DD1 first went into childcare when she was 1, I did have 1 day a week work then. I bumped her up to 2 days at the change of the year so I could get more work and also have some time to myself (I worked 2 days one week and 1 day the next). She definitely settled in more once she went to 2 days.

We moved at the start of the year and initially she was not in care as I was not working. I found thought that she missed it, plus being pregnant I was having lots of appointments and needed some rest as the little miss stopped having naps. Both here and back in Melb, there was no family for support. I used occasional care of 2 hours a couple of times a week, often when I had something to do, but sometimes as she really enjoyed and asked for it. I was also taking her to playgroup, but it was just not enough for her. Managed to get her 1 day a week and I also used 1 session of occasional care, she had no trouble going between both. Finally managed to get a 2nd day, so I dropped the occasional care. She still goes to playgroup.

The great advantage of having her in care when pregnant is that when I went into hospital, DH did not have to take the whole week off work, she still went into care. DH saved leave days which were used to spend more time with us when we came home. Also it was a bit of consistency for DD1 during all the change of having mummy away and then coming home with a baby. I still have her in care, I find it beneficial mentally and physically. I get to spend some one on one time with bubs, bubs is calmer due to not having her big sis in her face all day, I get to have some sleep and it is easier to run around in town with one rather than two. Also when I am ready to pick up work to do from home I wont have to rush around and find some care for her.

Remember we are mothers, not matyrs. In these days without family being just around the corner, some of us have to create our village in other ways, if that means using childcare then we should not be made to feel lazy or guilty.