we are very similar to you, haven't left ds (18mths) with anyone but my mum/sister for longer than 3 hrs. I really struggled with the comments, and the astonished looks I would get & felt like the 'freak' in my family/friends group.

I love being with my son & he loves being with me, I haven't needed to leave him yet. Although I will be thinking about getting both of us more comfortable with the idea over the next 6 mths as I have another little one due in August.