After the initial elation of discovering I was pregnant there came the dawning realisation that I didn’t have the foggiest idea what was going to happen to me on my 9 month journey and how life would change once baby ‘Cassidy’ was here. I could count on one hand the amount of times I had interacted with anyone under the age of 2 years! Also, I was first in our group of friends to have children - I was the guinea pig whilst they looked on picking up hints and tips and learning from my mistakes.

I was 6 weeks pregnant when I started actively using the internet for support, advice and knowledge about pregnancy and by chance I stumbled upon a website called iVillage. It prides itself on being “the leading online information network for women” and focuses on the issues that matter most to women, offering interactive services, expert advice, information and a vital support network on a whole range of subjects.

I was delighted at being able to read a host of pregnancy and baby related articles and could create a time-line of my baby’s progress as he was developing. The most important aspect of iVillage for me, however was the discovery of lots of online pregnancy support communities running as message boards where people could post questions, receive advice and talk to other woman going through exactly the same experiences as them. I duly signed up to the “Mum’s Due July 2003” Board and nearly 4 years later I am still posting only we are now a “Mum’s Club” board and all the ladies who joined with me are now discussing the delights of having toddlers and all the excitement they bring.

It has been a brilliant way to make friends. Whilst most are ‘virtual buddies’ I have become good friends with a lady who lives a few miles away and we regularly meet up.

Last year I decided to give something back to the community who has helped me so much by taking on the voluntary role as a Community Leader and moderating 3 of the message boards as well as posting on my own. It is so rewarding being able to help woman going through all the same emotions I experienced. I moderate the Mum’s Club July 2005 Board so their babies are now nearly 11 months old, but I was there whilst all the ladies were pregnant. I also oversee Mum’s Due April 2006 which is just full of wonderful birth stories and Parenting Polls and Debates – good for a bit of controversy!

The iVillage mission statement is “ iVillage inspires and empowers women with trusted information and practical advice. It is a place where women don't just read about how to get the most out of life, they help each other do it.”

If this sounds like the place for you the check out www.ivillage.co.uk