The International Parenting & Health Institute (IPHI) is a global professional education and certification organization founded in 2009 by Mar De Carlo, an author, educator, entrepreneur, and health and wellness professional with more than 27 years of experience in coaching, education, and holistic health. De Carlo is also the founder of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants (APSC), established in 2011, and the author of Awakening Through Sleep.
Originally established as the International Maternity Institute (IMI), the organization was created to provide professional education for individuals supporting families through pregnancy, birth, parenting, health, and wellness. Guided by a vision of whole-person, family-centered education, the institute was founded to help professionals better understand the interconnected physical, emotional, environmental, and lifestyle factors that influence well-being.
As the organization grew, its curriculum expanded beyond maternity education to include sleep, nutrition, wellness, coaching, and professional development programs. This evolution ultimately led to the transition from the International Maternity Institute to the International Parenting & Health Institute, reflecting its broader mission of supporting professionals who serve children, adults, and families across the lifespan.
Since its founding, IPHI has remained committed to advancing holistic, evidence-informed education while developing certification and continuing education programs for professionals around the world. Today, the organization serves a global community spanning more than 72 countries and continues to provide training in parenting, sleep, health, wellness, nutrition, and family support.
Our History
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2009 | International Maternity Institute founded |
| 2011 | Holistic Pregnancy & Child Sleep Consultant launched |
| 2013 | Pre/Postnatal Nutrition Coach launched |
| 2015 | Integrative Adult Sleep Coach launched |
| Present | Professionals trained in 72+ countries |
2009: International Maternity Institute Founded
The organization was founded in 2009 as the International Maternity Institute (IMI). Its initial focus was providing professional training for maternity and family support professionals, including baby planners, maternity consultants, and educators serving expectant and new families.
2010: Expansion into Holistic Family Education
As demand grew for integrative approaches to family wellness, the organization expanded its educational offerings to include holistic health, environmental wellness, and family-centered support programs.
2011: Holistic Pregnancy & Child Sleep Consultant Certification Launched
In 2011, IMI launched its Holistic Pregnancy & Child Sleep Consultant Certification program. The curriculum was designed to explore sleep through a holistic lens, examining factors such as family dynamics, developmental readiness, emotional well-being, nutrition, environment, and lifestyle influences.
The program became one of the earliest comprehensive holistic sleep consultant training programs available internationally and helped establish a new educational pathway for professionals interested in non-behavioral approaches to sleep support.
2013: Holistic Pre- and Postnatal Nutrition Coach Certification Launched
Recognizing the critical role of nutrition in family health, the organization introduced its Holistic Pre- and Postnatal Nutrition Coach Certification. The program was developed to educate professionals on nutritional considerations before conception, during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and early childhood development.
2015: Integrative Adult Sleep Coach Certification Launched
In 2015, the organization expanded beyond child and family sleep education with the launch of its Integrative Adult Sleep Coach Certification program. The curriculum explored sleep through a multidisciplinary lens, including lifestyle, stress, circadian rhythms, nutrition, environment, and overall wellness.
Evolution into the International Parenting & Health Institute
As the organization’s curriculum expanded beyond maternity education into broader parenting, health, wellness, nutrition, and adult sleep education, the International Maternity Institute evolved into the International Parenting & Health Institute (IPHI).
The updated name reflected the organization’s growing international community and broader educational mission.
A Global Community
Over the past 17+ years, IPHI has trained professionals from more than 72 countries and has delivered educational programs in multiple languages, helping practitioners serve families and individuals across diverse cultures and communities.
Students and graduates have included coaches, healthcare professionals, educators, doulas, newborn care specialists, lactation professionals, wellness practitioners, and family support providers.
Continuing the Mission
Today, the International Parenting & Health Institute continues to develop professional education programs focused on parenting, sleep, nutrition, wellness, and family health.
Through online education, mentorship, community support, and continuing education opportunities, IPHI remains dedicated to helping professionals build meaningful careers while supporting the well-being of families around the world.
Founded: 2009
Founder: Mar De Carlo
Headquarters: Ojai, California, USA
Global Reach: 72+ Countries
Years of Service: 17+ Years