Baby Planner

Awakening Through Sleep: An Integrative Child Sleep Foundations Solution

After birth, sleep is usually the next largest challenge for a family. How we address this as professionals and parents can lead us down a path of ease or frustration. Infant and child sleep carries with it not only so much controversy but also in many cases causes overwhelm, stress and a loss of family […]

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Maternity & Parenting Institute Launches FamilyPrep

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 20, 2014 Maternity & Parenting Institute Launches FamilyPrep: Holistic and Progressive Education In June 2014, the International Maternity & Parenting Institute (IMPI) announced the launch of their Parenting Education program led by Teresa Stewart. Since then Teresa Stewart and Mar Oscategui, founder of IMPI, have created and developed a holistic, progressive […]

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Why New Parents Fight More & What Birth Professionals Can Do About It

by Rhona Berens, PhD, CPCC Newsflash: 9 in 10 couples report a drop in relationship satisfaction after their first baby is born. Many say the drop is steep. Plus, conflicts increase exponentially. If you work with new parents, or have children, this information is old news. While babies might enhance relationships by deepening our connection […]

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Evidence that prenatal and early childhood nutrition play a role in proper brain function and the development of mental illness

by Jess Sherman Thanks to a pioneering researcher in Australia, we have some solid, published evidence that prenatal and early childhood nutrition play a role in proper brain function and the development of mental illness. Dr Jacka’s groundbreaking 2013 study looked at the diet of 23,000 mother/child pairs from pregnancy through to age 5. Among […]

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Maternity Institute Introduces Childbirth Education to Baby Planner Program

For Immediate Release June 26 2013 With unbiased education, preparation, planning and support being at the forefront of an IMI Baby Planner Professional’s scope of practice, IMI feels that being equipped with the knowledge of a childbirth educator is essential for a Baby Planner’s professional role. As a result beginning in the late Fall of 2013, IMI Baby […]

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Meconium Happens

What is Meconium? by Debra Flashenberg, IMI Advisory Board Member and Guest Blogger This thick, blackish-green tar like substance is considered your baby’s first stool. Meconium is created from the combination of amniotic fluid, lunugo, mucus, bile, and shed cells that line your baby’s intestines throughout your pregnancy. It usually does not pass until after […]

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FINDING BRAS THAT FIT BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER BABY

By Ali Cudby Women have a complicated relationship with their bras during the pregnancy cycle, for many reasons. Coming to grips with changing bodies, shifting how they think about the role of their breasts, and then finding bras that fit their evolving figures are just a few challenges make bra shopping a dreaded activity during […]

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Why Eating During Labor Should Not Be Forbidden

by Debra Flashenberg, IMI Advisory Board Member and Guest Blogger In the movies and on TV, laboring women are often depicted as panting, sweaty and sucking on ice chips. Luckily, that image can finally change! After years of food and fluid intake being restricted for women in labor, there has been a closer scientific look […]

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Advice for Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

As women, there are some special health issues that are unique to us. One of these is pelvic organ prolapse, or what some doctors refer to as POP. POP occurs when the pelvic muscles weaken and organs fall (prolapse) or sink into the vagina. There are different types of POP depending on the organ that […]

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Understanding the Different Methods of Childbirth Education

by Debra Flashenberg, IMI Advisory Board Member and Guest Blogger A student asked me the other day how she should pick a birthing class. Her doctor had suggested she take one in preparation for her upcoming birth. She explained how overwhelmed she started to feel while she researched the different styles and methods of classes […]

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