Featured Member: Carly Kirsch of Newly Nested
What uniquely qualifies you to be a baby planning expert?
I am a mom of two children – a daughter, age 2 ½ and a son age 15 months –and is well-versed in all things baby, toddler and beyond. From an early age, I’ve always loved babies and children and took advantage of that early on and earned some extra money as a teenager babysitting. I was also a nanny to a family for 10 years for their two girls. Aside from my own experiences, I am very organized and have an eye for detail and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks when planning for baby.
What qualities should an ideal baby planner have?
I think there are many qualities an ideal planner should have – however the most important to me are listening and understanding. Anyone can tell you theories, thoughts and ideas on parenting. It is important to have a planner who will listen to the expectant parents and truly hear what it is they need and then take that information and combine it with understanding. The understanding comes from taking the knowledge as a baby planner and translating that to serve the clients best.
What are your specialties as a baby planner?
I enjoy helping new and expecting parents by using a realistic and sensible approach. I also feel that many times with all the information out there, new parents have a difficult time deciphering what you need versus all the “wants” out there – or what a specific store, brand or web site says. I feel one specialty I offer is helping parents determine exactly what they need (or don’t need!) to truly fit their lifestyle for baby’s arrival.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I started my career in Marketing, PR and Communications. Five years into my career, an unexpected change occurred which left me at a crossroads. After researching some options, I came across a career in baby planning and had found this to be my true calling. From reading numerous books, publications and more, I have educated myself on all things pregnancy and baby through postpartum and toddler years. When combined with my experiences over the past three years, I have become a go-to for expecting parents.
What is your biggest piece of advice for a new parent?
I’m always in agreement with many other planners and experts who advise new parents not to listen to the advice that is offered and not asked for. I believe that each parenting experience is different and should be their own and understand that what works for the Joneses may not necessarily work for someone else. In the same line of thinking, do not take what you read in books or on the Internet to be the end-all be-all. I recommend that parents read and listen to whichever sources of information they want and take bits and pieces from each place to form their own ideas of parenting and raising their baby.
What is the nicest thing a client has ever said about your business?
I have clients tell me all the time that they don’t know what they would do without my assistance or a product I recommended was the best idea. One of the nicest things anyone has ever said was in a letter of recommendation from Kelly:
“I have a 3 year old son and am pregnant with my second child, due in April. I have found Carly to be essential to me through these past few months. Aside from her having experience with pregnancy, product knowledge and general know-how of all things related to baby and pregnancy, she also has two young children of her own. Her common sense approach and realistic advice is refreshing and has truly made a difference to me. I find her to be trustworthy, honest and truly caring. I hear from her to check in with me to make sure my appointments are going well and to see if I have any concerns – even if I do not contact her myself.”
How do you stay current on trends in the baby and child industry?
I keep up on current trends through social media, blogs, pregnancy and many parenting publications and journals. As a member of the International Baby Planners Association, I have the ability to connect with others in the industry. I often receive updates from product manufacturers to stay connected to what’s new and exciting and ensure I am aware of all product recalls.
Advanced Maternal Age
by Lisa Lee of Angels 4 Mommies
Today many women are bearing children after the age of 35, at which point they are medically considered to be at an advanced maternal age. According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, since 1990 the number of births for mothers age 35-39 has increased by 57% even though the population of women in this age group has only increased by 5%. Also, since 1990 the birth rate for mothers 40-44 has increased by 70% and the birth rate for mothers 45-49 has tripled. In 2006, 494 children were born to mothers age 50-54. In the past it was not unusual for women to bear children later in life. The difference today is women are having their first child after age 35. The number of women having their first child over the age of 35 has increased eight-fold since 1970. In the news and in the entertainment industry we see plenty of examples of later in life mothers: Halle Berry, Geena Davis, Elizabeth Edwards, Nicole Kidman, Holly Hunter, and many more.
