ICAN30

“We have a secret in our culture, and it’s not that birth is painful.  It’s that women are strong.” ~Laura Stavoe Harm

“My body can’t labor and give birth like other women’s bodies. Many women who have had cesareans believe this; it’s almost as if the experience left that message deep in their cells. Remember that every year around the world hundreds of thousands of women give birth by VBAC. Your body still remembers how to labor

Do you have some leftover maroon yarn from another knitting or crocheting project? Knitting a small ICAN awareness ribbon will use up that little bit of spare yarn and show the world your support for ICAN! Remember to wear your ribbon inverted! These are especially nice to have around during April for Cesarean Awareness Month!

Add a splash of color to your diaper bag with a cute new wipe case! You can personalize it for yourself or your baby, or make up a few and give them as shower gifts! Or, of course, you could make a lovely ICAN-themed maroon and white one! Why carry around a boring, plain, plastic

Ring slings are simple to make and easy to use. Plus, you get the fun of choosing a fabric that you really enjoy! Wearing your baby in a sling or other carrier has many benefits, not the least of which is increased bonding. Bonded babies are happy babies! Make a sling for yourself or a

Eating and drinking during labor is an important strategy for keeping up your strength. “Laborade” is any drink used during labor to replace electrolytes and provide hydration. There are many recipes to choose from, and most use common kitchen ingredients.  Make up a few small batches during the last weeks of pregnancy and freeze them

You can create a simple but meaningful keepsake for your baby with a photo mat, which can be found inexpensively at most craft stores.  I placed one of our baby’s ultrasound images into an autograph mat, which is designed to hold a small photo (4×6) within a large frame (8×10.)  This leaves extra mat space

During labor it can be very meaningful for women to wear a piece of jewelery with special significance to them.  This could be a beaded bracelet made at a blessingway, a family heirloom, or a gift from their partner.  Whether purchased or handmade, this tangible reminder of love and support can be incredibly encouraging through

As you try to stay busy during early labor or while older siblings are eagerly waiting, why not bake a Birth Day cake?  Whether from a mix or scratch, baking and decorating can keep you occupied while working through those early contractions.  For excited big siblings, a cake is also a great way to pass

by Heidi Thaden-Pierce Reprinted with permission from her webpage. I didn’t try an herbal bath postpartum until our sixth baby and then I LOVED it.  There are a variety of herbs that can be useful for postpartum healing, and if you bring your baby into the bath the herbs will also aid in the healing