#CAM2014:
Cesarean Awareness Month
Here’s a new hashtag for you: #CAM2014. What is it, you ask? Well, it’s the hashtag for Cesarean Awareness Month, of course!
Cesarean Awareness Month began in an effort to bring awareness to the 1 in 3 women who give birth in the United States by cesarean delivery. Consider the fact that the World Health Organization recommends a c-section rate of no higher than 10-15%, yet our national average is 32.8% and the Oklahoma c-section rate is 34.7%. This means that more than half of the cesareans performed in our country and state are probably preventable!
Many women do not anticipate complications during their labor and probably do not prepare for a cesarean delivery. The medical community and many people portray the surgery as minor, yet women who have experienced it overwhelmingly say otherwise. This major abdominal surgery can cause significant health risks immediately and later in life and recovery from the delivery itself can be quite difficult. Thankfully, groups like the International Cesarean Awareness Network offer support groups, information and advocacy to women who have experienced c-sections, as well as resources to those pursuing a Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC).
The symbol for Cesarean Awareness is an upside down burgundy ribbon.
How can you celebrate #CAM2014 in Tulsa? Start by simple social awareness. Consider wearing an upside down burgundy ribbon or using the image of the CAM ribbon as your profile picture on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. There are also events you can attend. ICAN of Tulsa offers several support groups each month, and has online support groups where you can meet other women who have had similar experience and connect with leaders who can help you get the resources you need.
This Saturday, April 12th 2014, ICAN of Tulsa and Tulsa County BirthNetwork are partnering to hold a Cesarean Awareness Family Picnic. The event will be held at La Fortune Park and is free for the whole family. Along with many valuable raffle prizes, the groups are offering free dessert and Chris Middlebrook from BAM Entertainment will be making balloon creations for the kids! Pack your lunch, pack your family and come out to support the one in three women who give birth by cesarean in our country!
I am privileged to have the opportunity to work with these ladies as we partner to make birth better in Tulsa! We recently had a fundraiser at Top That! Pizza, which was a huge success.
There are two fundraiser t-shirts you can purchase to join us in raising awareness. Contact me if you’re interested in getting one for yourself! I hope to see you Saturday for a fun day with the family!
See you around town!
