A mother holding her baby while joining a live online session on her laptop

About IPEA

Continuous, expert care through the biggest transition of your life

The Institute for Perinatal Education and Advocacy brings prenatal, breastfeeding, postpartum and perinatal mental health support together into one connected model of care — from the moment you know you are pregnant through the first months of parenting.

Gillian, Executive Director of the Institute for Perinatal Education and Advocacy

From our founder

A Message From Our Executive Director

After more than 30 years of working in perinatal health and personally supporting over 1000 women in birth, I know all to well the gaps families fall through and the suffering that could be prevented with comprehensive support. In 2020 I built that model. A groundbreaking community perinatal program that has meaningfully changed the lives of over 4000 families.

By combining prenatal, breastfeeding, and postpartum education and support, together with perinatal mental health support into one connected model of care, we improve outcomes, reduce anxiety and build confidence from the moment you know you are pregnant and continue that support through the first few months of parenting.

The Institute for Perinatal Education and Advocacy was created as a social enterprise to scale this model so that today we can bring that same evidence-based, compassionate approach directly to your family.

Warmly,

Handwritten signature reading Gillian

Gillian Szollos

The pathway

Support layered month by month

From your first trimester through the early months with your baby, education and support are layered so the help you need is already there before challenges arise.

12 mos

Our purpose

Why we exist

The transition to parenthood is one of the most significant experiences in a persons life. Pregnancy and the early months after birth represent a critical window that can influence lifelong health outcomes for both parents and children. We exist to close the gaps in perinatal education and support by providing a continuous live, responsive, program that prepares parents before challenges arise. Through evidenced based knowledge, advocacy, and compassionate support, we help parents feel less alone, reduce anxiety, strengthen confidence and build healthy relationships with their infants.

Our Mission

To empower parents with continuous, evidence-based education and support throughout pregnancy and early parenthood, providing the knowledge, tools and confidence they need to navigate their unique journey and build a strong foundation for lifelong health.

Our Vision

A world where every parent feels informed, supported and confident and where comprehensive perinatal education and continuity of support are recognized as essential investments in the lifelong health and wellbeing of families and communities.

What guides us

Our Values

Evidence-Based Care

We believe parents deserve accurate, trustworthy information. We ground every program in what actually works, drawing on clinical research and real outcomes from the families we serve.

Compassionate, Continuous Support

We walk with families through one continuous relationship, not a revolving door of providers, from the moment you learn you’re expecting through six months postpartum.

Empowerment Through Knowledge

We equip families with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their own care, so they feel prepared and empowered at every stage.

Book with us

Explore Our Programs

Classes, packages and one-to-one consultations you can join from anywhere.

Have Questions?

Reach out and our team will be happy to talk through your questions and how IPEA can support your pregnancy and postpartum journey.