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Back to work
Being a working mom can be the ultimate juggling
act, but some forward planning and back-up plans
can help to keep things on an even keel.
No mom really knows how they’re going to
feel when the baby comes – whether going
back to work will be too hard, if you’ll actually
end up missing the daily bustle or whether
finances will dictate the result. If you are
returning, then one of the first things to
consider is the childcare route you will take.
Organising childcare
Research your options as early as possible.
Would a crèche, childminder, nanny or
nanny-share suit your family’s needs best?
Each has their pros and cons – for example, a
crèche might be more expensive but provides
more socialisation and reliability if a carer is
sick, whereas a childminder or nanny could
offer more one-on-one time but may want
you to take set holiday times to coincide with
theirs. Additional considerations need to be
discussed too, such as what happens if baby is
sick and needs to be collected early; is there a
family member or friend you can rely on in an
emergency; should you put baby in childcare
locally or close to work? Now is the time to
explore these options by visiting, interviewing
and asking around for other parents’
recommendations. You will then be able to make
an informed decision when the time comes.
In reality, even if you are confident in your
childcare choice, you will most likely feel
anxio