in-person as Rep. Maloney reintroduces the Breastfeeding Promotion Act?

Will it really make a difference if I'm there in-person tomorrow/Thursday? Moms are needed there in-person to both emphasis to the media that there is indeed widespread support for breastfeeding rights, and also to make members of Congress pay attention to the fact that there's momentum behind this bill and they should be voting for it when it comes before them.

Kids and friends are welcome to join you!

LOGISTICS: "Nurse-In" On Capitol Hill Tomorrow Morning

WHAT: Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Senator Jeff Merkley to host 'Right to Breastfeed' event
WHEN: 10am Thursday, June 11, 2009
WHERE: House Triangle, East Front Lawn of U.S. Capitol (toward House side)
Map: http://maloney..house.gov/documents/women/breastfeeding/triangle09.JPG
Nearest Metro: Capitol South, Blue/Orange Lines

IF IT'S RAINING, GO TO THIS ROOM: 2103 Rayburn House Office Building

THE LOWDOWN: Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) will host a news conference Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. to reintroduce the "Breastfeeding Promotion Act," which would protect the rights of breastfeeding mothers who return to the workplace after childbirth, and the health and well-being of their children.

The Breastfeeding Promotion Act:
• Protects breastfeeding moms from discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Provides tax incentives for employers that establish private lactation areas in the workplace
• Establishes minimum safety standards for breast pumps
• Allows breastfeeding equipment to be tax deductible for families
• Affords working breastfeeding moms with the time and privacy they need to express milk

Currently, 38 states and Puerto Rico have laws on their books protecting the rights of women to breastfeed. The Breastfeeding Promotion Act would move beyond the patchwork of state laws and establish a national protection for breastfeeding mothers.

*RSVP to us that you can come.

Hope you can be there!

- Dionna, Sarah, Kristin, Joan, Mary, and the entire MomsRising Team

#15

From: "jbrownlmt" <jbrownlmt@...>
Date: Thu May 21, 2009 3:29 pm
Subject: SAVE THE DATE: May 30th Meet the Doulas

jbrownlmt

Offline

The DC Chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network is sponsoring a "Meet the Doulas" event on Capitol Hill. Come meet area birth and postpartum doulas. Learn more about the areas they cover and how they help during labor and postpartum.

Having a doula at your birth can:

50% reduction in the cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in oxytocin use
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery

When:
May 30, 2009
1:00pm-3:00pm

Where:
628 5th St NE
Washington DC 20002

If you are curious about what a doula does or want to meet area doulas in person, come to this free event. This event is sponsored by ICAN of DC, a non-profit group dedicated to supporting safe birth and lowering the rate of unnecessary cesareans. For more information join our Yahoo! Group http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/icanofdc.

Doulas In Attendance:

Nicole Jolley

My name is Nicole Jolley. I own and operate Belly Birth Services LLC,serving Capitol Hill and the greater metro area. I am a DONA trained, experienced doula who supports families in the time surrounding the birth experience. I do not approach my clients with an agenda (ie. natural childbirth only or home birth only) but strive to meet moms and their partners where they are on the birth journey. For some that means a natural birth and for others that may mean birthing with an option for pain medication or medical intervention. My only request is that my clients be active and diligent birth consumers - willing to ask questions and explore their options. I have worked in all of the DC metro hospitals and birth centers and have experienced all types of birth - home, natural, medicated, water, VBAC, breech, twins. I have attended more than 250 deliveries (and counting!).

Belly Birth Services LLC
bellybirthservices@...
PO Box 48502, WDC 20002
703-489-2585

Mary Bailey
202-251-4338
maryebailey@...

My goal as a postpartum doula is to support you as you go through your fourth trimester with your baby and heal from the birth. I will listen as you process your birth story and feelings as a new mom, help you as you learn to care for and feed your baby, help connect you to local resources in the area which might enhance your parenting journey, and take care of practical needs in the early weeks, such as meal preparation, light housekeeping and organizing, and errands. Most of all, my desire is to support you in focusing on getting to know your baby intimately, and in developing your parenting instincts and confidence, in an open, accepting, and nonjudgemental manner. I serve the areas of Takoma Park, Silver Spring, downtown Bethesda, parts of DC and PG County. Visits typically take place in 2-3 hour increments, and can be scheduled on weekdays, evenings, and weekends.

Emily Smith

Emily L. Smith is a doula in training through DONA and a volunteer doula at the Family Health and Birth Center in NE DC. She is a wife and the mother of a daughter born in 2007, and another baby on her/his way in October 2009. It was because of her own positive and empowered birth in 2007 that she decided to become a doula. Emily believes your pregnancy doesn't have to be a scary time, but that you can dispel fears by becoming informed of your choices. Your birth has the potiental to be a celebration!

