hi there
at what age do you think you will return?
for me the return to work was (relatively) smooth - and i have a very demanding job with lots of travel... i think it comes down to how flexible your employer is and also how adaptable you and your family can be. we eat more takeaway than if i didnt work, and i have to devote a lot of time on weekends to being ready for the week. for example i prepare lots of food onw eekends so i have healthy lunches and dinners for DS, pack his bag the night before, time b/n end of work and his bedtime is manic (getting better as he stays up a bit later) and there is less time for me...
at first i was still bfeeding so i used to stop past his carer and bfeeed him once per day and also feed him when i dropped himoff and when i picked himup (he was about 6 months at this time). i also expressed a lot in thelead up so i had back up EBM (though in my case he didnt take to this very well at all). when my travel increased morei did intro formula for some feeds only (prob at about 8 months) and this made it a little easier - though i would have preferred not to have to do this, but it was unavoidable as he would not drink EBM and i had to go interstate overnight. once he was on solids ina big way it becamea lot easier and now that he is 19 months it is just our routine. i work 4 days a week but as i said i travel a lot and work longish hours.
a nanny will help in the early stages, it gives you moreflexibility and will be less disruptive for your bub is s/he is very young (what age are you talking about?). also be very clearwith your emplyer about the conditions you do need (ie the long break, room to express, flexibility inhours etc). try to time it so you can feed before you leave and when you get home - it prob doesnt makea huge diff to baby really but it will make you feel better about it all.
also the support of your DH is crucial - make sure he is comfortable to do the bed routine (we started to alternate this each night as soon as i went backto work - beforehand i used to do it a lot and he would occasionally), start to alternate mornings that you each get up with the baby (it is so exhausting to manage it all), see if he can cooka couple of nights a week etc etc. also if you can get some help at home - cleaners etc etc this is great.
feel free to ask me any other questions. it feels daunting now but you will adjust and it will become your norm. xxx