ConsumerWatch: Baby Planners Help Out Expectant Bay Area Moms

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) -- Wedding planners and party planners have grown in popularity in recent years. A new trend has also emerged, baby planners helping out expectant mothers through pregnancy.

Amy Mollison is just months away from having her first baby and she is certainly overwhelmed. "As soon as you share the good news, you are inundated with emails and phone calls and text messages with people giving you advice about what you should eat and what you shouldn't eat," Mollison said.

Someone told Mollison about using a baby planner that could guide her through her pregnancy. The planner would give advice on everything from registry and baby-proofing to breast feeding.

Emily Schaffer is a certified baby planner. She's worked with newborns for over 18 years but is now devoting her time to baby planning, a niche market that's popped up over the past three years. "It's very much becoming a necessity," said Schaffer.

Working moms such as Mollison have less time to properly plan for the big event so they're turning to planners like Schaffer.

Planners offer personalized plans to fit lifestyle, needs and budget. But expectant mothers should check to see the planners are certified. Consultations are about $95 and customized packages can run from $500 to $2,500.
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