Way To Go! - - Kari_BZCL and Kristen_BZCL

This weeks shout-out goes out to Kari_BZCL and Kristen_BZCL. You will find both in the VBAC message board, offering amazing support on the VBAC board. Both of them go into sincere depth when responding to posts. They are true advocates of VBACs. Due to a friendship that has carried on for over 2 years on BZ, they both recently met up at an ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) conference where they shared emotional experiences and stories with each other and with many other advocates of VBACs. They are more than great leaders. They are an inspiration to many expectant mothers.

Kari and Kristin wanted to share this with us:

Kari_BZCL:
“My name is Kari and I am Mom to two boys and a baby girl – 5, 3, 2mos. I am an Educational Consultant for Usborne Books and More which helps supply my kids with books and some money for me!

I joined BabyZone when I was pregnant with my 1st (May 2005 DDC) and the VBAC board when I was pregnant with my second child. I’d had an emergency c-section with my first baby and didn’t want another. The ladies on the board were so supportive and when my VBAC turned CBAC because the doctor botched my labor/birth, they were there for me, too! I became a leader on the board because I really want to help support other women in their journeys! In my ‘other’ life, I am the leader of our local ICAN chapter and the support from the BZ board and my ICAN support, both online and in person, led me to my VBA2C in February!!

As a side note, I finally got to meet Kristen in person at the ICAN conference a couple weeks ago!! ”

Kristen_BZCL:
“My name is Kristen and I have been hanging around BZ for about 5 years now. I wasn't active on the message boards until I was pregnant with my son in 2008/2009, when I first became a host of the March 2009 DDC. Since then I have become a board leader of the VBAC board and the Natural Childbirth Board. If you have seen me around BZ,you probably know me as the mom who will chime in and help moms avoid interventions in pregnancy and childbirth. Outside of BZ I do much of the same thing! I am a chapter leader of ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network), a Birth Doula, a Childbirth and Breastfeeding Advocate, and a mom. To make actual money, though, I do contract Interior Design work from home. I enjoy the flexibility of my "real job" as I get to spend a lot of time with my kiddos as well as do my advocacy work for women throughout my community and beyond!”

Thank you both for everything you do for the Babyzone Community.