Support Groups

La Leche League

The Mission of La Leche League International is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.

Holistic Moms Network — Monmouth County (East) Chapter

The Holistic Moms Network™ is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization connecting parents who are interested in holistic health and green living. We encourage moms to trust their instincts, parent from the heart, use their innate sense of what is best for their children, live in balance with the Earth, and learn about the pros and cons of all healthcare and parenting options.

Living healthy and living green is not an endpoint, but an ongoing journey. No matter where you are on your parenting or holistic living journey, you are welcome at HMN! We are a diverse and open-minded community, a place where your choices are respected and where you can learn and become informed! Many of us are new to this journey, others more experienced. Wherever you are, you can benefit from the wisdom, support, and resources that Holistic Moms have to offer!

The Holistic Moms Network has a very diverse membership of people who are passionate about holistic health and green living. Among our membership are dads, expectant parents, future parents, grandparents, and wellness practitioners.

We welcome individuals who share an interest in holistic living and parenting into all of our communities, no matter where you are on your holistic journey. You may just be getting started or have been on a holistic path for many years.

* All are welcome. You can attend 2 HMN events without being a member, then we ask that you sign up and join us and gain the benefits of membership.

Learn more at www.holisticmoms.org or at our chapter Facebook page.

ICAN of Monmouth County

ICAN of Monmouth County is a local NJ chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network. We support women with cesarean prevention and recovery and VBAC education.

Mission

ICAN's mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

Statement of Beliefs

We, the International Cesarean Awareness Network, believe that:

1. The inappropriate over use of cesarean surgery is jeopardizing the lives of mothers and babies.

2. When a cesarean is necessary, it can be a lifesaving technique for both mother and baby, and worth the risks involved.

3. Birth is a normal physiological process. Research shows that with emotional support, education, and an honest opportunity, the vast majority of women can have a healthy vaginal birth.

4. A healthy birth incorporates emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

5. Research shows that VBAC is reasonable and safe for both mother and baby. A repeat cesarean should never be considered routine– it is major abdominal surgery with many risks.

6. It is unethical and unenforceable for hospitals to institute VBAC bans. Women have the right to refuse any procedure, including a cesarean.

7. Women have the right to true informed consent and refusal, which entails full knowledge of the risks and benefits of all tests, drugs, and procedures.

8. It is incumbent upon every care provider and institution to facilitate the informed consent process.

9. Women must be allowed to express all their birth related feelings in a safe and supportive environment. The emotions of a pregnant and birthing woman have profound effects on the birth outcome and recovery.

10. It is unethical for a physician to recommend and/or perform non-medically indicated cesareans (elective). Women are not being fully informed of the risks of this option in childbirth, and therefore make decisions based on cultural myth and fear surrounding childbirth.

11. The trend of “elective cesareans” is being significantly overstated through distortion of research and data.

12. We as women must now assume more responsibility for our own births.

13. It is critical that women’s choice of care provider and location of birth is respected.

Monmouth County, NJ

readyforbirth@aol.com • 732-778-2338