Hi Kirsty,

It is probably one of the hardest decisions you will have to make for a while.

I came back to work - part time, 12 hours a week when Rinn was 6 weeks. Luckily all of the hours were 4-7pm to start with.
But as time went on - I added on half days and got Rinn into DC.
I will never forget the first day - I howled my heart out (I locked myself in the toilet). I honestly thought that I was "getting it all wrong".
Less than a month later - one of my work mates was killed in a car accident. I was asked to 'stand in' and see if I was comfortable. That was 2 years ago.
I have gradually increased my hours - I am now doing 30 hours a week.
So Rinn is at DC 5 days over a fortnight.

I was worried about what or how it would affect her. I must admit that she was a very very clingy baby. Now she is a beautifully independant little Miss. She has gained so much more being at DC. And the fact that she is and will be an only child - it gives her a "social side".
But I think what we have been able to do is to find a center where she is relaxed and happy (she is beside herself before we even get there!!) and the balance of time that she is there is good too.
To add to that - I am happy. I find that the staff are fantastic - they love what they do there. The other kids are happy too. I still have the odd day where I think "Wouldnt it be nice if....???" But then I realise that we have made certain decisions for ourselves - and we are sticking to them because there is a long term benifit.
Also - I dont know that I could handle being a SAHM Full Time. Its just me - I have always worked and thrived in this situation. But I do have a nice balance of days of work and "Rinn Time" too.

What ever choice you make - you have to be happy, as well as your baby.
For some - it is not working - that is just not me. I love what I do, and we need me to be earning an income.
It is all about balance and getting it right - tailoring it to suit your family.
Feel free to email me - I know that it is nice knowing that you are not the only one! I am regularly in contact with other working mums that use Rinn's DC Centre. Its really helpful!

Deancey - I used the Avent pump and that pack - and it was perfect.

To all of those Mums out there who start back at work soon - I wish you all Good Luck - it isnt hard - but sometimes you just have to do what you need to do! Big Big Hugs to you!