Sara Baum

My name is Sara Baum and I am a DONA-certified labor/birth doula based in Montgomery County and serving the DC metro area. I believe that in addition to a healthy baby, all women deserve to have a birth experience that they can look back on happily and proudly. I believe that mothers deserve accurate information and the opportunity to make their own birth choices, without pressure or judgment from anyone. I have supported women who had unmedicated vaginal births, medicated vaginal births, and VBACs. I have worked in hospitals as well as birth centers, and with family doctors, obstetricians, and midwives. I have supported single moms, teen moms, moms whose partners want to be their primary support, and moms and partners who want a doula as their main support. My personal experience giving birth informs my doula work and enables me to better understand and respond to my clients' experiences. I take a small number of clients so that I can focus on getting to know each woman closely and tailoring my support to her and her family's needs. I provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during labor and birth, as well as postpartum and breastfeeding support. I can be reached at baum.sara@..., or 312.501.5356.

Maria Mercedes Olivieri, CD(DONA)

I am a DONA-certified birth doula interested in working with VBACs. As a mother and grandmother, I'm taking advantage of my retirement years to do what I'd always wanted to do "when I grew up"--being involved in the miracle that is birth.
I have coached over a two dozen births at several DC-area hospitals, including one VBAC. I am trained as both a Childbirth and Breastfeeding Educator. Further, I'm a Massage Therapist in the process of getting my professional license in Virginia.
In addition to the usual birth doula services, I provide one prenatal massage.

Nichole Johns

My name is Nichole Johns. I live near Baltimore and am involved with Barbara Stratton's ICAN chapter. I have two children of my own; one was a cesarean and the second was born unassisted at home. I am new to being a doula, but with the few births I have attended I have gotten experience with cesarean, hosptial birth, unassisted birth, and breech birth. I am also a student midwife and have been assisting in prenatal care for almost a year.

Ursula Sabia Sukinik, AAHCC

Women have been birthing babies for thousands of years. We lived in communities surrounded by family and friends. This village offered education, love, companionship, support and education. In today's world, where it once took a village to raise a child, we live alone in our own space and distant from family and friends. Childbirth classes are now a necessity for mothers to be. Childbirth classes are a gateway to a village of support and knowledge.

Childbirth classes help you to understand the birth process and to figure out what type of birth experience you desire. Today the majority of women birth in hospitals, however birth center and home births are attracting more and more healthy and low-risk mothers. Water births, VBACs, and alternative birth experiences are desired by some. My childbirth classes will help the birth team who may not know what type of experience they desire as well as help to facilitate conversations with your provider once you know what you desire in your birth. My goal is to help you have the `birth you desire'.

Ursula Sabia Sukinik, AAHCC

Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula

BirthYouDesire.com

301.231.5122

Claudia Booker Birthing Hands of DC

Each Birthing Hands doula and midwife birth assistant joins our team not only with seasoned and expert skill, but also as women committed to ensuring that expectant mothers experience a safe and satisfying journey toward the birth of their babies.

The doulas who are members of the Birthing Hands team are certified by a nationally recognized organization as birth doulas with vast experience and skills. Many have advanced training in midwifery, breastfeeding, massage, acupressure, perinatal education, and other birth related specialties.

We are keenly aware of and understand hospital protocols, doctors and medical staff directives, as well as their close relationship with patients. We also know that women choosing to have their babies in a familiar home setting or in the comfort of a birthing center expect the trusted services of an experienced midwife. Birthing Hands seasoned midwife birth assistants are regularly called upon by area midwives with the confidence that our services complement their birthing expertise.

Margie Lidoff

Postpartum Doula

My name is Margie Lidoff. I've been a post-partum doula for 4 years, following a long career as a social worker/therapist. I customize my work to fit the needs of each client, providing hands-on baby care, mentoring/education, sibling care, and practical help (cooking, running errands, phone calls, etc.). For additional information or scheduling, please call me at 202 270-6893.

Jennifer Zaranis

301.503.4087

zaranis@...

www.damascusdoula.com

Magali Barbaran

DONA Doula-in-Training. Volunteer Doula at the Family Health and Birth Center. Bilingual in Spanish and English. Yoga Teacher.

Be Well,
Janet

Janet Brown, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
Certified Prenatal Yoga Teacher
http://jbrownlmt.bravehost.com
Trying to Live Beautifully
703-863-3156

#14

From: "jbrownlmt" <jbrownlmt@...>
Date: Mon Apr 20, 2009 4:21 pm
Subject: ICAN April Meeting..Sorry

jbrownlmt

Offline

I wanted to apologize to anyone who came to the meeting only to find a locked
door.  Due to an emergency, I overlooked leaving the key.

