I started my PhD when DD1 was 5 months old (crazy i know lol).

I went into it full-time and worked initially 2 days a week and DH brought her in for BF. then when we got a place at the uni childcare she went 2 days and had one day with DH at home.

the following year i went 4 days a week (DD1 was 18 months at this stage). she had 3 days in CC and 1 day with DH.

It was the same the following year when i finished up

It was hard without any other support. DH was GREAT, but yeah a grandparent or two to help out on the odd day/night would of really made the experience a wee bit less stressful. that said, i would do it all over again, as it was really satisfying and I could be a bit more flexible with my hours than if i were at a job IYKWIM. and now i can apply for workt that i find meaningful, so that way at least if i am not with my girls i am still proud of what i am doing...