CARES SA Inc Aims and Philosophy
CARES SA Inc is a group of women working to bring information to birthing women and their partners on all their options for birth in Adelaide. CARES SA Inc is a non-profit, community support group working to promote caesarean awareness and information; educate and inform about the safety of vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC); and provide support for women and families dealing with any issues surrounding caesarean birth. We provide access to up-to-date information, allowing women to make informed choices in regards to the birth of their children. We are primarily a support group for women and their partners and our aim is to assist in various ways:-
We are women who have birthed at least twice, and our motivation lies in our own difficult experiences of trying to achieve normal births after having at least one Caesarean (or operative birth). This is commonly called VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Caesarean!
CARES SA Inc is not anti-caesarean, they can save lives! Caesareans are becoming so common in our society that they are now accepted as a safe procedure, often safer than vaginal birth. The evidence is overwhelming that in fact the safest birth is a vaginal birth with minimal or no interventions. Women and their babies lives are exposed to higher risks through unnecessary and excessive use of caesarean section operations. The mortality rate for caesarean section is approximately 2 - 4 times that of vaginal birth, but remember that today birth is relatively safe in a normal pregnancy, no matter which way you choose. It is the additional associated potential complications of caesarean sections which, have a greater impact on a woman's life.
CARES SA Inc fully supports women and their partners who need a Caesarean with information that will assist with preparation for the best possible birth.
CARES SA Inc also supports those women who have experienced a Caesarean section and need to find understanding with others who have shared experiences.
"Family and friends were so happy for me, I had a beautiful, healthy girl - but I felt so sad about her entry into the world"
It can be a very healing time just to express emotions that you may have felt you had no right to feel, with other women who understand. We offer a safe and supportive environment for women to come and openly discuss their experiences at our monthly informal coffee get togethers (the second Wednesday of every month).
CARES SA Inc aim to have professional health carers or relevant professionals attend meetings in order for women to ask questions and discuss areas of concern.
CARES SA Inc also offer telephone and email contacts for support.
CARES SA Inc is a non profit organization who provide understanding and compassion for women recovering from caesarean birth, planning caesarean birth or aiming for a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC).
Awareness of the individual’s rights to make informed choice is a main focus of the group. We encourage women and their families to become actively involved in the decision making that will effect the birth of their child. Increased community awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding surgical birth is also a main focus.
Recovery is a crucial element for maintaining good health. It is very important that a woman is fully informed of the physical recovery, but more importantly we focus on the vital need for emotional healing. Through a safe, caring and understanding environment, women and their partners are encouraged to follow their path to emotional healing.
Education is important when making decisions and it is our goal to be up-to-date on current research, trends and philosophies. By providing relevant information to women and the community, we hope that a greater understanding of the effects of caesarean birth will reduce the amount of traumatic experiences.
Support for birth choices is vital, especially for those seeking vaginal birth after caesarean. By providing women with the options available to them and then respecting that choice, we hope to empower women and their families to achieve the desired positive birth for both mother and child.
CARES SA Inc is run by volunteers on a non-profit basis and welcomes advice, suggestions and/or involvement from both carers and consumers. Volunteers are being sought for involvement in organisation of coffee mornings, peer support, public awareness and education. For information, please contact Emily Melgar (co-ordinator / support) - cares.sa.org@gmail.com or Amy Hourigan (secretary / support) - cares.sa.org@gmail.com.