We can certainly revisit the topic later.  I know it is very healing to tell
your story amongst people who will understand.

Again, I am sorry to anyone who came yesterday.

Janet

#13

From: icanofdc@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sat Apr 18, 2009 7:57 pm
Subject: ICAN MEETING: Telling Your Cesarean Birth Story, 4/19/2009, 4:00 pm

icanofdc@yahoogroups.com

Reminder from:		icanofdc Yahoo! Group

Title:		ICAN MEETING: Telling Your Cesarean Birth Story

Date:		Sunday April 19, 2009
Time:		4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location:		the Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, 320 G St NE Washington, DC
Notes:		This meeting is free and open to all who would like to attend. The International Cesarean Awareness Network is a non-profit group dedicated to cesarean prevention and recovery. All meetings are held at the Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, 320 G St NE Washington, DC. For more information about ICAN of DC email: icanofdc@... or to join our Yahoo Group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/icanofdc.

Get reminders on your mobile, Yahoo! Messenger, and email. Edit reminder options

#12

From: icanofdc@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wed Apr 15, 2009 7:57 pm
Subject: ICAN MEETING: Telling Your Cesarean Birth Story, 4/19/2009, 4:00 pm

icanofdc@yahoogroups.com

Reminder from:		icanofdc Yahoo! Group

Title:		ICAN MEETING: Telling Your Cesarean Birth Story

Date:		Sunday April 19, 2009
Time:		4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Next reminder:		The next reminder for this event will be sent in 3 days, 2 minutes.
Location:		the Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, 320 G St NE Washington, DC
Notes:		This meeting is free and open to all who would like to attend. The International Cesarean Awareness Network is a non-profit group dedicated to cesarean prevention and recovery. All meetings are held at the Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, 320 G St NE Washington, DC. For more information about ICAN of DC email: icanofdc@... or to join our Yahoo Group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/icanofdc.

Get reminders on your mobile, Yahoo! Messenger, and email. Edit reminder options

#11

From: "Jessica B. Groves" <jess4tigrs@...>
Date: Wed Apr 8, 2009 2:19 am
Subject: FW: [Balto_DC_Doula] Maryland lawyer offering free legal help to women facing VBAC bans

mdtigergirl

Offline

If you know or hear of anyone in these areas, please have them contact Barbara!

Thanks!!!

Jessica

From: Balto_DC_Doula@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Balto_DC_Doula@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of womancaredoula
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 9:50 PM
To: Takoma Park Birth Circle; BCF; BBC; Balto DC doula
Subject: [Balto_DC_Doula] Maryland lawyer offering free legal help to women facing VBAC bans

I am excited to announce that we now have a lawyer right here in Maryland who is offering free legal help to women facing VBAC hospital VBAC bans. Her availability to do this work is between now and the end of the summer so it is important that we find a woman as soon as possible who is currently pregnant and facing one of the VBAC bans in our state. Maryland currently has bans in place in Cecil County, Garrett County, and in Easton. Please email any Maryland lists you are on and ask people to help spread the word so that we don't miss the opportunity to possibly be the first state in the country to take this kind of legal action. Feel free to include my email address ICANofBaltimore@... on all postings. Thanks.

-Barbara Stratton

author of "50 Ways to Protest a VBAC Denial" found at www.midwiferytoday.com

#10

From: icanofdc@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sat Mar 14, 2009 7:55 pm
Subject: ICAN of DC Meeting , 3/15/2009, 4:00 pm

icanofdc@yahoogroups.com

Reminder from:		icanofdc Yahoo! Group

Title:		ICAN of DC Meeting

Date:		Sunday March 15, 2009
Time:		4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location:		320 G St NE Washington DC
Notes:		Raising the Cesarean Child Learn more about the unique challenges of raising a child born from cesarean. Children born from cesarean section run an increased risk of lung problems, gastrointestinal concerns and food allergies. You may also find that bonding and breastfeeding are an issue. Come learn techniques from professionals and tips from other mothers who have been through it. This meeting is free and open to all who would like to attend. The International Cesarean Awareness Network is a non-profit group dedicated to cesarean prevention and recovery. All meetings are held at the Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, 320 G St NE Washington, DC. For more information about ICAN of DC email: icanofdc@... or to join our Yahoo Group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/icanofdc.

