SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the rise of the Baby Planning industry there has been one popular definition of the term baby planner spreading throughout the mainstream market. However, not all baby planners subscribe to this definition of a baby planner, or philosophy.

Mary Oscategui, CEO and founder of The Baby Planner is one such baby planner. Upon joining the baby planning industry she did not resonate with the current philosophy or definition of a baby planner, and found herself passionate about offering a different perspective than what is being offered in the current market. Along the way, she met other baby planners who felt the same way she did. As a result, she decided to write a book contributing her definition of what it means to be a baby planner and form The International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals to support the needs of baby planners who shared her same point of view.

According to the IABPP, "A baby planner is an objective, educated, and supportive woman (or man) who determines the types of services and products that are essential throughout a client's pregnancy. A baby planner customizes their services to suit their client's specific needs, and is committed to empowering their clients by showing them all their many options during pregnancy and beyond."

"We have been compared to wedding planners, but we are more than wedding planners," says Mary, "Having a baby is a lifetime commitment to prepare for, not a one-time event."

"My job as a baby planner is to raise awareness to new and expecting parents by informing them of all the helpful services and support that exist, that they may be currently unaware of," says Mary.

The current 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."

"I disagree with this definition for many reasons," says Mary. "I personally feel this 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. I also do not feel it is a baby planner's job to baby proof a client's home or to do the nanny hiring for a client. There are many legal matters involved in these areas that a baby planner should carefully think about before deciding to take on such responsibilities. There is also no need for baby planners to take on additional roles, when there are highly specialized experts already fulfilling them."

Mary considers herself a matchmaker, educator, and coordinator, relying on all her experts and credentialed network of vendors and practitioners, to address her client's needs. "My services are here to support my clients and keep them informed so that they can be empowered to decide what is best for them," says Mary

Mary understands that not all baby planners will agree with her philosophy, and this is the very reason she feels it is in the best interest of this industry to have more than one organization to support baby planners. "I really do hope that more organizations form so that we can challenge our ways of thinking and rise to new levels for the best interest of our clients and their children."

Mary's recent e-book release, "The Baby Planner: A Guide to Becoming a Baby Planner and starting your own business," offers a new perspective on what it means to be a baby planner, and 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.

Founded in September 2009, The International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals (IABPP.com) 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.

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

SOURCE The International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals

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