Another look at baby planners

While parents of multiple birth children quickly learn how to multitask as a means of survival, they sometimes need a little direction or help in areas outside of their expertise. That’s where a baby planner can be a huge asset, providing expectant parents with services and product options that can help minimize or eliminate the feelings of stress or uncertainty that come with a multiple-pregnancy. As with most consulting businesses, consumers can find a wide assortment of baby planner businesses to call upon, each offering an array of services. Mary Oscategui is an example of one such baby planner who had a passion for the industry and took it to a new level.

Mary Oscategui is a single mother and baby planner living in Northern California. Her philosophy as a baby planner is a great deal different from the philosophy of other baby planners in the mainstream market. According to Mary, the main stream definition of a baby planner is, “a professional consultant who is paid to assist expectant parents with some or all of the overwhelming tasks of preparing for their baby’s (or babies’) arrival such as researching baby products like strollers and cribs, nursery planning, home baby proofing, baby shower/baby registry planning, interviewing nannies and midwives, and even shopping for maternity clothes.”

Mary disagrees with the main stream definition stating that, “the definition lacks highlighting the most important part of pregnancy which is offering services providing education to raise awareness of a woman’s birthing options, co-sleeping choices and so on.” She had a strong desire to provide a different perspective of the role of a baby planner. That passion led her to form The International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals (IABPP) in September 2009. The IABPP “inspires, supports, and educates baby planners through creative and effective professionalism, business management, strong leadership, sales, and communication in order to provide their clients with exceptional service.” The IABPP provides a baby planner certification program and advanced credentials to baby planner professionals. You can also find links to baby planners who are members of The International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals.

Mary recently published an e-book, The Baby Planner: A Guide to Becoming a Baby Planner and Starting Your own Business, which defines the role of a baby planner, establishes a scope of practice, and covers a wide variety of topics including birthing basics, breastfeeding basics, sleeping basics, product basics, business basics, liability, etc.

Mary is also the Founder and CEO of her own baby planner business called, The Baby Planner—a unique baby planning and consulting service for expecting, adopting, and new parents. The mission of The Baby Planner is to “empower you to know all your options, so that you can confidently make the most suitable decisions for you and your baby.” Mary’s business is “built on the foundation of green living, healthy natural organic foods, exercise, alternative medicine/techniques, eco-friendly and sustainable services, products, and resources in order to improve upon the quality of your life throughout your pregnancy and beyond”.

The Baby Planner customizes and tailors a plan to suit the specific needs of expectant parents—guiding, educating, and supporting them along the way. The Baby Planner provides its clients with information and education pertaining to helpful services, products, and support, and they also match their clients with their most reputable practitioners and vendors. Their most important goal is to stay focused on the health and safety of the mother and her baby(ies).

Refer to The Baby Planner web site for information and pricing for home and private consultations, as well as classes.

In early January, Mary welcomed Ingrid Prueher of Savvy Mom on Call as Co-President of The International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals. Like Mary, Ingrid has a passion to “empower expectant, new, and seasoned parents through education and guidance.”

The Baby Planner and The IABPP also has a reputable and outstanding advisory board:
• Green Expert: Beth Greer, Supernatural Mom and author of “Super Natural Home”
• Small Business and Finance Expert: Joseph Lizio, CEO of Business Money Today
• Sleep Consultant and Parent Educator: Angelique Millette, PhDc, PCD/CD [DONA
• Product Demonstrator & Car Safety Expert: Chas Schwartz, CPS
• Infant/CPR Expert & Parent Educator: Georgia Montgomery, CD, CBE, CLE
• Postpartum Doula and Lactation Expert: Emily Schaffer, PCD, CLE, HBE
• Hypnotherapist and Childbirth Educator: Kristin Nemzer, LMFT, CH
• Clinical Psychologist for new and expecting parents: Dr. Rama Ronen, PhD
• Acupuncture and Fertility Expert: Chalita Photikoe, L.Ac.
• Nutrition Expert and Culinary Chef: Diana Stobo
• Skincare Product Expert: Robin Brown, Founder of ErbaOrganics
• Household Staffing Expert: Elizabeth Dameron Drew of Town & Country Resources

Interested in becoming a baby planner?
Check out the IABPP’s training and certification program. It provides all the tools and support necessary to become a successful baby planner.

You can also join Mary for an online webinar, A Zen Approach to Staying Healthy and Fit
Throughout and After your Pregnancy, on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 from 9:00-10:00 p.m. (EST). The cost of the webinar is $25.00. Mary will provide simple and effective ways to stay healthy and fit throughout and after pregnancy. She will also share techniques to reduce stress, maintain a healthy weight, and combine optimal nutrition. E-mail Mary to register or call 415-937-1602.

You can follow the IABPP on Facebook and Twitter.

Be the first to get Parenting Multiples updates. Subscribe to my articles by clicking the 'Subscribe' e-mail link above. You will receive automatic e-mail notification of articles, events, reviews and more.

I welcome your comments and opinions. Please leave them in the comments section above.

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail me.