Okay, for one thing, if a shower is for the mom, then how come all the gifts are for the baby?
That being said, I had my son nearly 5 years ago. I had 2 very small showers (one work, one family - each with about 8 people there).
I was not planning on a shower at all with this one (a girl, due in January). But my dear friends at work are insisting on throwing me a bigger shower this time than I had 5 years ago. I feel awkward but I'll admit, I'm grateful. Not because baby NEEDS all new things, or because I deserve anything just for being pregnant but because we have so little of my son's stuff since it's been so long (his crib is now his bed, his infant car seat is expired, etc). They asked me if I'd be willing to set up a registry, so I have - should I be ashamed? I don't think so. I have also made it quite clear that no one needs to bring a gift, and that second hand items are just as welcome as new!
I just found out last weekend that my mom and SIL want to throw me a sprinkle too. And while I'd prefer at least one be AFTER baby is born, logistically that's not really possible for the family shower since they are planning it for during the long Thanksgiving weekend and it will be the last time many of them travel to our area for months.
The fact is that showers or "sprinkles" for second time moms are getting more common. I think it would be one thing if a mom was trying to plan it for herself, but if her friends are doing it for her out of love and excitement for the new baby, then that's fine.