How old was your baby when you went back to work?

[Crystalwings]

Well we have come to a bit of a compromise which will hopefully work for us. I'm going to go back for 2 full days and 3 half days from 2-6pm. My DH will drop one full day to mind Olive and pick up every second saturday. He wasn't coping that well with the long hours he was doing either so I think it's the best scenerio. I also earn quite a bit more so it kind of makes sense. Olive will now have to go to family day care 1 day a week but it is only 5mins from work and the carer is fine with me going out there in my lunch break to give Olive a feed and see her. She will also go to mums for 2 of the afternoons and stay home with Daddy the other. It's still a month and a half away but i'm feeling pretty anxious about leaving my gorgeous girl. I know these feelings are normal but I will just miss her so much, it hurts already. I'm trying to think positive though and want to enjoy my job as I think that will make it easier. Dh and I have also decided that if this arrangement work I won't go back f/t next year so i'm feeling good about that to. I have made a roster for jobs each day so that doesn't get overwhelming and with the half days they work well cause I can still go to my mothers group and ABA meetings.
Thanks for all your replies.

[danniellabella]

My DD was 4.5 months when I started a brand new job full time. For me the thought of it was harder than the reality.

[*EJ*]

Sounds like you have a bit of a plan there Olive'smummy, i hope it works out for you. Don't think about it too much between now and then just enjoy your time with your little one.

I went back to work when my DS was 8 months old, 2 days a week and it was for financial reasons. He was with family one day and FDC on the other. It was a huge decision to make but once it got going i realised how great it was. For DS to have some variety in his week and to socialise with other children and adults. In 2008 i worked a full 12 months of 2 days a week, i'm now due with my second and don't plan on going back to until 2010 hopefully 2 days a week again.

[rufalina]

It is hard, but I went back to work 4 days per week when DS was 7.5 months old. What made it better for me, was using FDC and being blessed with a fantastic carer. I also have a fortnightly house cleaner. That helps out a lot too.

Hope you are able to find something that works for your family too.