NEW mum Nycola Naylor was thrilled when her work colleagues decided to organise a baby shower for her.

The 32-year-old, who owns V.I.Ps beauty, hair and nail salon in Westgate, Halifax, let her hair down with more than 40 female friends and family only days before she gave birth to her second child, a daughter at Calderdale Royal Hospital on Monday.

Nycola, who has a two-year-old son Dalton, and lives in Illingworth, Halifax, feels baby showers, a phenomenon that began in the United States, are a brilliant idea because the emphasis is on the mum rather than the new baby. And they give pregnant women the chance of a night out before they are consumed in caring for their new born.

Baby Showers are girlie parties where guests give presents to a mum-to-be. They tend to be organised by friends, family or work colleagues so the guest of honour has no organising to do and can have a stress-free, fun time.

Nycola's shower party began as a small affair but grew when regular clients at the salon asked if they could come along. It was held near her salon in the new Cafe Luna.

"It was nice to get dressed up and have one last night out before I gave birth. I didn't know about the presents so they were an unexpected bonus. Some friends bought presents for me and others bought bits for the baby. I'd certainly recommend one to other pregnant women," said Nycola, who has been a beauty therapist for 17 years and has owned V.I.Ps for almost two years.

She gave birth by Caesarean section – five days after her party – and plans to return to work before Christmas. "It is my own business and one of the busiest times of year so I don't have much choice. Having said that, I am lucky because my mum, Wendy, looks after Dalton."

She will not be having any more baby showers however, because she says her family is now complete.

Baby shower facts

Baby showers were traditionally women-only events, but in the US, showers for men-only and both parents have become popular..

Originally baby showers only celebrated a family's first child. Now it is common to hold them for all new additions.

Baby showers are increasingly popularity not only in Britain but in Africa, Asia and Latin America too.

There is no set rule when or where showers are held. They are usually at a friend's home or a restaurant, pub or church hall.

It is common for baby-themed games to be played during the shower and in some regions guests are given small gifts or party bags when they leave.

Like other parties you can send out invitations, have a cake and decorate the room accordingly.

Some UK shops now cater for baby showers and have newborn lists to avoid duplicate presents.