Get reminders on your mobile, Yahoo! Messenger, and email. Edit reminder options

From: "jbrownlmt" <jbrownlmt@...>
Date: Tue Mar 3, 2009 1:48 am
Subject: ICAN of DC March Meeting 3/15/09

jbrownlmt

Offline

Sunday March 15, 2009 4:00pm-5:00pm

Raising the Cesarean Child

Learn more about the unique challenges of raising a child born from
cesarean. Children born from cesarean section run an increased risk
of lung problems, gastrointestinal concerns and food allergies. You
may also find that bonding and breastfeeding are an issue. Come learn
techniques from professionals and tips from other mothers who have
been through it.

This meeting is free and open to all who would like to attend. The
International Cesarean Awareness Network is a non-profit group
dedicated to cesarean prevention and recovery. All meetings are held
at the Healing Arts of Capitol Hill, 320 G St NE Washington, DC. For
more information about ICAN of DC email: icanofdc@... or to join
our Yahoo Group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/icanofdc.

Be Well,
Janet

Janet Brown
Licensed Massage Therapist
Certified Prenatal Yoga Instructor
Integrative Health Massage Therapy
http://jbrownlmt.bravehost.com
http://integrativehealthmassage.blogspot.com
(703)863-3156

From: "Jessica B. Groves" <jess4tigrs@...>
Date: Thu Feb 19, 2009 11:42 pm
Subject: Repeat c/s-VBAC Article in TIME Magazine Today

mdtigergirl

Offline

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1880665-1,00.html

Jessica

From: Megan Nelson <mvnelson42@...>
Date: Mon Feb 16, 2009 3:49 am
Subject: Today's mtng

mvnelson42

Offline

Hi -

I was really looking forward to today's meeting but we had a family
function that went long. I'd love to receive any handouts or info that
was passed out today.

Laura - you wrote an article on Informed Consent, correct? I'd love to
read it.

Thanks!

Megan V Nelson
mvnelson42@...

From: "Jessica B. Groves" <jess4tigrs@...>
Date: Fri Jan 9, 2009 10:09 pm
Subject: VBA3C

mdtigergirl

Offline

Anyone doing VBA3Cs in-hospital in our area?

Jessica

From: Janet <jbrownlmt@...>
Date: Tue Jan 6, 2009 2:20 pm
Subject: January ICAN Meeting

jbrownlmt

Offline

The meeting is on the 25th. The 24th is Saturday. And it is still at 4:00pm-5:00pm.

Be Well,
Janet

Janet Brown
Licensed Massage Therapist
Certified Prenatal Yoga Instructor
Integrative Health Massage Therapy
http://jbrownlmt.bravehost.com
http://integrativehealthmassage.blogspot.com
(703)863-3156

From: Laura Possessky <icanofdc@...>
Date: Mon Jan 5, 2009 9:13 pm
Subject: Re: Meeting Reminder! Sunday, December 21 at 4 PM

icanofdc

Offline

Missed you. HOpe you had a good trip and happy new year. The jan. meeting is Jan. 24. . .

From: Megan Nelson <mvnelson42@...>
To: "icanofdc@yahoogroups.com" <icanofdc@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 4:16:45 PM
Subject: Re: [icanofdc] Meeting Reminder! Sunday, December 21 at 4 PM

Hi-

We have a lot of shopping and packing to do beforewe leave town next week so please don't count on me. I may swing by if I have some extra time, but I doubt I'll make it.

Have a great Holiday everyone!

Megan V Nelson

mvnelson42@gmail. com

On Dec 16, 2008, at 11:18 AM, "icanofdc" <icanofdc@yahoo. com> wrote:

Hi everyone! Just a reminder about the meeting this Sunday at 4.

Healing Arts Center of Capitol hill
320 G Street, NE

4-5 PM

From: Megan Nelson <mvnelson42@...>
Date: Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:16 pm
Subject: Re: Meeting Reminder! Sunday, December 21 at 4 PM

mvnelson42

Offline

Hi-

We have a lot of shopping and packing to do beforewe leave town next week so please don't count on me. I may swing by if I have some extra time, but I doubt I'll make it.

Have a great Holiday everyone!

Megan V Nelson

mvnelson42@...

On Dec 16, 2008, at 11:18 AM, "icanofdc" <icanofdc@...> wrote:

Hi everyone! Just a reminder about the meeting this Sunday at 4.

Healing Arts Center of Capitol hill
320 G Street, NE

4-5 PM

From: "icanofdc" <icanofdc@...>
Date: Tue Dec 16, 2008 4:18 pm
Subject: Meeting Reminder! Sunday, December 21 at 4 PM

icanofdc

Offline

Hi everyone!  Just a reminder about the meeting this Sunday at 4.

Healing Arts Center of Capitol hill
320 G Street, NE

4-5 PM