Hollo, I agree with the others. I had to put Jack into day care at 7 months and never thought it would work. But actually he settled in no problems and loved it. I took a bit longer to get used to it LOL! He was a booby baby and didn't ever take a bottle. But he did take EBM from a magmag cup so that worked well. He never ever needed formula, he stayed a booby baby until he self-weaned at 14months (when I was pg).

As for the settling to sleep, well you would be amazed at the patience of these carers. They will rock/pat to sleep, whatever the parents want. And they are so good with kids that they can easily settle bubs even if they aren't used to being away from Mum. I have spent a lot of time at Jack's day care (I used to go and feed him at lunchtimes and stay to play for a while) so I have observed the carers with lots of bubs.

I honestly think the transition will be harder for you than your DD. Certainly start preparing her now as best as you can, by trying cups and leaving her for spells. And if you can start her at day care a couple of days before you start work, so you can both spend time there together first, and then just leave her for short periods, that can help too. But if you can't do any of that, don't worry, I'm sure it will still work.

To prepare you, it is helpful to visit the centre a few times and talk to the carers. Once you get to know them, you will feel more comfortable leaving her there. Oh, and start building up a supply of frozen EBM early. If you are stressed you might find expressing harder. I had so much for Jack the freezers at day care and at home were full of it.