So why is a distinction made with respect to moms having babies later in life rather than sooner? Well, the main reason is that later in life moms are more at risk for pregnancy complications. Pregnant women over the age of 35 are considered at higher risk for miscarriage, twins, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, placenta problems, preterm birth, stillbirth and having a c-section. Such mothers are also more likely to have pre-existing health conditions (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems) that can affect pregnancy. Babies born to mothers who are over the age of 35 are at greater risks for birth defects. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, a twenty year old woman has a 1 in 1667 chance of having a baby with Down’s Syndrome and a 1 in 526 chance of having a baby with any chromosomal abnormality. A forty-year old woman, however, has a 1 in 106 chance of having a baby with Down’s Syndrome and a 1 in 66 chance of having a baby with any chromosomal abnormality.
It’s imperative for women of all ages who are considering pregnancy to weigh the risks and benefits of pregnancy for themselves and their babies. Prospective parents should talk with their physicians about any health risks from pregnancy for the mother and child. If desired, the prospective parents may also want to discuss with their physicians the use of assisted reproductive technology. Some later in life mothers choose in vitro fertilization in combination with donor eggs from younger women. Genetic screening can be done on both parents before pregnancy to determine the risk of having a baby with genetic defects. During pregnancy, women are offered certain genetic screening and/or diagnostic tests (i.e. amniocentesis, chronic villus sampling, and fetal blood sampling). The important thing to consider is what to do with the test results once you have them. Pregnant mothers-to-be can also decline to have genetic screening or testing done.
From a non-medical standpoint, prospective parents should consider their finances and support system. Later in life parents may be concerned about paying for college during their retirement years, taking care of elderly parents and young children at the same time, and the lack of friends at the same life stage. There are a number of social groups that have sprung up to meet the needs of moms having babies later in life: www.motherhoodlater.com, www.mothersover40.com, and www.fertilityover40.com.
Editorial provided by Lisa Lee, a later in life mom and owner of Angels 4 Mommies Baby Planning. She can be reached through her website: www.Angels4MommiesBabyPlanning.com
Baby Planning Q&A by Lisa Lee of Angels 4 Mommies
What is a baby planner?
A baby planner is similar to a wedding planner except instead of helping couples plan for their wedding, a baby planner helps couples plan for the birth of their baby or babies. A good baby planner is a good listener, non-judgmental, and truly understands that every pregnancy, like every person, is unique.
What type of services does a baby planner offer?
It depends on the baby planner but a number of baby planners offer a host of select services that generally fall into the following five categories:
Birth Prep – Oftentimes, moms-to-be want to know about their birth options (e.g. midwife, OB, homebirth, natural, medicated, etc.). A baby planner can discuss each birth option and recommend providers that have been highly rated by other families who desired similar birth experiences. A baby planner can also provide referrals for labor and postpartum doulas as well as lactation consultants. Finally, a baby planner can help with designing and stocking the nursery, getting the car seat installed, organizing the baby shower, packing the hospital bag, and doing other big or little things that the parents may appreciate as part of the birth preparation process. Baby planners can help adopting families prepare as well.
Support-Many moms I speak with through my baby planning business are interested in some form of support in the postpartum period. It’s important for moms to have a period of recovery from childbirth and time to bond with their brand new baby. They may need support with breastfeeding, and/or help with other children, housekeeping, and making meals. A baby planner can help moms get the help they need by recommending and/or interviewing helpers on behalf of the family. The baby planner sees to it that the helper meets the parents’ basic requirements and has the appropriate experience and/or training.
Products – A number of parents use baby planners to help with the baby registry and product selection. There are a plethora of resources to help parents select baby products wisely, but some parents don’t want to spend their baby preparation time shopping. Some parents are paralyzed by the sheer number of product choices and/or are concerned about the number of recalled baby products and really would like an expert to help them select the baby products that fit their values, lifestyle, and budget. This second group includes parents who want environmentally friendly baby products. A good baby planner should not push certain products because she or he receives a commission from their sale or works for the store that sells the product. It’s important for the baby planner to offer her or his client families an objective viewpoint.
