I don't "have" to have DD1 or DD2 in CC and yet I chose to, and have always chosen to - starting with just one afternoon a week when DD1 was 8 mo. Without family close by to babysit on occasion, it is really the only child/baby free time I've ever had. The benefit to me is that I'm energised, more organised, more present and switched on with my children as a result of having quality time away from them. They too enjoy the change in environment, the new people they meet.

However, having said this, my preference has always been for family day care. I always felt slightly uneasy on those occasions when I needed to leave DD1 in a CC instead of FDC, as I don't feel the institutional environment is best. So if you still feel that time away from DD would benefit you but have reservations about the centre, I'd encourage you to check out the FDC scheme in your area as another option.

Good luck and I hope it's a smooth transition for you!

PS I too am shocked that anyone would send PMs like that!