Looking after mother

National figures state that we have an ageing population, and seeing as we live longer than ever before, I guess the figures are probably correct. But walking around town, minding your own business, you would think we are in the grips of a baby boom. It seems around two thirds of women aged between 25 and 35 are currently pregnant or pushing a baby in a pram.

Having a baby on your arm or a blossoming stomach is now a fashion statement. Celebrities from Hollywood to Bollywood are snapped showing off swollen bellies or chasing a cuter-than-cute toddler in the park. They are even releasing baby clothing lines.

Although these high-profile mums as well as changes in the laws surrounding maternity leave are making it look like it is easier to bring up a child, in many ways things haven’t really changed in decades and learning and parenting tips and tricks that worked in 1909 can still apply and work in 2009.

However, seeing as most women continue to work in today's modern economy, it may actually be more demanding to bring up a child and devote the right amount of time and love it needs to develop into a healthy and intelligent child nowadays.

A support network including spouse, friends, relatives and colleagues is necessary to successfully juggle work and child rearing. If someone near to you has recently had a baby, ask if they need anything. Sometimes, particularly first time mothers are too afraid and embarrassed to ask for help.

If they don’t need 'help' per se, they may be in need of a pick me up or treat to help deal with those sleepless nights and disrupted days. As Christmas is coming, the shops are filled to the brim with gifts that you could buy for a new mother.

One idea would be to get a pampering gift set or hamper. Some chocolates, champagne and flowers or a selection of bath and shower goodies can never fail to please a tired and over-worked mother. Interflora for example has an impressive range of hampers on offer all available for next day delivery. And if you buy one now you can get in before the Christmas rush.