1. What is baby planning? How did it start?

Although the origins of baby planning can be traced to a few different sources, “Baby Planner” as a profession, was first formally established and recognized in the media in September 2006, when a woman by the name of Keely Paice launched her business in the United Kingdom. A Baby Planner as originally defined, is one who advises on all aspects of pregnancy so clients can make informed choices.When baby planning was launched in America, immediately following the UK, the role of a baby planner was primarily directed toward baby gear consulting and concierge services. The emphasis on emotional support and education was tremendously overshadowed.

In September of 2009, the IABPP reintroduced baby planning as its original concept, advising on all areas of pregnancy, with an emphasis on maternal education and emotional support so that families could confidently make informed decisions.

2. Who is the IABPP?

Founded in September 2009, the IABPP is at the forefront of a movement to empower parents to make the right decisions for themselves and their babies. They introduced a new approach to the baby planning industry by focusing on the needs of their clients through parental education and emotional support. They established the first and only certification program in the baby planning industry that is designed to train future baby planners to educate and support expectant and new parents. They are also the first baby planning organization to introduce an advisory board, board of directors, faculty, and certifying board. In addition, the IABPP supports all childbirth educators through a wealth of educational resources via online webinars, an online tv show, and various educational partnerships.

They are an international baby planner organization with current representation in the North America, South America, and Europe.

Founder, Mary Oscategui was the first to present the baby planning industry with an e-book , “The Baby Planner: A Guide to Becoming a Baby Planner and starting your own business”, which provides those interested in a baby planning career with all the tools and support necessary to get started in the new industry of baby planning. The book defines the role of a baby planner, establishes a scope of practice, and covers a wide variety of topics: birthing basics, breastfeeding basics, sleeping basics, product basics, business basics, liability, and much more. The second edition of her book, “The Baby Planner Profession: What You Need To Know! The Ultimate Guide and Resource For Baby Planner Professionals” is available on paperback.

Most recently, Mary introduced the first Greenproofing Training Program, providing childbirth professionals with an in depth look at the world of greenproofing for their clients. Her latest book: “The Baby Planner’s Guide to Greenproofing your Home”, will be released in the Fall of 2010.

3. Why was IABPP formed?

The IABPP was formed to reintroduce baby planning as its original concept, advising on all areas of pregnancy, with an emphasis on maternal education and emotional support so that families could confidently make informed decisions. The IABPP strengthens credibility, offers support, and provides a formal educational training program and advanced credentials to baby planners and childbirth educators throughout the world.The IABPP strongly believes that the role of a baby planner is to empower clients by offering support and education in a non-biased fashion that is tailored for meeting the unique needs of each individual family during preconception, pregnancy and beyond.

A Baby Planner is committed to informing their clients of all their options so that they may make informed decisions and offer consultations with general knowledge relating to all aspects of pregnancy and newborn care. This includes a wealth of service and product knowledge and expertise in specific areas.The IABPP does not believe that baby planners should try to be experts at everything and encourages members and students to take the time to pursue the proper credentials, experience, and insurance required for each additional specialty they offer.As a result, the IABPP does not consider areas of specialty such as, baby gear consulting, nursery design, car seat installation, or baby proofing as roles that are required in order to be a baby planner. The IABPP recognizes that each of these areas involve extensive training, education, and experience. The IABPP considers these added services as specialties that some baby planners may already have in their background or may decide to offer in addition their main role as a consultant , otherwise the IABBP strongly recommends that baby planners refer out such services to qualified professionals.

4. Who is the IABPP for?

The IABPP supports baby planners and all childbirth professionals, such as doulas, nurses, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, parent/ baby coaches, and childbirth educators. In addition to their certification, they offer continued education and advanced credentials for childbirth professionals and baby planners. They are working very closely and have partnered with key players in their industry via their reputable advisory board and educational partnerships to stay up to date with current industry standards and education. The IABPP invites all professionals in the maternity and baby industry to join their network.

5. Is a certification program really necessary for baby planners?

One of the best approaches for gaining credibility and expertise in any industry is through formal education. Since the baby planning industry was introduced 4 years ago, the IABPP feels it is vital to have a training program in place that evolves with industry standards. This is the very reason the IABPP was formed. All major and respected industries have high standards that provide and require education and continued learning. In addition, most clients want to know what formal experience or training you have had, before they invest in your services, so it helps to have gone through a formalized training course, via a certification.

6. What does your certification program involve?

The IABPP takes their certification program very seriously and as a result, has worked extremely hard to provide a reputable, beneficial, and practical program. Our certification program includes a Baby Planner Business Start-up Certification, Baby Planner Advanced Level Certification, and Baby Planner Greenproofing Certification. We offer a full comprehensive baby planning education covering all aspects of business, baby planning, and greenproofing. Our courses cover a variety of topics with evaluation and application, weekly homework assignments,  book reading assignments with evaluations, and includes a thorough written and practical exam. Their certification also includes exclusive partnerships and memberships to key players in their industry.

All our courses are currently performed through an online interactive webinar program which can be done from the comfort of your home anywhere around the world.

It is important to also note that the IABPP’s certification program is continuously evolving to meet the demands of their rapidly growing industry.

7. What are the benefits of a certified baby planner?

As a certified baby planner, you gain credibility, experience, education, and support. Your tuition covers the first year of IABPP membership. Your business and events are promoted though the IABPP’s website, social media sites, and email newsletters. You have unlimited access to a forum and to their faculty for general support. The IABPP provides exclusive discounts and benefits with their partnerships.

8. Who teaches the certification program and who is it for?

The baby planner training program is taught by IABPP faculty and special guests who have extensive and credible backgrounds in their area of expertise. The certification program is for those interested in a baby planning career or for childbirth professionals who wanted to expand their knowledge.

9. How does your ebook, “A Guide to Becoming a Baby Planner” differ from the certification?

The ebook provides a very general guide and overview to the baby planning industry. Although it has been recognized as an invaluable resource, it does not replace or can substitute for the comprehensive and practical applications offered through the IABPP certification program.

10. Do you offer continuing education credits?

The IABPP offers continuing education credits through ICEA.org and is in the process of establishing continuing credits with major organizations.

11. Do you offer payment plans?

Yes

12. How long does my certification last? Do I need to re-certify?

To remain IABPP recognized, and to continue receiving the benefits of an IABPP trained professional, students are required to maintain a standard of professional development measured every two years. Details are provided for enrolled students and certified members.

13. What makes the IABPP different from other baby planning organizations in the industry?

The IABPP is the only academic program in the baby planning industry providing comprehensive training in the form of a certification program and continuing education.Additionally, the IABPP’s definition and approach for the role of a baby planner is a great deal different from the definition and approach of other baby planners and organizations in the mainstream market whose 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. The cornerstone of these baby planning businesses is baby gear consulting.

The IABPP’s approach and mission extends beyond assisting clients with overwhelming tasks, it is to empower expecting and new parents to make the right decisions for themselves and their babies through providing the support, information, and resources necessary to make educated choices in planning for their baby.The IABPP feels it is important to offer different approaches in the baby planning industry to cater to the different needs of professionals and clients. The IABPP does not believe one approach is better than another and advises interested students and members to join the IABPP upon resonating with their philosophy and approach.

14. Do I have to be certified to be a member of the IABPP?

No. The IABPP has created their Associate Membership for Baby Planners and Childbirth Professionals who would like to support their mission and be part of their network. Through a forum and monthly calls you can exchange ideas and offer support. In addition the IABPP offers generous discounts to their programs, partnerships, webinars, and certification courses.