Baby boom is a phrase branded about quite loosely but apparently we really are in the midst of one.

The birth rate seems to have been on the rise for the last few years with 708,711 being born in 2008, the most since 1972, pushing the UK population to above 61 million for the first time. We’re still not quite at the levels of the post war baby boom in 1947 when population levels were pushed up by 551,000 – but it’s good going by we youngsters.

There’s lots of speculation about the reason for the boom from cold and frosty weather earlier in the year keeping us all housebound and at it like rabbits (really??) to the recession playing it’s part. Although history shows recessions usually act as more of a contraceptive with birth rates going down, we seem to be making hay while the skies are grey. Women appear to be bringing forward their plans for a career break with rises in redundancy or dissatisfaction with their work to have a little one.

Apparently maternity units are on standby for a rise in births too as pregnancy figures rise. This always caused alarm in me particularly when I and friends have been told ‘sorry Mary there’s no room at the inn’ and been sent to another hospital in the throngs of labour – I mean what is a woman to do – when a baby decides to come it is coming. At least with the predicted baby boom those hospitals should be ready for the rush.

For obvious reasons we at mepod are loving the baby boom news and if you’re part of it good luck with your journey to meet your little ones.