Childcare – For moms heading back to work, finding someone to watch over and care for their baby is a priority. For moms staying home, they still need a few hours here and there without the baby, so they may look to hire a mother’s helper. In any case, a baby planner can visit daycares, interview and screen nanny candidates, and help coordinate nanny shares. The baby planner doesn’t actually select the provider but she helps the parents narrow the choices to viable candidates who would be a good fit for the family’s needs.
Concierge – Families can use baby planners to find reputable providers in baby related services, such as baby photographers, childbirth educators, child proofers, doulas, lactation consultants, night nannies, etc. Some baby planners may also offer concierge services themselves (e.g. doula services, child proofing, etc).
How much does a baby planner cost?
Baby planners generally cost about $75/hour and up, depending on the market. Some baby planners will do projects on a flat rate basis. In addition, concierge services may be complimentary depending on the baby planner.
Are baby planners certified by any organization?
Many professional baby planners belong to the International Baby Planner Association (www.internationalbabyplanners.com). Unfortunately, there is not yet a third party certifying organization for baby planners. The International Baby Planner Association is working on a third party certification program that would meet the needs of parents in evaluating baby planners
What type of questions should you ask when interviewing baby planners?
It’s important for parents to understand exactly what to expect from their baby planner, so possible interview questions include the following: What experiences do you have that are relevant to baby planning? Do you belong to any professional organizations for baby planners? Do you have references that I can contact? How will we communicate? How often? How many clients do you take at one time? Will you provide a written summary of services? Which resources do you use for your research? Will you keep our information confidential? How long do you keep client files? How much do you charge? Do you offer flat rate services?
Should people who use baby planners have children?
Many people question the need for baby planners. Their general viewpoint is that the parents and their respective families should themselves be able to handle baby preparation, birth, and the postpartum period. However, many parents don’t have much or any family support, some parents undergo unanticipated changes during pregnancy (e.g. bed rest, moving across country for work, death of their own parent, etc.), and some parents find they need more assistance than originally anticipated. The baby planner’s role is not to judge who truly needs a baby planner or not, but to serve families with compassion, integrity, and professionalism.
Baby Bump Planning featured in Daily Candy Kids Chicago
Congrats to International Baby Planner Association member, Amber Crosby of Baby Bump Planning on her October 11th feature in Daily Candy Kids Chicago. Amber offers services in Chicago and Tulsa and her specialities as a baby planner include baby registry, nursery design, and more. IBPA is proud to have Baby Bump Planning as a member and congratulates Amber on a job well done!
August Featured Planner: Shannan Carr & Lisa Cattie of Bottles to Britches
What uniquely qualifies you to be a baby planning expert?
As a mom of three wonderful kids under the age of four, Shannan is a “frugal mom” who has spent the last four years researching and testing many of the baby gear items available on the market today and finding some of the best deals on those items.
After struggling to conceive her son, every choice Lisa made for him seemed so much more important. Lisa spent hours upon hours searching products and reviews online, reading books and testing gear in stores. This continues as his needs change and develop.
What qualities should an ideal baby planner have?
The most important quality for a baby planner to have is to understand that every family is different. Products that might be ideal for one family may not work for another. An ideal baby planner needs to take the time to understand the expecting family’s lifestyle and needs.
What are your specialties as a baby planner?
We love to help families find the products that will work best for them. Shannan is a “frugal mom” who understands that babies are expensive and will make sure that parents aren’t spending more than they have to. Lisa believes that we can make small changes and informed choices to make our homes healthier for our kids and ourselves while reducing our impact on the environment.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
Both Lisa and Shannan have a background in accounting but their experience as moms is what has made them great resources as baby planners. No one knows what works and what doesn’t as well as someone who has been there and done that. Since Shannan has been either pregnant or nursing for the past 5 years, she is well versed on the latest and greatest products out there.
What is your biggest piece of advice for a new parent?
When everyone is offering up unsolicited advice, listen. Sometimes the craziest sounding tips are the most useful. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for and accept help. Being a new parent is a huge adjustment and a lot of work.
Our favorite piece of advice is “Don’t be afraid to “spoil” your baby. Enjoy every minute with them!”
What is the nicest thing a client has ever said about your business?
