I attended the local ICAN chapter last evening. I met several new women, and also met up with other women I've already known. It was quite an interesting evening! Most of the time, I found myself listening to what the women had to share. At several points, I was so angry at what they had gone through. My sympathy/empathy levels went up several more notches last evening.
Hearing the women share their birth stories - and subsequent provider-fear based recommendations for future births - made me realize just how much this entire country sees birth as a fear-based event. Birth should not equal fear!
Birth should be:
- empowering
- life-changing (in a positive way)
- life-affirming
- beautiful
- amazing
- wonderful
- uplifting
(Feel free to add your own positive words to describe birth!)
I'm going to attend my first meeting at the local ICAN chapter this week. I was invited to come and speak by one of the members, which I find to be an honor! I was planning on just flying by the seat of my pants about what to discuss. However, the more I think about it, the more I think I'll focus on VBAC in the hospital setting - from the inside (nurse's) point of view.
Any other ideas, suggestions?
Sorry for the lack of posting. I just haven't had anything recently to strike my writing fancy!
I had a nursing student with me for one of my shifts this week, and she was a joy to work with! Very enthusiastic, asking lots of questions, and seemed to be very genuinely interested in nursing.
I've been invited to speak at a local ICAN chapter. So, I guess that is something new to report! I'll be speaking at the April meeting, so I have a little bit of time to formulate what topic I'll discuss.
