International Baby Planner Institute Celebrates Accreditation, Expansion into 17 Countries, and Announces International Baby Planners Day

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, April 06, 2011 (Press-News.org) The Baby Planner Industry has come a long way since the inception of The International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals (IABPP), in September 2009.

By introducing a new approach that focuses on educating baby planners to provide appropriate, client-centered and directed support and education, the IABPP has set the standard of excellence for the baby planning industry. The IABPP also developed the first and only baby planner certification program available for the baby planning industry and is also the first professional baby planner organization in the industry to become accredited, incorporate a board of directors, establish an advisory board, and incorporate a faculty and independent certifying board into its structure. Their advisory board and faculty includes a variety of talented and distinguished leaders in the maternity industry that can be found here: http://www.babyplannerinstitute.com/about/advisory-board/.

With the expansion of the International Maternity Institute (IMI) in December 2010, maternity and childbirth professionals now have access to the ultimate online educational portal providing a wealth of support, education and resources including the GreenBirth Educator program. Expanding into 17 countries around the world, receiving accreditation from the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, and introducing a variety of new programs such as Certified Baby Planner and GreenBirth Educator , these are just a few of the accomplishments and contributions from the IMI and IABPP.

Mary Oscategui, founder of the IABPP and IMI, was also the inspiration behind Josie Brown's novel, The Baby Planner being released today. In celebration of Josie's book, baby planners across the United States have teamed up with their favorite baby boutiques to host the ultimate Baby Planner Parent's Parties. Details can be found at http://www.babyplannernovel.com

In celebration of their success and many accomplishments, The IMI and IABPP announces International Baby Planners Day on April 5th and invites all baby planners around the world to participate. For a directory of baby planners and countries please visit: http://www.babyplannerinstitute.com/members/certified-baby-planners/

About Certified Baby Planners

A certified baby planner is a maternity consultant that provides support, information, education and resources to new and expecting parents. By evaluating their clients specific needs and providing them with the appropriate information, education and resources, baby planners empower their clients to make the best decisions for their growing family.

Baby planners tailor their services to suit their clients specific needs, lifestyle and preferences and help them to determine the types of resources, services and products that will be essential for them to utilize on their journey towards parenthood and beyond.

Baby planners are also concerned with educating their clients. By introducing their clients to a variety of options on pre-conception, pregnancy, post-partum and parenting topics, baby planners empower their clients to make informed and educated decisions. Baby planners may introduce their clients to various options regarding birthing, feeding, sleeping, health, fitness, nutrition, eco-friendly living, safety, post-partum support, budgeting, baby gear and more.

Additionally baby planners serve as a matchmakers, coordinators, and specialists. As a matchmaker, a baby planner pairs their clients with the most suitable and reputable services and products based on their specific needs and lifestyle. As a coordinator, a baby planner may organize special events such as a baby shower, baby moon, or maternity retreat or may arrange for photo shoots and birth announcement design. As a specialist, a baby planner can offer additional expertise if licensed or accredited in a particular field relating to maternity.

Boundaries to Practice

A baby planner does not diagnose, treat, examine or medically advise their clients. Unless a baby planner has additional training or a specialized certification or license in a specific area of practice, a baby planner does not prescribe or attempt to perform additional services that require advanced training. While some baby planners may have the additional training, certification or licensing needed to offer services like designing exercise programs and plans, recommending diets or nutritional programs, baby proofing, installing or inspecting car seats, providing therapy, giving pre- or postnatal massage or providing personal training, doula or midwifery services, these practices are outside of a baby planners scope of practice.

About The International Maternity Institute and International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals

Founded in September 2009, the International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals (IABPP) is at the forefront of a movement that empowers expecting and new parents to make the best decisions for themselves and their babies by utilizing the support, information, education and resources made available by a certified baby planner.

By introducing a new approach that focuses on educating baby planners to provide appropriate, client-centered and directed support and education, the IABPP has set the standard of excellence for the baby planning industry.

In December 2010, the IABPP expanded to become the International Maternity Institute (IMI) in order to launch the ultimate online educational portal for maternity and childbirth professionals. The Institute provides personalized training that enables students to develop a practice or utilize the education they receive to expand their current business offerings. The International Maternity Institute also hosts a variety of continuing education programs that are offered through their maternity affiliates.

For more information visit http://www.maternityinstitute.com.