Heather Mankes
Expectant Mommy
I am expecting my first baby in September. This is both exciting and a little nerve wracking at the same time. There is so much stuff to buy, research, and learn about that I didn’t even know where to start. Bottles to Britches have been my saving grace through my pregnancy and my planning and organizing for the soon arrival of baby Abigail. They have given me advice and suggestions on baby products, organization, and have been available to ask pregnancy related questions, which you can only ask someone who has been there. I would recommend Bottles to Britches to any expecting mother. They are a wealth of knowledge and resources; and only an email or phone call away.
How do you stay current on trends in the baby and child industry?
We keep up with pregnancy and parenting publications plus many social media outlets which prove to be the most valuable sources of information. In addition, we keep in touch with the other baby planners in our company and throughout the industry as well as manufacturers of prenatal and baby products. We also test as many of the new products as possible and always test something before recommending it.
Of course, first-hand experience is a huge benefit, and we have a lot of it!
July’s Featured Planner: Natalie Nevares of Mommywise
What uniquely qualifies you to be a baby planning expert?
I’m an experienced NYC mom of two kids (two years apart), who had zero support or guidance when I became a mother. I had no friends or family with babies nearby, so I spent my entire first pregnancy researching every aspect of new motherhood. I read and insane number of books, interviewed moms in baby mega-stores and on the street about the products they bought, and attended every class I could, to prepare me for becoming a mother. What I found was an abundance of conflicting advice and information about just about everything. As a woman who’s experienced fertility issues, difficulty with childbirth and breastfeeding, severe postpartum depression, and every aspect of the new mom lifestyle options (full-time work, part-time work, stay-at-home and work-at-home mom), I have a genuine passion for helping new moms throughout the journey to motherhood. I am also a dynamic part of a diverse community of wellness and service providers throughout NYC, and I’m good at matching clients with the right professionals and products that work with their lifestyles.
What qualities should an ideal baby planner have?
The ability to listen is key, and the number one quality a baby planner should possess. I believe that a good baby planner should listen more than they speak, and ultimately be a non-judgmental sounding board for an expectant couple. A baby planner should empower new parents with information that speaks to their values, and help them make their own decisions, to gain confidence about their intuitive parenting skills, versus being told what is “right” and “wrong”. A baby planner’s job should be to facilitate and gently guide new parents, and to help with whatever they need, whether it’s a book or product recommendation, physically showing new moms how to use a breast pump, or delivering a home-cooked meal after the baby is born.
What are your specialties as a baby planner?
I love to research, and my specialty is taking the information I learn from an initial consultation, and transferring it into an actionable monthly plan, including a short list of recommended books, childbirth education and fitness classes that are convenient for my clients, and matching them with the right wellness and service providers. I also love researching products and shopping for the best prices. I’m a big fan of online shopping and free shipping (crucial for New Yorkers!), and I love saving my clients valuable time and money by recommending the top 1-3 products for them (including where to purchase), to allow them to choose from a short rather than long, overwhelming list of products available.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
After five years of traveling abroad and a short career in documentary TV and film journalism, I worked as a travel consultant for a luxury tour operator in NYC. For 13 years, I planned once-in-a-lifetime, privately-guided tours to exotic locales in Asia, Africa, the South Pacific and South America. It was oddly very similar to baby planning in that I traveled frequently to keep up with luxury travel trends, listened carefully to clients requests, and then advised them (based on their interests and my first-hand knowledge of the destinations and hotels), what I recommended for them, as well as orchestrated the details so all they had to do was show up at the airport with their passports!
What is your biggest piece of advice for a new parent?
The two most important pieces of advice I can offer new parents are to ACCEPT help from friends, family and professionals, in every way possible before, during and after their babies arrive, and to make it clear to all the helpers that the new mom needs caring for first and foremost. Many well-meaning friends and family will offer to “help with the baby,” but many of them forget that the new mom needs caring for more than the baby. A new mom needs someone to put food under her face and do laundry more than she needs someone to hold her baby!
What is the nicest thing a client has ever said about your business?
