Saturday, September 5, 2009

Welcome to the Connecticut Worst to First Campaign blog.

Connecticut Worst to First is partnering up with New Jersey Worst to First in an effort to eventually make this a national campaign. Connecticut Worst to First's membership includes Danielle Elwood, chapter leader of ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) CT and ICAN Northeast Regional Coordinator, and Michele Demont (birthcut.com).

Both are cesarean mothers and were drawn towards advocating change in maternity care after the unnecessary cesarean births of their first born, which resulted after the typical cascade of hospital interventions. They now want to help change the way birth is viewed and managed in the United States, hoping to help other mothers and babies avoid the same needless and excessive intervention.

The goals of Connecticut Worst to First are:

  • lower the cesarean rate in Connecticut from the current 34.6% as of 2007, to a cesarean rate of no higher than 30% for the year 2010, in each hospital state wide.
  • Episiotomy rates of no higher than 5%.
  • Alternative birthing positions other than the classic lithotomy position.
  • Full informed consent to hospital procedures and protocols
  • lowering epidural rates
  • lowering rates of vacuum and forceps use

These goals are set to be reached for the year 2010. Consider giving a helping hand to the newest grassroots effort in Connecticut. Together, we can make a difference.


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