“I don’t know what we would have done without you.” This is the reason I do what I do.
How do you stay current on trends in the baby and child industry?
I subscribe to every baby and parenting publication (online and print), and I consistently meet with other service providers in the industry, to keep my fingers on the pulse of what’s happening in NYC. Social media is another way I keep abreast of what’s going on with products, services and trends in the baby and child industry. I’m an active member of several expectant and new mom groups (both nationally and locally), so I am in daily contact with what other new moms are experiencing, what products they love, hate, etc. In addition to reading an insane amount of product user reviews online, I frequent smaller maternity, baby and nursing boutiques in NYC, to source unique products beyond the Skip Hop, Baby Bjorn and other mainstream products.
June’s Featured Baby Planner: Amanda Ogle of Cherished Expectations
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Blackwell Photography
This month’s IBPA Featured Baby Planner is Amanda Ogle of Cherished Expectations.
What uniquely qualifies you to be a baby planning expert?
As a mother of two, I have personally experienced the joys of my first pregnancy, the heartbreak of miscarriage, and the joys and stress of a “high risk” second pregnancy. Each have taught me about life, love, and the ups and downs that go into pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. With experience as “The Corporate Mom” as well as the “Work at Home Mom”, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that both roles offer a family.
What qualities should an ideal baby planner have?
It’s important to have the ability to truly listen and absorb what your client is saying or asking for. For many people the birth of a child is as exciting and eventful as planning a wedding. Another vital quality is being intuitive of each client’s family dynamic.
Understanding the roles that each family member plays, can make or break a baby planner. Stepping on a spouse / Partner / Grandmother’s toes can bring things to a halt quickly. It is easy to offer opinion and advice, the secret is to tailor it to custom-fit your audience.
What are your specialties as a baby planner?
My specialty is finding the highest quality, top rated products and services at the best price possible. I love searching for the best deals without compromising on quality or safety. It’s what I do for my family, and I wouldn’t offer anything less for my clients.
What is the nicest thing a client has ever said about your business?
Las Vegas is one of those ever growing cities. Most of the time I hear clients say that they have no family or close friends here, and it’s nice to have someone they can call. I’ve been in their shoes, and I know exactly how it feels to be pregnant in a new city…away from the comfort of family and friends. Being trusted by them is the greatest compliment.
How do you stay current on trends in the baby and child industry?
Being a member of the International Baby Planner Association is a great way to stay on top of new issues and new trends in the industry. We have a diverse membership, and each person brings wonderful perspective and insight to the table.
I do tons and tons of research online, from recalls to new products on the horizon. When something hits the store shelves, I get my hands on it to see what it’s all about.
Every parenting magazine that exists lands in my mailbox, and is scoured with a fine-tooth comb so that I can get a pulse check on trends. I receive information on boutique items and specialty products regularly as they come out and have tested some prototypes before they have hit the retail market. I also stay current with the American Academy of Pediatrics, keeping my eyes and ears open for any new topics that can benefit my clients today and in the future.
Spring for SIDS Fundraiser by Desiree Miller, Bottles to Britches
Twinkle, twinkle in your eyes. Are you an angel in disguise? –anonymous
Finnbar Samuel Boyd is a little angel. Literally. He’s my nephew who died of SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, at just two months and two days of age. His twin sister turned three last November and we often wonder how much Finn would be like her today. When he passed away, we had so many questions about what happened, how, and why. SIDS is a baffling disease, the number one killer of infants from one month to one year of age. It’s a heartbreaker, to say the least. Researchers are working on finding the cause and have made great strides in unveiling risk factors. The American SIDS Institute points out many of those factors can be controlled. They suggest all children be put to sleep on their back, that babies not share beds with adults, that the crib offers a firm mattress with no extra bedding or toys. They also suggest no smoking around babies. Meantime, they continue research to help with the things a parent can’t control—the biological causes of SIDS. And that’s where you can help. The American SIDS Institute is currently holding its annual fundraiser, Spring for SIDS, asking those who care to put a spring in their step and sunshine in their heart. They ask that you donate what you can, with proceeds going to help pay for research of SIDS and promotion to build awareness. Since the American SIDS Institute was founded in 1983 the annual number of deaths has decreased over half. However, there are still about 2300 babies who die of SIDS each year in the US. Having lost a sweet, innocent nephew to SIDS, I ask that you give what you can so we can eliminate SIDS completely, and make sure another family doesn’t have to endure the same heartache.
You can make a donation here (http://springforsids.org/make_a_donation.php). We’d be honored if you wanted to post it in Finn’s name.
Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower a Big Hit with East Coast Baby Planners
If you live in NYC or likely in the tri-state area, you know all about Big City Moms. For those outside this area, an introduction: Big City Moms is the destination for moms, moms to be and families and the premiere social event group in NYC. Big City Moms was founded by sisters Risa Goldberg and Leslie Venokur six years ago.
Big City Moms and the Bump Founders
Now with over 30,000 members, an online community and events like seminars, family fun days, mommy and me classes, expectant events held every day, BCM is the place to be all over the city. Their “flagship” event is the twice- annual Biggest Baby Shower where moms-to-be can meet and greet roughly one hundred national vendors and local service providers in a couple of hours and which boasts of new mommy seminars and most talked about, highly coveted gift bags. It’s become so popular that it outgrew its original location at the American Girl Place and this was the first time it was held at the Park East Ballroom.
The event draws lots of moms, press and, this year, baby planners! Several International Baby Planner Association members were there: Premier Baby Concierge, Sweet Pea Baby Planners, Jamie the Baby Guy, and Bottles to Britches. While we speak often on conference calls and via emails, it was great to meet face-to-face, an opportunity that is usually reserved for IBPA’s annual meeting at the ABC Kids Show in Vegas!
The seminars were well-attended, the food was great, the gift bags were bursting! All in all, Big City Moms “delivered!” It was a pleasure for me to sit in on the “New York City Mom Survival Guide” seminar by the Knot and the Bump founder, Carley Roney, and to meet her afterwards. There was an excitement in the air; and it was a success for both moms and vendors. I would definitely suggest this event to all moms-to-be, as well as baby planners and vendors, who are in NYC or can make the trip.
Want to see more? Click here to check out the Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower April 2010 Video!
Ah, the gift bags!
Sweet Pea NYC and Premier Baby Concierge at BCM
Bump Founder Carely Roney and Shannon Choe (PBC)
April’s Featured Baby Planner: Desiree Miller of Bottles to Britches
Desiree Miller of Bottles to Britches.
Tell us about your most interesting baby planning job.
I helped a grandmother plan a baby shower and it was very eye-opening including these women in their 70’s in the games we play these days.
What qualities should an ideal baby planner have?
An ideal baby planner should be able to listen to the parents needs and make suggestions to help them fill those needs, along with building confidence in their abilities to parent, even if that means reaching out to other professionals in order to do that.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I’m a veteran journalist, specializing in the consumer and medical fields, and write for several publications and web sites, reaching out to my contacts in the industry, ranging from the AAP to ACOG. It’s this access to the experts that I feel makes me different than other baby planners and more able to get to the heart of what’s happening with parents these days. I also have four children and know what it’s like to feel like the worst mom on earth and the best mom, too. Knowing you help is out there is very comforting and something I hope to offer other parents as a baby planner.
What are your specialties as a baby planner?
I have built a network of baby planners around the globe, from my headquarters in Atlanta to a certified fitness instructor in Italy to a shower party specialist in Tennessee. Each planner brings something special to the profession and we network with each other to help all of our clients.
What is the nicest thing a client has ever said about you/your services/your business?
I had a client say they really appreciated my guidance in a particular product they bought because without my help they would have wasted money on the wrong thing (this was a particular car seat that they could use much longer because of varying weight limits).
How do you stay current on trends in the baby and child industry?
As a journalist, I deal each day with investigating the latest products and trends and it folds over into my role as a baby planner, reviewing products and getting to the bottom of the trends, then sharing them with my clients and readers who follow our newsletters and blogs.
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